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Cubbie Tails Children’s Book

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A few people know about this, but I’ve mostly kept it to close family and friends until recently. I’m happy to now let everyone know my first children’s book is in production.

I signed with a publishing company based in Omaha at the very end of January. The entire process (from getting the manuscript accepted to editing to illustrating to the cover) takes about a year. I’m very hopeful the book will be out by the end of 2013.

The ultimate goal is to have a series of children’s books with Cubbie as the central character. (If I do write a series, Teddy will also be incorporated as Cubbie’s little brother). I love reading and writing, and it’s always been a goal of mine to write children’s books. I remember the impact books had on me as a child, and I want to have that impact on a child and get him/her excited about reading.

My mom has always encouraged me to pursue this dream. I always figured it would happen one day. Cubbie has changed my life in so many positive ways, including this book. He’s my inspiration because I know he is a lovable character, and children will enjoy hearing his stories!

I’d been writing the first book off and on for awhile, and put what I would call the “finishing touches” on it around the holidays. Then I sent it off to a publisher I knew was specific to children’s books after I did a story with another author last year. I didn’t expect to hear anything for more than a month, if anything at all. Within a week I had an email saying they loved the idea and wanted to work with me.

All the details were worked out, and I formally signed a contract at the end of January. I turned my manuscript in, and then there was a waiting period for my project manager to be assigned and for the publishing company to go over my story and make editing suggestions. I just received my edited manuscript, with only one change for punctuation!

I’ve already submitted character descriptions and photos to the illustrations department. I’m very excited to Cubbie come to life on the pages of the book!

I’m currently working on the dedication page and my about the author portion.

The book is geared for young readers, ages 4 to 8. Those readers who are just learning and want fun stories to read. It was also important to me to educate kids in my books. I remember learning valuable lessons about sharing and being a good sister and going to school in books like The Bernstein Bears. I want my books to be “teachable” as well.

While I’ve always had a goal of writing a series of children’s books, I’m not doing this just for myself. My plan is for a portion of sales from each book to go back to area animal organizations. All the details aren’t worked out yet, but I’m thinking I’ll choose a different animal rescue/shelter/group/organization to benefit from the portion of sales each month. Also, I’ll provide those organizations with copies of the book and anything sold on site will benefit that specific organization.

Contrary to popular belief, I am not affiliated with any animal shelter/rescue/organization. Although I would like to get Cubbie and Teddy in P.E.T. P.A.L.S. as soon as my schedule allows. I do as much as I can to support many local animal organizations for two reasons. First, I believe in giving back to the community in which I live and work. Second, I’m passionate about helping animals. Going through stories and fundraisers and events I’ve done, I’ve worked with more than 10 local animal orgnaizations in eastern Iowa. I support animals. There are many people and many groups doing great things for many animals. My goal is to help as many of those groups as possible, whether that’s through my job or posting events to my blog or now giving a portion of proceeds from my book.

I’m proud that because of the weekend pet segment I started almost six years ago, hundreds of animals have found good homes. Animals getting adopted is a good thing! Once the Buchanan County Animal shelter is built in Hazelton, those pets will also be featured on the weekend news. But I’m always wanting to do more.

My goal is to make a difference. Plain and simple. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. I hope my first Cubbie Tails book can have a positive influence on children, and I hope it can also benefit numerous animal organizations around eastern Iowa.

Throughout this whole process, I especially want to thank my mom. I want to thank her for encouraging me to pursue this, for believing I could do this, and for always being my biggest supporter. I learned the values of caring and giving back from my parents. THANK YOU.

Cubbie 2

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