Dear All,

It is that time of year—no, not summer, though it is summer, come to think of it.

No, it is the time of year when people draw the shutters, turn off the lights, pack their bags, and take a much-needed breather.

And that's what the four of us here at Upstart Crow are doing from 20 July 2010 through Labor Day. Expect to find us back here, refreshed and bright-eyed, tanned and rested, and all caught up come 8 September 2010—our first anniversary a month behind us, and ready for a bright new year to come.

At that time, we'll do a sales round-up here, maybe unveil a new cover flow gallery of current titles, and who knows what else? Six weeks is a long time, and by the time we open up shop again, we expect to have plenty to crow about.

In the meanwhile, enjoy your summer—either lazing around on beaches or putting the finishing touches on that manuscript you've been meaning to at last complete, and we'll see you back here in September.

Yrs, as ever, Michael Stearns Upstart Crow Literary