How the Ladybug Got Her SpotsAn Uplifting Pourquoi Tale and Science Study on Ladybugs
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In August 2018
After years of trying (on and off) to publish my children's book titled How the Ladybug Got Her Spots, I submitted my query to one more publishing company with my dear husband's gentle push.
Experience had already taught me, through several failed attempts, that a query letter does not go far.
By the way, did you know it is taboo to simply send a written manuscript to a publisher? They frown upon it. They have plenty to read already. Most publishing companies request a query letter first. And, then, if interested, they'll ask to read your story.
Being the rule follower that I am, that is exactly what I did time and time again.
And, time and time again, my former query letters were either ignored completely or kindly rejected.
"Thank you for your query, Mrs. Webb. At this time, we are not looking for a book on this topic."
So, when Covenant Books, Inc. asked for my query, half-heartedly I sent it.
Imagine my surprise when 24 hours later I received an email requesting my manuscript.
SOMEBODY WANTED TO READ MY STORY???
SOMEBODY WANTED TO READ MY STORY!!!
I cried. I truly did. It did not matter if they liked it. I was just so relieved that a book I poured my heart and soul into would finally have eyes other than my own moving across the lines I took such care to create.
Then, on Monday, August 21, I came home to a phone message from the literary agent at CBI.
"She must have a question for me," was my thought. They'd had my manuscript for less than a week.
So, on Tuesday morning, after dropping Derek off at a school, I headed to meet a couple of girlfriends for coffee.
While waiting in my car, I returned the call to answer any questions she might have.
And, that call - that moment - will never be forgotten.
On August 22, 2018 I received my FIRST EVER "Formal Offer to Publish" from Covenant Books, Inc.
Funny enough, I did not cry. I was in SHOCK. For the remainder of our phone call, all I could utter was, "Great. That's great. Okay. Great. That's great."
Truth. I did cry later.
It was the BEST DAY EVER!
In September 2018
After submitting my manuscript to my editor (through my PUBLICATION ASSISTANT - yes, people, I have PEOPLE! Lol), my next job was to choose my illustrator.
This time-consuming task included completing a detailed questionnaire on every minute detail imaginable. After a couple of hours, my 12 page dissertation was complete. Off to my PA it went.
Then, I waited.
In October 2018
My editor returned my manuscript.
Now, let me just say, I have combed over this 500+ word story approximately a billion times. And, YES, there were STILL editing suggestions! (I can't wait to share this with my writing kids.)
Two commas were removed for better rhythm and flow. (It is a rhyming story.) And, there was one word substitution.
"Near the bubbly brook," became "Near the babbling brook." Love it!
I approved the edits.
Now, I wait some more.
After years of trying (on and off) to publish my children's book titled How the Ladybug Got Her Spots, I submitted my query to one more publishing company with my dear husband's gentle push.
Experience had already taught me, through several failed attempts, that a query letter does not go far.
By the way, did you know it is taboo to simply send a written manuscript to a publisher? They frown upon it. They have plenty to read already. Most publishing companies request a query letter first. And, then, if interested, they'll ask to read your story.
Being the rule follower that I am, that is exactly what I did time and time again.
And, time and time again, my former query letters were either ignored completely or kindly rejected.
"Thank you for your query, Mrs. Webb. At this time, we are not looking for a book on this topic."
So, when Covenant Books, Inc. asked for my query, half-heartedly I sent it.
Imagine my surprise when 24 hours later I received an email requesting my manuscript.
SOMEBODY WANTED TO READ MY STORY???
SOMEBODY WANTED TO READ MY STORY!!!
I cried. I truly did. It did not matter if they liked it. I was just so relieved that a book I poured my heart and soul into would finally have eyes other than my own moving across the lines I took such care to create.
Then, on Monday, August 21, I came home to a phone message from the literary agent at CBI.
"She must have a question for me," was my thought. They'd had my manuscript for less than a week.
So, on Tuesday morning, after dropping Derek off at a school, I headed to meet a couple of girlfriends for coffee.
While waiting in my car, I returned the call to answer any questions she might have.
And, that call - that moment - will never be forgotten.
On August 22, 2018 I received my FIRST EVER "Formal Offer to Publish" from Covenant Books, Inc.
Funny enough, I did not cry. I was in SHOCK. For the remainder of our phone call, all I could utter was, "Great. That's great. Okay. Great. That's great."
Truth. I did cry later.
It was the BEST DAY EVER!
In September 2018
After submitting my manuscript to my editor (through my PUBLICATION ASSISTANT - yes, people, I have PEOPLE! Lol), my next job was to choose my illustrator.
This time-consuming task included completing a detailed questionnaire on every minute detail imaginable. After a couple of hours, my 12 page dissertation was complete. Off to my PA it went.
Then, I waited.
In October 2018
My editor returned my manuscript.
Now, let me just say, I have combed over this 500+ word story approximately a billion times. And, YES, there were STILL editing suggestions! (I can't wait to share this with my writing kids.)
Two commas were removed for better rhythm and flow. (It is a rhyming story.) And, there was one word substitution.
"Near the bubbly brook," became "Near the babbling brook." Love it!
I approved the edits.
Now, I wait some more.
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