My F&Gs Arrived + Signature Tip

Exciting news happened the day before Valentine's Day--my F&Gs arrived. That's publishing lingo for "Folded & Gathered." This is the preview book that is usually not officially bound. It's shown to librarians and bookstores and buyers of books so they can order the book if they are interested.

But that moment when you get to hold your illustrated words in your hands is magical :)

Now I'm waiting for the "real" hardbound copy that will debut in August 2018. And I connected with the illustrator who also lives in Korea. I'm hoping we can meet in the fall.

My F&G also appeared at the ALA Conference in Denver earlier this month for librarians and others to see. Maybe I can attend one of these conferences in the future.

Lastly I wanted to leave you with a tip. You know in your outgoing email, you can attach a signature byline, right? Well, I got a little freelance gig, I believe, because of it! True. One of my work-for-hire clients recently asked if I'd proofread an adult Christian nonfiction book. I said sure. But I was curious--how did she know I was a Christian? I don't think I ever directly said so, and we've never talked about religion. Then I remembered, in my email signature is a Bible verse. Aha! "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3. And I recently finished a huge freelance project from a publisher who read my bio on SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators), a writing organization I belong to. So writers--check and update your bios, signatures, and bylines!

​ The banner at the 2018 ALA Conference