• This is a work of fiction, and is not for Christians only, as shown by the endorsements from Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama.• A search for recent books specifically about Simon of Cyrene brings up only a number of self-published books, both fiction and nonfiction, but no others. There is an audience for this story that the self-publishers are unlikely to reach. • The connection to Thomas Merton will add another audience. The author recently discovered a collection of Merton's possessions, and publicity and interviews will help publicize The Gospel of Simon as well. See for example http://kbia.org/post/thomas-mertons-personal-belongings-resurface-missouri-nearly-fifty-years-after-his-death.
