Relationships Matter

Why the Publisher Relationship Matters in Telling Matt’s Story

When it comes to writing a book like this — a story that is raw, tragic, and deeply personal — the relationship with the publisher is not just important, it is essential. This is not an ordinary project, not a story meant to sit quietly on a shelf among hundreds of others. It is a tribute, a legacy, and a piece of history that demands sensitivity, trust, and integrity at every stage.

Publishing is often thought of as a business transaction: an author writes, a publisher prints, and the public buys. But for a story like Constable Matthew Hunt’s, the publisher’s role is far greater. They become guardians of the narrative, ensuring that what reaches the public honours the man behind the headlines.

From the very beginning, I knew this book could not be rushed. It was born out of kindness and needed to be nurtured with care. A publisher provides that structure — deadlines, yes, but also guidance, feedback, and professional expertise to shape raw words into something that carries both heart and weight. Without a strong publisher relationship, a project like this could easily falter under the pressure of its own gravity.

Balancing Sensitivity and Storytelling

The hardest part of writing about Matt’s death was not the crime itself, but the people it touched — his family, friends, and colleagues. These are not characters on a page; they are living, grieving humans. Their trust in me meant everything, and in turn, I needed a publisher who understood that this was not a sensationalist crime book. This was about honouring a son, a brother, a friend, and an officer who served his community.

A good publisher provides a second set of eyes not just for grammar and structure, but for tone. They help ensure the language carries respect, not exploitation. They ask the hard questions: Is this detail necessary? Could this phrasing wound more than it helps? Are we telling the truth without losing sight of dignity? These questions keep a writer accountable. In this case, they also protect Matt’s memory.

Reaching the Right Audience

Another reason the publisher relationship matters so deeply is reach. Without the right publisher, this story might remain confined to a small circle. With the right support, it becomes a national — even international — conversation.

Constable Hunt’s death was not just a private tragedy, it was a public one. New Zealand felt the loss, but so did many beyond our shores who recognise the universal sacrifice police officers make daily. A publisher ensures the book lands in the hands of those who need to read it: current officers, future recruits, grieving families, and members of the public who might never have thought about the human being behind the badge.

The right publisher amplifies the voice of the story. They bring it into bookshops, libraries, schools, and even global markets. This reach ensures Matt’s name is not lost to time, but remembered for the courage and humanity he embodied.

Protecting the Integrity of the Narrative

The publishing process is also about protection. When a story is this sensitive, it is vulnerable to distortion. Media coverage, public opinion, and political debate can all twist narratives. A publisher helps hold the line, keeping the story grounded in truth and free from sensationalism.

For me, this relationship was about trust. I needed to know that my publisher saw the story for what it truly was — not a product, but a promise. A promise to Diane Hunt and her family. A promise to Matt’s colleagues who put on the uniform each day. And a promise to readers that they would be given a book that speaks with honesty, empathy, and respect.

A Shared Responsibility

Ultimately, the relationship between author and publisher is a partnership. Both carry responsibility for how the book enters the world. Alone, I could write with heart and lived experience. But together with a publisher, that story could be refined, respected, and released with the dignity it deserved.

In telling Matt’s story, I carried the weight of grief, memory, and duty. My publisher carried the weight of representation, professionalism, and reach. Together, we carried kindness — the very thing this book was born from.

That is why the relationship of a publisher is so important. Because some stories are too significant, too fragile, and too necessary to be handled alone.