Playbook Press Kit
Press Kit
The Playbook
by Gary E. Parker
The Playbook: An Inspiring Story of Perseverance, Leadership and Hope.
"THE PLAYBOOK by Parker is a heartwarming and inspirational tale set in a picturesque mountain town where football is more than just a game. This compelling narrative features well-developed characters, including Chelsea Deal, an inspiring interim head football coach, and Ty Rogers, a talented quarterback facing a dark disease. Parker's attention to detail brings high school football to life, allowing readers to feel as if they’re on the field. The novel excels in portraying personal growth, the essence of teamwork, and the impact of mentorship. A thoughtful exploration of community and self-belief, akin to Friday Night Lights and Strong Like You."
—EDITOR’S PICK OF: BOOKLIFE-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Author
Gary E. Parker
Atlanta, GA
404-917-4311 (cell)
Publisher
Bruce L. Bortz
Bancroft Press
4527 Glenwood Ave.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
410-627-0608 (cell)
bruce.bortz@gmail.com
Title Info
The Playbook: A Novel
Bancroft Press
October 29, 2024
Sports Fiction / Drama / Inspirational/Women’s Issues/Young Adult (YA) Fiction / Race Relations
978-1-61088-664-2 (HC) $24.95
978-1-61088-666-6 (Ebook) $9.99
978-1-61088-668-0 (Audiobook)
Distributor
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services (the premier worldwide distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products from approximately 25,000 suppliers to over 20,000 customers in 120 countries) 30 Amberwood Parkway Ashland, OH 44805
Publisher Info
· Been a top-ten indie since its start in 1992
· Profiled by Publishers Weekly
· Publishes 4-6 books a year
· Distributed nationally by Baker & Taylor Publisher Services
· Frontlist and backlist titles frequently optioned or bought by Hollywood producers
· Publishes almost all types of books, from memoirs to mysteries, young adult novels to history and biography
· Bancroft books have received numerous starred reviews—four, in fact, for two 2018 summer books—and have won numerous awards
· The Missing Kennedy, a NYT ebook bestseller, was on the cover of People Magazine when published in 2015
· Published the books of four Pulitzer Prize winners (Alice Steinbach, Stephen Hunter, Elizabeth McGowan, and Mark S. Johnson)
· Operated internship program with colleges and universities around the country each semester (and summer) since 1992
Overview
A guitarist, a philosopher, and a natural-born leader with a ponytail walk onto a football field…
In the heart of a small mountain town where football reigns supreme and tradition casts long shadows, Ms. Chelsea Deal defies the norm. Amid the echoes of clashing helmets and the roar of a crowd, Chelsea, a former big-city lawyer now cast as the interim head coach for the undefeated Rabon Knights, becomes the unexpected mentor for two young players whose dreams echo her own. Palmer, a reclusive teenager brimming with untapped talent, and Ty, an old soul fighting the gravest of battles, join forces with Chelsea to overcome their differences and fight for a championship.
As the season unfolds, so do the lives of these characters as each one strives to defeat personal challenges. Chelsea, with her keen instincts and generous spirit, seeks to rewrite the rules in a town slow to accept her. Palmer, elusive and insecure, navigates the pain of a dysfunctional family and the pull of interests beyond football. And Ty, the quarterback whose bright future is threatened by a deadly adversary, searches for strength in the power of unlikely friendships.
From the smoky aroma of Southern barbecue to the indomitable spirit of a team that refuses to yield, The Playbook captures the essence of what it means to fight for every inch, every down, every dream… as a team. This story reminds us of the possibilities when we allow our instincts to take charge—when the game is no longer just a game, but a catalyst for life-altering experiences.
Join us on the field and beyond, as Chelsea, Palmer, and Ty show us that sometimes, the most profound victories don't come with a score. Sometimes, when we break through our defenses, both literal and metaphorical, we find glory in unexpected places. And, sometimes, the games aren't just played, but felt, and the characters aren't just written, but lived.
