An Interview with Mark Mazziotti

Since visiting the New Jersey shore as a youth, Mark has loved compelling sea stories and has dreamed about writing them. He graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor of Arts and from Seton Hall University with a Master of Arts. He majored in psychology and accounting and earned NJ teaching certifications in multiple disciplines. He currently works in his business, Hawthorne Accounting Services LLC, as an Enrolled Agent, a federally licensed tax expert, and is a licensed loan officer. In 2014, Mark published his debut novel, More Precious Than Gold.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I decided on the title of my book before I wrote the first draft. After I had published my first novel, More Precious Than Gold, I determined that one of my characters, Shark, a wolf dog, would play a prominent role in my next novel and the theme of friendship would be paramount. Fortunately, the title then came to me without much effort. As a matter of fact, I recall thinking about the words “The Sea Traveler’s Companion” when I did a reading at a local public library for my first published novel in the fall of 2014. The Sea Traveler’s Companion continues the story of More Precious Than Gold, but it can be read as a stand-alone book.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

When I first saw my book cover after all the necessary revisions, I knew that it flawlessly captured my artistic vision. I am grateful to have collaborated with Ronaldo Alves about the details for my novel’s cover. Later, holding the hardcover version of my book in my hands for the first time, I felt a momentary sense of genuine accomplishment—a wonderful, inimitable feeling. The physical book’s exceptional quality was indistinguishable from books published by reputable traditional publishers.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

After I completed the developmental editing phase with Atmosphere Press, I felt relieved and elated. I was honestly unsure about the early feedback that I was going to receive, and I was lucky to have Jonathan as my editor, someone who genuinely enjoyed my book right from the start. Somehow, that made it a lot easier for me to approach the remaining important tasks with confidence. Completing this stage was a stepping-stone for me because I felt certain that I would complete the entire project once I had finished this critical step.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I genuinely hope readers are entertained and gain helpful insights by reading The Sea Traveler’s Companion, and this, in part, explains why I spent many years creating this novel. This is a multilayered, exciting, thoughtful, historical pirate adventure novel that mirrors the challenges of our time. I imagine my perfect reader eagerly seeking out this type of book. The reviews on Amazon about The Sea Traveler’s Companion have been exceedingly positive so far.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I had a good experience with Atmosphere Press, and I am a better storyteller and writer now as a result. I would tell other writers who want to publish to compare what Atmosphere Press offers with other publishers and determine which option best aligns with their goals. If writers are searching for an experience that honors their artistic visions by joining forces with a talented group of attentive publishing professionals, they should seriously consider the possibility of publishing with Atmosphere Press.

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