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Sam Sykes really is disingenuous as fuck. We already knew this, but somehow there’s always more. I found this interview from 10yrs ago - right before his debut novel was published. http://aidanmoher.com/blog/2010/01/interviews/interview-sam-sykes-author-of-tome-of-the-undergates/
Some background:
1. Sam’s mom is Diana Gabaldon.
2. They share a literary agent and have since the beginning of Sam’s career.
1. Sam’s mom is Diana Gabaldon.
2. They share a literary agent and have since the beginning of Sam’s career.
Sam is asked point-blank how he thinks he got published so early. Instead of nothing either of the above facts he gives a rote “5% talent, 5% luck, 90% persistence” kind of answer. Then reiterates that a lot of it was luck. I’m sure sharing an agent w/your famous mom didn't hurt
Later, Sam is asked about how a young un-pubbed author found themselves co-writing with Diana for an anthology short. Instead of disclosing the fact that HE IS HER SON, he instead mentions how they share the same agent, and refers to her as Mrs. Gabaldon, references her talent.
“ I imagine very few people can say they’ve written a story with such a major name…”
I imagine the field narrows somewhat more when you remove immediate family members.
I imagine the field narrows somewhat more when you remove immediate family members.
Shit like this is rife in the industry. Sam’s a literary legacy. It indisputably gave him a leg up, gave him legitimacy, and I think it’s safe to say, also gave him cover for his horrific behavior. How many people were harassed by him and didn't say shit b/c of who his mom is?
Would Sam have gotten an agent without his relation to DG? Maybe. Did Sam avoid talking about this to avoid the appearance of nepotism? I think it’s safe to say yes. Does that nepotism exist anyways? Sure does.
Here’s a PW link from this month listing Danny Baror as Sam's agent. https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-316-36347-1
