Last One Seen (Crooked Lane)
“The latest thriller from the Twin Cities author of Esther (and Loft Literary Center teacher) begins with a bang. Narrator Hannah is in a car that’s speeding toward northern Minnesota with a possible maniac in the driver’s seat, severe memory issues and the fear that she has just committed a murder. Proceeding from that grabber of an opening, she eventually gets to Duluth and readers eventually find out whodunit (if it wasn’t her).”
August 1, 2025
For Immediate Release – Los Angeles, CA – multi-award-winning composer and bestselling author Matt Cook’s largest work, the Braveship Suite, was recently awarded Best Independent Album (All Genres), the most anticipated honor of the evening, and became a true cross-genre triumph at the 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards.
The collaborative project rose to the top of thousands of international submissions and was selected above entries in pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, country, and more. It features thirteen all-original orchestral movements accompanied by fantastical illustrations and on-screen animations.
This win is particularly meaningful as Braveship is rooted in classical composition, a genre not often spotlighted in such wide-open categories.
In a storytelling format reminiscent of Peter and the Wolf, the modern tale of courage, wonder, and belonging invites audiences of all ages on an adventure with an orphan boy who pilots a magical airship to distant lands, discovering the family he never had.
Since its premiere as a live show in 2022, Braveship has expanded into a full-scale entertainment universe and international entertainment franchise with:
Matt Cook is an economist, bestselling author, and executive film producer based in Los Angeles. His work has reached audiences in over 130 countries, and is inspired by his own travels to over 185 countries and territories. Known for a symphonic style that awakens a spirit of wonder and adventure, Dr. Cook lives by a motto: “Live great stories and tell great stories.”
This marks the second major award for Braveship and reflects Cook’s rare ability to move between creative arenas with precision and resonance. Literary agent Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management expressed excitement regarding the Colorado-based agency’s role in representing the novelized version of Braveship, which she calls “a rich and atmospheric piece that echoes the scope and intensity of his music.” She added, “If you’re an acquiring editor looking for smart, meaningful, multi-format storytelling, our Dr. Matt Cook belongs on your radar. His work sings – literally and figuratively – and it’s our honor to champion his journey.”
Media Contact: Neil Erickson, Business Manager, E: aka@AKALiterary.com/O: 646-846-2478
Tory Bunce Joins the Atlanta Writers Club Board
At AKA Literary Management, we believe in the power of literary community—and few embody that spirit more fully than author and longtime AKA client Tory Craig Bunce.
We’re proud to share that the Atlanta Writers Club (AWC) has invited Tory to serve as an ad hoc member of its Board of Directors, a role created specifically to tap into her passion for writer advocacy and community growth. With more than a decade of volunteer experience with the organization, Tory will now contribute her insight to current and future AWC initiatives, helping shape the experience of nearly 1,500 active members and amplifying outreach to new voices.
This new appointment reflects not only Tory’s commitment to her craft, but also her deep investment in the literary ecosystem that nurtures so many aspiring writers. The Atlanta Writers Club has long played a role in Tory’s own creative journey, and she’s thrilled to give back in this meaningful new way.
Congratulations, Tory! We’re honored to represent such a dynamic force in the writing world.
We’re proud to announce that bestselling author Margaret Mizushima has been selected as a 2025 Silver Falchion Award “Top Pick” in the Best Investigator category for her latest Timber Creek K‑9 mystery, Gathering Mist.
The Silver Falchion Awards, presented annually at Killer Nashville, honor the best in thriller, mystery, and crime fiction. Chosen by a panel of industry professionals, “Top Pick” selections represent the highest quality submissions of the year—only the most compelling, character-driven works make the cut. Mizushima’s signature blend of K-9 procedural precision, emotional depth, and Rocky Mountain setting once again stands out among the competition.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our talented authors, Pam Meyer!
Her manuscript, Death In Miniature, submitted in the Best Suspense category, has been selected as one of the Judges’ Top Picks for the 2025 Claymore Awards. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Pam’s storytelling talent and the compelling nature of her work.
With a record number of strong submissions this year, the judges faced tough decisions. However, Death In Miniature stood out—sparking conversations, lingering in the judges’ minds, and leaving them genuinely excited for what’s to come. This Judges’ Top Pick distinction is a powerful endorsement of Pam’s talent and the promise of her manuscript.
We encourage Pam and all aspiring authors to attend the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference. It’s a fantastic opportunity to participate in panels, workshops, and networking events that can open doors to publishing success.
Congratulations again to Pam Meyer on this well-deserved recognition. We can’t wait to see Death In Miniature on bookstore shelves soon!
#ClaymoreAwards #PamMeyer #KillerNashville #WritersConference #LiteraryAward #BookAward
#aka_terrie #aka_lit
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