Hank Phillippi Ryan is the author of 16 psychological thrillers, winning five Agathas and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. All This Could Be Yours is her fourth USA Today bestseller.
In the novel, debut sensation Tessa Calloway is on a whirlwind book tour for her instant bestseller. In a different city every night, Tessa receives standing ovations from adoring fans while her husband and children cheer her on from their brand-new dream house. But there’s a chilling problem: Tessa soon discovers she is being stalked by someone who’s obsessed not only with sabotaging her career but also with destroying her perfect family back home.
When asked what contributed to the book landing on the USA Today bestseller list, Ryan said: “It depends on the timing of publication, what’s happening in the world, what other books are out, and some unmeasurable things like optimism or fear or need to escape.… In this particular case, I had an extremely relatable topic—a debut author with a surprise bestselling novel. I also have a fun situation—the book tour from hell. So All This Could Be Yours feels like—and is—a book that offers some inside scoop on storytelling and book world.”
Ryan started early to secure articles, listicles, and podcasts to promote the novel and an intense book tour. “I was on the road for a solid three weeks, with sometimes multiple events every day.” She noted the importance of librarians and independent bookstores and credited her Minotaur and independent publicists with securing the novel prominent placements on many “best of” and “most anticipated” lists. Being selected as an Amazon Editor’s Pick was particularly powerful.
“For years I have done interviews with other authors, both online and in person at bookstores and libraries, and I think those connections matter.” She maintains a presence on Instagram and Facebook and makes a point to be attentive to readers. She is also active in writers organizations and teaches for entities like International Thriller Writers. “So I have been a good citizen of book world—available and present—from the beginning of my career 20 years ago.”
To other authors, she advised, “I see the bestseller lists now and the genres that dominate them, and it just confirms the unpredictable make-up of what people are interested in and what they want.” She added, “All we can do is write the best book we can and be the best citizen of book world that we can.… I am always annoyed when people say ‘persevere,’ but it turns out to be wise.”
E. J. Wenstrom believes in complicated heroes, horrifying monsters, purple hair dye and standing to the right on escalators so the left side can walk. She writes dark speculative fiction for adults and teens, including her new release, a young adult dystopian novel titled Departures (August 10, 2021). When she isn’t writing fiction, E. J. Wenstrom is a regular contributor to DIY MFA and BookRiot, and co-hosts the Fantasy+Girl Podcast. Learn more at her website.
