I might be a writer known for her description, but I am at a loss for words to express just how brilliant and steadfast my editor extraordinaire, Stephanie Stein, really is. While I was staring in desperation at fumbling draft after fumbling draft, wondering if I’d have to light the manuscript on fire and flee to a cave deep in the mountains, never to be heard from again, she maintained faith in my vision and guided what started out as a hodgepodge of half-cooked ideas into exactly the story I’d meant to tell in the first place, a cohesive and ambitious tale I can be proud of. I’m so deeply fortunate to work with you, World’s Best Editor, and here’s to us putting lots more brown girl magic out into the world!

Charlie Bowater, you knocked it out of the park yet again with your luminous illustration of Tanvi and Venkat. Every time I see my cover with its gorgeous, magical brown kids, my heart swells with joy. Thank you.

Corina Lupp, your ability to flawlessly translate the feel of my worlds into stunning cover design is its own kind of magic. Thank you so much.

And the rest of the Harper team: Sophie Schmidt, Louisa Currigan, Jessica Berg, Gwen Morton, Deanna Hoak, Mary Ann Seagren, Alison Donalty, Sean Cavanagh, Vanessa Nuttry, Mitchell Thorpe, Michael D’Angelo, Audrey Diestelkamp, and Caitlin Garing, thank you for all you do to make books happen and get them into the hands of readers.

Thanks to Jennifer Mace for the conversation a few years ago that got me thinking about how to combine my love of changeling lore and the concept of selling dreams. And then a super huge thank-you and a big squeeze-hug to Vashti Bandy and Diana DeVault for helping me figure out how to weave in Hindu mythology and actually develop a semblance of a plot. Vash, your ability to brainstorm entire universes off the cuff is a true marvel.

Jennifer Crow, I will never stop being grateful that you offered to read and cheer on each chapter of my second draft as I wrote it. Some days, that encouragement was all that got the words written and the story moving.

Diana DeVault, my darling friend, evergreen cheerleader, and intrepid social media maven, where would I even be without you? Really sad and not writing, that’s where. You continue to be a tremendous blessing, and I adore you. And we still need to schedule our high tea!

Leanna Renee Hieber, you’re always there with your heart, your ear, your spiritual sensibilities, your surprise packages, and your beautiful house. I love you.