And I deliver.
I’m in the business of bringing couples together in a mutually beneficial and legally binding marriage. The terms are three years for no less than a million dollars a year, not including my commission. Once a pair signs on the dotted line, the contract ensures there is no going back.
Most couples find over time they are a love match, but not all.
Before I took over The Marriage Auction, there wasn’t an extensive vetting process. Some candidates were subjected to horrors that haunt my every waking moment.
I vowed to change that. To stand up for those who deserve more and to release them from the wrongs inflicted upon them by circumstance and chance.
What my bidders and candidates don’t know is that I understand exactly what they are experiencing.
I wasn’t always known as Madam Alana.
Once upon a time, I too was purchased in The Marriage Auction… And this is my story.
Acknowledgements
I have to thank the readers for this one. The first episode of The Marriage Auction appeared on Amazon’s new Kindle Vella platform in July of 2021. No one had any idea what the platform would do or if there was even an audience for serialized fiction in an episodic fashion. You readers showed us exactly what you wanted to read, skyrocketing this saga to #1 within mere weeks. At the time this book releases, the saga has received well over a MILLION episode reads. Without you guys, none of this would ever have taken off. Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to do what I truly believe I was set on this Earth to do…tell complicated and endearing love stories that help readers find themselves while falling in love.
To my husband, Eric, who knows me better than anyone and loves me anyway…it’s you and me baby! Always.
To the world’s greatest PA, Jeananna Goodall, for jumping into this crazy new journey feet first right alongside me. The Marriage Auction has been a massive undertaking, over a year in the making and you were there for every second of it. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. I hope using your name for the best damn cowboy around showed a token of my appreciation at the sheer commitment and love you too have poured into this saga. I hope one day we’re sitting next to one another watching it come to life on the silver screen. Wouldn’t that be epic?
To Jeanne De Vita, my personal editor, I’ll bet you had no idea what you were getting yourself into when you agreed to edit these episodes （chapters） as I wrote them! Most editors would balk at that type of time constraint, but not you. You threw yourself in fully, and I’m so grateful. I’m sure the readers are too.
To Michael Lee, for being the rockstar marketing dude and “all things British” expert! You’re nothing but aces, my friend!
To my alpha-beta team, Tracey Wilson-Vuolo, Tammy Hamilton-Green, Gabby McEachern, Elaine Hennig, and Dorothy Bircher, for being the most committed beta team the industry has ever seen. I don’t know a single author that has her beta team as focused and turning around their feedback within mere hours of receiving a chapter like mine do. You all are the unicorns of the beta world. I will endeavor to always show my love and gratitude for the gifts of service you bestow upon me and my work. I am one lucky author and it’s because I have a sisterhood behind me. I love each and every single one of you. Thank you right down to my soul.
To my literary agent Amy Tannenbaum with Jane Rotrosen Agency, I have you to thank for even writing this saga. Without your constant encouragement and support, The Marriage Auction would have never seen the light of day. Your belief in me and my form of art is humbling. Thank you.
To Liz Berry, Jillian Stein, and MJ Rose from Blue Box Press, I am so thrilled to be part of the family. I knew with my whole heart that you were the team to take this baby of mine and help her spread her wings and soar. I couldn’t be happier with the vision you had for the saga and look forward to watching this universe grow into something uniquely beautiful over the years to come.