Love and First Sight(66)

To my assistant, Lisa McLaughlin, for not only enabling me to have the time to write this book but also for tracking down an incredibly rare manuscript with historic accounts of blind adults gaining sight. I hope Dr. Bianchi is the sort of eye-care specialist you’d want to go to.

To my agent, Lucy Carson (of The Friedrich Agency), for being Will and Cecily’s matchmaker. Her smart feedback on the early manuscript gave their relationship the love story it was missing. Also, thanks for all the retweets.

To my editor, Pam Gruber, who dedicated more time and attention to this book than anyone in the history of editing. Thank you. PS—I would love to see Andrew take on the academic quiz team in Settlers of Catan.

To my publicist Hallie Patterson, who continues to pitch me enthusiastically despite how many times I’ve mispronounced her name.

To editor-in-chief Alvina Ling, publisher Megan Tingley, and deputy publisher Andrew Smith: This house truly feels like a home. And that’s because of all of you. I’m honored to be on your list.

To Leslie Shumate for consuming more than the FDA’s recommended lifetime intake of cc’s.

To Nichole LeFebvre for her early read. Good luck with your new literary adventure.

To my copy editors, Annie McDonnell and Ana Deboo, who astounded me with their insight. I honestly think they know more about my characters than I do.

To proofreader Tracy Koontz for creating the illusion that I’m good at words.

To Marcie Lawrence in Design, and Virginia Lawther and David Klimowicz in Production for creating something I think Will would enjoy looking at.

To global domination expert Kristin Dulaney, one of my most enthusiastic supporters from day one.

Thanks to the secret ninjas of the publishing industry, the sales team. My books are only on shelves because you fought to get them there. A bow of respect to you and to lead ninja Carol Scatorchio.

Thanks to the marketing team Stefanie Hoffman, Jennifer McClelland-Smith, Jane Lee, Victoria Stapleton, and Jenny Choy for being eager to try new ideas and for placing tremendous trust in me. I can say without an ounce of hyperbole that your level of support has exceeded my highest expectations.

And most of all, to you because you just read through a long, boring list of names. You are obviously the kind of dedicated reader for which I’m most grateful. It is because of people like you buying my books that I have the great honor of writing them.