‘Twas the day before Christmas, and throughout WMG
Not a creature was stirring. It was a day off, you see.
No stockings were hung, even though there’s a bevy,
Because hardcovers, you see, are just too darn heavy.

The ebooks were uploaded, the print books to bed,
So many beautiful new covers, some green and some red.
And writer Kris in her sweater, and writer Dean in his hat
Were busy at home writing—a little this, and some that.

When in the office below there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Down two flights of stairs I flew like a flash,
Tore open three doors, and made a mad dash.

The glow from the room, newly painted just so
Gave me pause as I pondered who might be in there, although
I have learned that in fiction imagination is key.
So, I paused, and I peered, and I entered slowly.

Not Santa, not Rudolph, not a reindeer in sight.
Just a pile of books, scattered about from their flight
Off the shelves to the floor, where they lay all about.
And as I picked up each one, I found myself shout:

Hey Miles, hey Smokey, hey Pokerboy, hey Fates,
Wherever you are, I hope your Christmas is great.
Now, I know it seems crazy, but good golly, good grief,
That’s the beauty of fiction—suspending belief.

On the pages of books, they’re as real as we are,
So, no matter the mood, in settings here or afar,
We feel like we know them, and we want to read more.
Thank goodness for writers with backlists galore.

They’re the reason we’re here, and our employees are the best.
Thanks to Jerimy and Jane, and all of the rest
Of our partners in proofing and cover art and more,
And our workshop students, all of whom we adore.

And to our readers, of course, last but not least,
We promise a New Year with books newly released
In print, ebook or audio, whatever you need.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good read.

Allyson Longueira is publisher of WMG Publishing. She is an award-winning writer, editor and designer.