ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It’s hard to believe how long I’ve been working on Private. We’re talking two moves, two babies, and a few bestsellers ago. So many editors, publishers, marketing experts, and agents have been instrumental in making this series as intriguing as it is, and as successful as it is, so I’m taking this opportunity to try to thank them all now. They are, in no particular order . . . Josh Bank, Lanie Davis, Emily Meehan, Sara Shandler, Les Morgenstein, Lynn Weingarten, Katie del Rosario, Kristin Marang, Courtney Bongiolatti, Julia Maguire, Justin Chanda, Paul Crichton, Lucille Rettino, and, of course, Sarah Burnes.

I also want to thank my friends and fellow authors for always supporting and recommending my work, especially Shira Citron, Sharren Bates, Wendy Stewart, Ally Stevenson, Jessica Freundel, Meredith and Jason Rothouse, Roxy Menhaji, Jeff Palkevich, Courtney Sheinmel, Elizabeth Scott, Gayle Forman, Sara Shepard, Susane Colasanti, Jenny Han, Jen Calonita, Julia DeVillers, Kay Cassidy, Micol Ostow, Stephanie Hale, and David Levithan. Thanks to my sister, Erin, for her tireless work helping me keep all the facts straight; my brother, Ian, for just being you; my mom for always believing; and Matt for supporting me through all the ups and downs and keeping me sane when I start channeling Noelle or Ariana. Without you and our little ones, none of this would matter.

Finally, to all the YA librarians and independent bookstore owners who have worked so tirelessly to put good books in front of reluctant readers, my undying gratitude. Keep fighting the good fight, and I’ll keep on writing!