JOE McGINNISS

My thanks to the many who contributed suggestions for my last chapter in response to my announcement of the contest on May 17.

The blue-ribbon panel of judges (whose identities I’ve kept private to protect them from the temptations of bribery) has finished its work and given me a short list of five finalists.

As I wrap up work on the last chapter this week, I’ll choose the winner of the $250 prize. Autographed copies of The Rogue will go to all five who made the short list.

Can anyone imagine how happy I am to be almost finished with this book?

I’ll be able to post the full jacket here soon–Random House/Crown has done a great job in every way, from copy-editing to legal review to jacket design. I’ll, of course, be keeping you all updated on the process as we move toward Sept. 20 publication. I can’t disclose anything about publicity appearances yet, except to say that I’ll be doing network TV from New York, Washington and Los Angeles, as well as–you betcha!–heading back to Alaska.

Transportation will be by airplane. Sorry, no bus tour. Nor will I bring my grandchildren along as human shields.