A PREVIOUSLY unknown self-published author from Pembroke has sealed a deal with publishers in San Francisco for his latest novel, a supernatural thriller entitled The Montague Portrait.

Matt Drabble, aged 39, of Lords Meadow View, caught the attention of a British publicist, who read his third book Gated – which broke into the top 10 UK Amazon horror chart earlier this year – and passed it on to her American bosses.

Publishers Taylor Street Books then got in touch with Matt to say if he ever got tired of self-publishing to get in touch.

After checking out they were “on the level”, Matt sent across a first draft of his latest offering and was offered a contract within a week.

After a successful year, he is now making a living as a writer but it has been a long journey – Matt started writing eight years ago when he was left unable to work after injuring his back doing DIY work.

“For 2013 I have had around 35,000 downloads and I am curious to see if working with a publisher can improve my writing and my profile,” said Matt.

“They tell me that they have deals in place with large book shop and supermarket chains in the US and I am excited to see the book in print and given a push on the other side of the Atlantic.

“I take it as a huge vote of confidence that a publisher is willing to take on my work as they must see potential in it.”