The Accidental Bad Girl

by Maxine Kaplan

To my early readers: Without your cheerleading (aka willingness to read a first draft), this book would never have made it. Period. So thank you Daniel Schloss, Emma Dumain, Namrata Kolachalam, Jennifer Ray, Miranda Blue, and Joshua Keating.

  Extra special thanks to the hugely talented Justin Brenneman, Charlie Sohne, Ben Kawaller, and Allie Schwartz. Your notes were genuinely invaluable.

  To my indomitable agent Ali McDonald of The Rights Factory: Thank you for believing in me and Kendall. Thank you for seeing through the initial sloppy plotting to what the book could be. I can’t imagine the book without your input. Also thank you Caitlin Krahn for your read at a crucial juncture.

  To Maggie Lehrman, editor extraordinaire: Your clarity and creativity in the editorial process was a revelation. I’m so grateful to have worked with you.

  Also thank you to copyeditor Penelope Cray, who saved me from multiple humiliations; designer Siobhán Gallagher for making the text sing; and to Catherine Caslino for her incredible cover design. Abrams/Amulet: best in the biz.

  To my sister, Sophie: Thank you for lending me your confidence, your inspiration, your pragmatism, and your heart. Love you.

  And, finally, to my beautiful delight of a husband, James Greenberger: You are my light. Thank you for being on my team. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love you.