The book grew out of the introduction I did for Brady's Gates of Janus. I knew that the writing in that introduction had a better than average chance of being read by people involved in Brady's life - parents of victims, police, Brady himself.

In this quote, Peter Sotos explains the origin of his book, which developed from an introduction he wrote for Brady's Gates of Janus, a work by the notorious serial killer Ian Brady. Sotos reflects on the unique nature of writing that introduction, recognizing that it had a significant chance of being read by people directly connected to Brady's life, including the parents of victims, police, and possibly even Brady himself. This awareness of the audience influenced the way Sotos approached the writing, making it a personal and potentially impactful work.

The meaning behind the quote centers on the power of writing and the responsibility that comes with addressing sensitive and potentially controversial subjects. Sotos acknowledges that his introduction, which was part of Brady's book, would not just reach the general public but also people deeply connected to the case, adding a layer of complexity to his writing. This connection made him aware of the impact his words might have, influencing both the content and tone of his work.

The origin of the quote comes from Sotos' involvement in the world of crime literature, particularly his work on Brady's book. Gates of Janus is a notorious work by Ian Brady, who was convicted of the infamous Moors Murders, and Sotos' introduction to the book allowed him to explore the psyche of a serial killer while also grappling with the ethical implications of writing about such sensitive material. The introduction served as a bridge between Brady’s perspective and those who were affected by his actions.

Ultimately, Sotos’ words highlight the complexity of writing about controversial and disturbing subjects, where the potential audience plays a significant role in shaping the content and tone of the work. His recognition that people directly involved with Brady’s life might read his writing adds a layer of responsibility and awareness to the process of engaging with such a difficult and emotional topic.