EDGE Publishing Company Signs Controversial Author Randy Burt

April 29, 2010 - PRLog -- The road to writing success for any author can be a difficult and arduous journey, even more so if the author had to live the story first, which is exactly what first time author, Randy Burt, had to do.

Burt, is one of the son's of controversial criminal coupling, Walter and Frances Burt, the Cumberland, Rhode Island pair who pleaded guilty in 1993 to racketeering, arson, kidnapping, as well as a host of other charges.  The story gained considerable press and a cult following as more accusations and stories of horror, like child sex abuse, surfaced from foster children of the pair and when police, during a raid, discovered a mildly retarded woman who had been locked in the couple's basement for more than a decade.  The story itself reached an all-time fever pitch in 2004 when the CBS network debuted a made-for-TV movie called Family Sins starring Kirstie Alley.

"I realized a long time ago that I had to commit this to paper, as much for myself as for my family and my children.  I understand that I am a Burt, but that does not dictate my character.  I was as much of a victim of my parents and their crimes as some of the other people involved.  Just because my last name is 'Burt' does not make me anything like them," stated Burt.

Indeed, if a book should be written by anyone about this true crime saga, it is Burt.  He began writing his book in March of 2009 after years of contemplating and considering the project.

"I really had to think about what I was writing, because there was enough to fill up ten books, twenty books.  I really want my readers to know the truth about my family and this is what I am attempting to do with this novel.  The movie, while it was popular and is still played today on Lifetime, distorted many facts, and I am hoping this book sets the story straight," stated Burt.

As soon as word got out that a book was being written, Burt was approached by many publishing houses and literary agencies for first dibs.  Burt eventually settled on signing a book contract with Manassas, Virginia-based EDGE Publishing Company after considering all of his options.

"When I read Randy's book, I was immediately interested.  How could you not be?" stated EDGE Publishing Company President, Phillip Vera.  "I was sent the manuscript by a business associate of mine, Amanda Clark of Charlotte, South Carolina-based Grammar Chic, Inc. and I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of the project and help Randy get his story told properly."

Burt was attracted to the mission of EDGE Publishing Company after speaking to many representatives in the publishing industry.  "I knew I had a story and it seemed the more I talked to various people in the publishing industry, the more confusing the whole process became.  I just wanted to get my book in print, thankfully, EDGE is allowing me to do that," stated Burt.

EDGE Publishing Company, through the direction of Vera, specializes in working with first-time authors who are looking for a way to cut through the bureaucratic red-tape and "hoop jumping" of the publishing industry.  The company has a wide-ranging catalogue of titles, from Burt's true crime, to horror, science fiction, psychological thrillers, even children's books.  The company recently signed an agreement with Minnesota-based, Chinese Literary Agency, C.A. Link, to market and promote books to the Chinese publishing market.

Burt's book, titled "Fifth Commandment Atrocity", is currently going through a final edit at EDGE Publishing Company.  It tells the in-depth and descriptive tale of the events that took place while Burt grew up in Rhode Island in his parent's home and the crimes he was a part.  The book also recounts the way of life that he ultimately escaped.  It is a fascinating tale of horror and crime that is a must-read for anyone who has seen the movie or followed the Burt family saga through the years and is interested in the truth about this true-crime story.

"I can't wait to set the record straight," stated Burt.  "I have received great support over the years from friends and strangers alike and I hope that many realize after reading this that anyone can break the mold and be different from the environment they were born into.  After all, you can't pick your parents, but you definitely can exonerate yourself from their bad behavior."

The book will be in bookstores and available online this summer. Any individual who is interested in being placed on a waiting list or buying a pre-sold copy should contact EDGE Publishing Company directly.

EDGE Publishing Company is located at: 8939 Sweetbriar St., Manassas, VA 20110.  You can reach the friendly staff at EDGE Publishing Company by calling: 703-724-9235 or by faxing: 703-935-0428.  President Phillip Vera can be reached by email at: pvera@edgepublishingcompany.com.  EDGE Publishing Company is online at www.edgepublishingcompany.com.