Tag: publishing interviews

Today, I’m chatting with former NASA Molecular Microbiologist, and Children’s Book Author, Heather Morris. We’ll be discussing science in kidlit, querying trenches, close calls with agents and editors, as well as sharing some of our favorite resources and tips and tricks on starting your career with work-for-hire and direct submissions.

But before we do… here are a few things to know about feature interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

• stay current with market trends
• hook an agent or editor
• find writing community & other resources
• discover workshops, contests, and other events
• figure out which path of publication is right for you
• know if your agent is a good match

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*

Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!

Welcome to the blog, Heather! It’s so nice to have you with us. And it feels wild to think we’re already in SEPTEMBER. Where has this year gone?

INTRODUCTIONS & BEGINNINGS

Today, I’d love to start by asking you the #1 question: What led you to the beautiful yet rugged terrain of publishing?

First of all, thank you so much for inviting me to be on your blog, Chelsea! I love the way you phrased this first question - publishing is beautiful, but rugged. Full of so much joy and difficulty, all rolled into one journey. A part of me has always wanted to write - poetry, novels, essays, short stories, science articles, you name it. I think that’s what it truly means to be a “writer” - one who must write, who can’t help but write. When I was about seven years old, I found a typewriter in my grandfather’s office. I would spend hours typing poorly spelled stories. And then I never stopped. Even when I was pursuing my career in science (which I think we will get to below), I never stopped writing. So, the natural outgrowth of that is…eventually, you want to publish some of the stuff you’ve written. There’s a longing to share your work with others, and this is true for any art.

In your interview bio, you shared a little bit about your fascinating line of work as a molecular microbiologist and history working with NASA. So, I’m itching to know… how did publishing enter the mix? 

Yes, in high school I found microbiology. And I decided I wanted to be an epidemiologist (a scientist who studies pandemics and the spread of disease), so I entered college as a Biology major. Because I still loved literature and stories, I ended up taking as many upper-level English classes as I could manage and still major in Biology. But eventually, I had to make a choice - what will I pursue? At that age, I couldn’t handle the subjectivity of writing. I also wasn’t able to handle the rejection that comes in this industry. I needed my answers to either be correct or not. Math, science, and chemistry filled that need. 

After graduating from college, I knew I wanted to work in a laboratory, which meant graduate work. While in graduate school, I learned how crucial writing and publishing is in that world also. There’s a saying in the sciences - “publish or perish” - meaning you need to continue to experiment, continue to write up your results, continue to tell elegant “stories” in order to advance. And I LOVED it! I loved the research, I loved the writing, I loved the experimental design.

But all through this, I still wrote other things. Short stories, poetry, and more. Like I said before, I just have to write. 

Then I had kids. And read to them. A LOT. And I thought to myself, “I could do this. I could write a picture book.” Ha! That sparked many years of beginning to learn how complex picture books are, and how much I DIDN’T know about how to write them.

Are you still working as a molecular microbiologist? If so, how do you manage both literary deadlines and work schedules?

I worked as a scientist for a NASA contractor until last year. At that point, I made the decision to write full-time. It was becoming impossible to balance work for NASA, the schedules of three kids, and my publishing commitments while also trying to write and revise new work. But I did juggle all of those for at least five years before taking the “plunge” into full-time writing. 

Any tips for readers who may be balancing a day job in addition to pursuing publication?

It’s hard. It really is. Up until recently, I wrote after the kids went to bed most evenings. And on the weekends, and at their sporting events, and in their school pick-up lines, and I’d listen to craft books while grocery shopping. I actually still do most of these things. But now, I am usually able to enjoy being with my family in the evenings instead of disappearing to write, which is wonderful because my oldest is not far away from college! I don’t want to miss a moment with any of them! My family inspires, challenges, and delights me! They, along with my close friends, are what push me to be a better writer.

Has writing been something you’ve always enjoyed, or did this happen later in life?

Yes! I’ve always been a writer. I was the kid who talked her friends into writing fan fiction at sleepovers or while we were playing at each other’s houses! I actually have a notebook with a complete book-length novel that my friend and I co-wrote at age 11!

-I love this! And can definitely relate myself. :)

Did you ever think you’d have a career in publishing? Or was it a total surprise?

This is a dream come true! As a kid, I dreamed of writing and publishing books. As a teenager, I dreamed of writing and publishing books. As an adult, I dreamed of writing and publishing books. But I never gave myself space to pursue that dream. It wasn’t “practical.” It wasn’t a “dependable job.” I will forever be grateful to my husband who not only gives me the space to create and market and promote my writing, but who also initially pushed me to learn more. “You’ve always talked about this,” he said. “Why not give it a shot?”

Speaking of a career in publishing… I’m curious to learn more about yours. You mentioned in your bio that you were in the query trenches and have had many close calls with agents and editors. Could you elaborate on this?

As you said in your first question, the publishing industry is beautiful and rugged - filled with incredible delights and crushing disappointments. I began querying my picture book manuscripts in the fall of 2021, after I’d been writing, learning, revising, and polishing for almost two years. A few of my critique partners already had agents, and one of their agents opened for paid critiques. I sent him one of my picture book manuscripts and left glowing comments and requested more of my work! My first full request…and NOT through traditional querying. 

Ultimately, he ended up passing, but I was still very encouraged that an agent at a well-known, highly respected agency had been so intrigued by my writing.

-Fascinating! I love hearing stories like this. It's so interesting to see different ways people make connections and grow in the writing community.

Behind the scenes, while I was writing picture books, I was also working on a middle-grade manuscript. My second, actually. I had already written one middle-grade book just to prove to myself that I could finish something coherent and lengthy. And the first chapter of this second book was getting lots of interest from agents at conferences I attended. I finally finished that manuscript and began querying. I sent it to forty agents (over the course of six months)…and received eight full requests! I was blown away. Two asked for revise and resubmits once they read my manuscript. And…

…all of them ended up passing. 

I heard on a podcast - I think it was Manuscript Academy’s podcast - that if you’re getting a lot of full requests and then passes, your submission package is working, but there’s probably something about the full manuscript that needs tweaking. So, I took a step back, worked with a developmental editor, and learned a ton about how to really write a novel. 

-Oh my gosh. I LOVE the Manuscript Academy podcast. It's full of so much great info for new (and seasoned) writers!

In the meantime, I wrote another middle-grade novel and more picture books. I queried my picture books a little. Most were passes, but I got a few requests for more work! And then…more passes. At an SCBWI conference this spring, I pitched my work to an agent who was someone I really wanted to work with. Through a long series of events (and this answer’s already long enough!), she ended up offering me representation, I signed with her in early July, and we’re on submission with a few of my picture books!

-AHH! Congratulations, Heather. What terrific news- I'm so excited for you!!

DEBUTS, PUBLISHERS, AND LITERARY AGENTS

“So often, I feel like this industry makes things out to be very black and white. For example, you either query for representation OR you submit to publishers. I did both simultaneously…” -Heather Morris @morrwriting #featureinterview #chelseasworldofbooks

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I know this year you had your debut book published with Gnome Road Publishing—congratulations! That’s incredibly exciting and such a huge accomplishment, especially since you went at this without the aid of a literary agent. Could you tell us about how you ended up getting a book deal with the publisher?

Thanks so much, Chelsea! Trunk Goes Thunk! releases on October 8, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with this book and the whole publishing experience. 

Gnome Road Publishing published its first round of books in the Spring of 2023. Since then, they have released four titles twice a year. Sandra Sutter, the publisher and lead editor at Gnome Road, conducted a series of interviews on blogs in 2021 and 2022. As I read about what she was looking to publish with her new press, I resonated with her focus on “re-readability.” She offered special submission opportunities on these blog interviews, one of which I was fortunate enough to win. I sent in a picture book manuscript (not Trunk), which Sandra took to her acquisitions team. Ultimately, they decided to pass, but I learned a little more about what she was looking for.

-This is great insight for readers, Heather. Thanks for sharing. There are really SO many ways for authors to go about finding a spot in publishing. You just really have to be open to putting yourself out there and making the connections.

When I wrote Trunk Goes Thunk! almost a year later, I sent it exclusively to Sandra. I wanted her to have first dibs on this story. I felt confident she would love it based on her wishlist and what I had learned from emailing with her about my other manuscript. Waiting for her response felt endless, but eventually, she wrote to say she wanted to buy it!

-Yay! I love happy endings. :)

Could you share your experience of how managing a book deal worked directly with the publisher without having representation?

It was very straightforward. Sandra and I met on Zoom to discuss her offer and any questions I might have, then she sent over her standard contract. She told me to take my time, read it through, and ask questions if I had them. 

-Love this form of communication. It sound like she'd be great to work with.

Fortunately, I had made some connections in the publishing world, and a few of my author friends had already signed contracts with Gnome Road. I reached out to them to ask about their experiences, and every one of them had nothing but praise. Also, I have critique partners who, at that point, had already signed contracts with Big Five publishers. I asked them to take a look at the Gnome Road contract, and they gave it a green light also. 

-So cool that you had friends with firsthand experience, who were able to help guide you and give feedback when you turned to them. Love this!

Were there any complications you ran into during this process- and if so, what was the outcome?

None whatsoever. Working with Sandra and Gnome Road has been smooth and absolutely delightful. 

-We love to hear things like this!

Do you have any tips for readers who may be looking to submit directly to publishers versus querying for literary representation? 

So often, I feel like this industry makes things out to be very black and white. For example, you either query for representation OR you submit to publishers. I did both simultaneously. I kept an extensive spreadsheet and tracked all my submissions, and (this is crucial) I only sent a manuscript to an agent or a publisher if I thought it would fit their list. And I tailored my query letters very specifically. Both to agents and publishers. Which is why I’ve only sent out about 60-70 agent queries total.

It takes a lot of research. Which takes a lot of time. But I sent a Southern-themed manuscript to Pelican Publishing and Peachtree Publishing, and got very nice passes from both (as in “this wasn’t a fit, but send us more of your work if you think it would fit our list”). I sent a different manuscript to other publishers. And a third to another set of publishers. All while querying those same manuscripts to agents. Ultimately, I wanted to secure representation for my long-term career, but I never thought these manuscripts were going to be the only ones I wrote, so if I happened to sell them along the way, GREAT!

Let’s talk publishing houses. What made you choose Gnome Road Publishing for your work? And did you submit to any other publishing houses or have any other competing offers?

As I mentioned in my story above, I only sent Trunk to Gnome Road. I started with Sandra because I really wanted to work with her and I thought this book would fit her list. Also, since I had not yet secured representation, I could only submit to publishers that accept unagented submissions. There are quite a few publishing houses that are well known that have open submissions (Charlesbridge, Chronicle, Holiday House), and I may have continued down my list if Gnome Road had passed…but thankfully, they didn’t!

However, because I hadn’t sent this manuscript to any agents, I couldn’t use Sandra’s offer as something to nudge agents with. Which meant I finalized the sale myself.

What kind of book deal were you offered? Was it a single sale, as in they bought one manuscript, or was it a multiple-book deal?

Gnome Road only offers single sale contracts…but there is more exciting news to come on that front that I hope to be able to share soon!

DOORS TO PUBLISHING: WORK-FOR-HIRE & EDUCATIONAL MARKET

Do you have any fun WIP brewing? If so, what genre?

I’m currently working on revisions to a new picture book idea based on a little story I wrote for a contest. It’s morphing into something quite fun and magical.

I’m also revising my fourth complete middle-grade novel. I hope to have those edits done before the end of the year in case my agent and I decide to send it out on submission.

Finally, I have another middle-grade novel idea knocking around in my brain. It’s unlike anything I’ve written before - adventure, mystery, and a hefty dose of friendship. Well, the friendship part is a theme in all my work, but the other stuff is new. 🙂

You mentioned querying agents, so what ultimately made you decide not to go the representation route for your first book deal?

As I mentioned a little earlier, I sent Trunk to Sandra exclusively. Perhaps that may not have been the most “popular” or “acceptable” decision - some may argue that I should have simultaneously submitted it to agents - but I went with my gut. Again, if Sandra and Gnome Road had passed, I am sure I would have queried this manuscript broadly, but everything worked out in the end.

Do you plan to continue publishing without literary representation in the future or do you think you’re leaning toward acquiring representation down the line? Why or why not?

Definitely not! I’ve always been interested in securing literary representation for my career. I knew I wanted help with marketing, strategizing about the best manuscripts to send on submission, help identifying interested editors, and someone to help with the business side of the publishing industry (contract negotiation, royalties, foreign rights, etc.). 

Which is why I’m so overjoyed that I’ve partnered with Kristen Terrette at Martin Literary Management! And we’re already out on submission with a few of my picture book manuscripts.

Let's talk a little about your experience with the educational market and work-for-hire. Could you shed more light on these interesting avenues of publishing and how one might approach entering one of these doors?

I first heard of the write-for-hire market from a fellow writer that I met through Twitter/X. She told me about an upcoming webinar in her SCBWI region that was all about breaking into the write-for-hire market. “You’re a scientist. You’d be great for this,” she said. And after I heard the presentation, I was definitely intrigued. The presenters did a fabulous job of breaking down the steps you need to take into manageable chunks - doing research on the publishers out there, preparing a submission package (VERY different from querying agents), etc. 

So I wrote a few samples, worked on my resume (not at all the resume you’re thinking of, I can assure you, this one is SUPER fun!), and wrote a cover letter. I did my research on publishers and talked to some other writers I knew who had done some write-for-hire work. Then I sent out my package to four or five educational market publishers (Roarke, Abdo, and others)...and waited.

About one year later, I heard from RedLine Editorial, one of the places I’d sent my submission package. They asked if I wanted to write one book in a series of climate books they were putting together for North Star Editions. Since then, I’ve written four books for them! 

-That's incredible! How very cool.

So, what has the work-for-hire experience been like for you? And what would you like to share about this with other readers who may be interested in dipping their toes into this side of publishing?

I really love the research involved in write-for-hire (everything I’ve written has been nonfiction), along with the specifications and structure from the publisher. It’s almost like putting together a puzzle - how to fit specific pieces into their places to make a beautiful picture.

CONFERENCES AND WRITING GROUPS

“My suggestion would be to have patience, persistence, and hold onto your sense of wonder. I think many people – myself included – make the mistake of thinking that breaking into publishing will be relatively easy… But like any industry, craft, and profession, it takes time to learn, to practice, to build networks and community.” -Heather Morris @morrwriting

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What have been some of the most influential writing groups/conferences you’ve attended or been part of- and what specifically stood out to you about them?

I highly recommend two conferences - the ABLA Big Sur conference and the Rutgers Council on Children’s Literature One-to-One Plus conference. The first used to be held in both Big Sur, CA and on Cape Cod, MA. Now, I think they’ve condensed to one conference in February in Big Sur. 

This conference gives you the opportunity to meet in small groups with ABLA agents, editors, and big name writers (Neil Shusterman, Rajani La Rocca, and more). I made some close writing friends at this conference, had a wonderful time swapping stories with full-time authors, and got real-time feedback from agents. It was great, but it is pricey.

-Wow, this is a TERRIFIC resource, Heather. Thanks so much for sharing this with our readers!

The RUCCL One-to-One Plus conference is held every October on the campus of Rutgers University in New Jersey, when the leaves are changing color. It’s gorgeous! Every mentee is guaranteed an HOUR of one on one feedback with an agent, editor, or author (mentors)! And you have another hour of roundtable discussion with six mentors and six mentees, meaning you get to meet six editors, agents, and authors! There’s plenty of time to talk and mingle at lunch, and the presentations are great. It is one full day. You have to send in an application to be considered. Applications for the fall are due the summer before. 

-That sounds amazing!

I heard you got to give a presentation at your regional SCBWI conference- (very cool btw!) Which region are you a member of, and what was your presentation about?

Thank you! Yes, it was an honor to be able to present at the Spring 2023 conference for Southern Breeze. Our regional advisors asked for proposals for conference topics and I had just finished my first two write-for-hire books. I reached out to another author in my region, Heather Montgomery, who has written LOTS of children’s books - both for the trade and educational markets - and asked if she wanted to do a presentation on the write-for-hire market together. She agreed! It was the “Two Heathers” presentation, and we had a blast!

In fact, if you’d like more information on the write-for-hire market - what it is and how to break into it, the slides from that presentation are on my website HERE.

-THIS IS AMAZING! I feel like I'm in resource heaven!

Later on, in November 2023, I ended up stepping in to present at a smaller Middle Grade intensive that we had for our Southern Breeze region. I talked about working with editors, and that presentation is also on my website HERE.

For people who are just starting out in this line of work… what suggestions/tips/tricks do you have on navigating the ever-changing and competitive waters of kidlit publishing? And what recommendations do you have on places where they can go to find information on the industry, improve craft, or find community?

For those starting out…welcome! And congratulations! You’re embarking on a difficult journey. It’s a long road, filled with detours, stop lights that don’t change for a LOOOONG time, potholes, and potentially dangerous paths (if you don’t stop to read the signs). But it has magnificent views! And the unbelievable joy, honor, and gift of writing for the best audience - KIDS!

My suggestion would be to have patience, persistence, and hold onto your sense of wonder. I think many people - myself included - make the mistake of thinking that breaking into publishing will be relatively easy. “I like writing. I made pretty good grades in English in college and high school.” But like any industry, craft, and profession, it takes time to learn, to practice, to build networks and community. It has helped me to think of this publishing process as not only a journey, but a career switch. I had to “go back to college” (take LOTS of courses through Highlights and the 12x12 picture book challenge and more, watch LOTS of webinars, attend LOTS of conferences, and write a LOT) for about four years before I could really enter the industry and find a “job” (i.e. sign a contract).

My suggestion would be to have patience, persistence, and hold onto your sense of wonder. I think many people – myself included – make the mistake of thinking that breaking into publishing will be relatively easy… But like any industry, craft, and profession, it takes time to learn, to practice, to build networks and community.

CHALLENGES, HIGHLIGHTS, AND THE CONTINUED JOURNEY

“It’s amazing for me to consider that kids that I’ve never met, adults I’ve never met, will read my words. I can’t express how much it means to me. The whole idea that we can make marks on a page that another person will pick up and understand and then layer their personal experience on top of…it’s magic. Sheer magic.”

What have been your favorite parts of kidlit publishing so far?

Talking with kids from schools all over the country! Interacting with readers is my FAVORITE! But…Seeing my book covers and holding my words in print were close seconds. 🙂 

What are some challenges you’ve faced on this journey, and how were you able to overcome them?

About two years into this process of shifting careers, I became really disheartened. I had been writing and revising. I’d joined a critique group or two. I’d attended conferences and studied and read the books, and I felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. Then I’d get on social media and try to engage, but I’d just see happy posts about book deals and agent signings and author visits. Don’t get me wrong, I was genuinely happy for these authors - they are my online community! But it was still hard. 

One of the best things for me was setting boundaries on social media. And then taking the time that I had been spending scrolling and posting and taking the perfect picture or making the best Canva post…and using it to write. I wrote and wrote and wrote. All kinds of things in all kinds of genres. I played with words and did writing exercises and had FUN! I rediscovered my love of writing, for the joy of writing. 

I also leaned into my family and friends, spending lots of time with them, NOT talking about the publishing industry. 🙂

Writing is a deeply personal pursuit that is highly focused on creativity. What is your main reason for writing? And what does it mean to YOU to write and share books with others?

It is amazing for me to consider that kids that I’ve never met, adults I’ve never met, will read my words. I can’t express how much it means to me. The whole idea that we can make marks on a page that another person will pick up and understand and then layer their personal experience on top of…it’s magic. Sheer magic.

Speaking of writing… it’s time for my favorite part of the interview. THE BOOKS!

BOOKS + GIVEAWAYS

“I like to say my books/stories are filled with science, wonder, and imagination. Nature also features strongly in all my writing. I love being out in the natural world.” Heather Morris @morrwriting

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We’d love to hear about the book(s) you’ve published. Tell us all about it(them)! 

Trunk Goes Thunk! Is my debut picture book! But I had two educational market books come out last August -

Climate Crisis in the Southeast (Focus Readers/North Star Editions) and Top Brands: Disney (Apex/North Star Editions). It was so much fun to write about Disney for that second book! And I had a blast with all the research for Climate Crisis.

I also have two more books releasing from Apex/North Star Editions this month, both in their Dog Breeds series. I got to write about Dachshunds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and learned a ton about both of these unique and interesting breeds!

On July 8 of this year, The Haunted States of America released from Godwin Books/Macmillan. This anthology is a collection of 52 short stories by 52 different SCBWI authors representing every state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia! Each spooky story has a gorgeous illustration by the remarkable illustrator, Solomon Hughes. It’s an honor to have my ghost story - “White Thing” - represent Alabama in this cool collection!

What was your inspiration for writing it(them), and what do you hope your story/stories will give your readers?

I like to say my books/stories are filled with science, wonder, and imagination. Nature also features strongly in all my writing. I love being out in the natural world. My corner of creation is lovely - rolling hills, deep rivers, temperate forests, high biodiversity, more caves than most of the rest of the world. It’s a pretty great place for inspiration. My family also inspires me. My kids challenge me, give me great ideas, and, of course, give me honest feedback. And my grandfather gave me the idea for my “White Thing” story!

Do you have any favorite book spreads? If so, which one(s) and why? Also, if you have any pictures to share, we’d love to see them!

YES!! My illustrators for Trunk Goes Thunk!, Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, are OUTSTANDING! They are incredibly talented. I was blown away by the care and beauty that they infused into every spread of this lovely book. But I confess, I do have a favorite. I absolutely love otters, and there’s one spread in the book that shows the log in summer and in winter…and - without knowing how much I adore otters! - they drew the cutest little guys sunning on the log!! Here it is:

“I like to say my books/stories are filled with science, wonder, and imagination. Nature also features strongly in all my writing. I love being out in the natural world.”

Have you had a chance to do any book events since its launch? If so, we’d love to hear about it and see some photos if you have any and would like to share!

I have done a few book events! I did multiple Zoom and one in-person author visit last spring, where I spoke about my upcoming books and the science and inspiration that went into writing them. I’ve also participated in two different book festivals where I took pre-orders for my books and sold copies of my educational market books and some other anthologies that I’ve contributed to (adult market books). 

The festivals are fun, though sometimes it feels like you’re running a lemonade stand. :) You sit and wait until someone “drives by,” and then you say “hello,” stand up, and try to engage. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories so that part is fun! I’ve learned that you may not sell many books, but you’ll make connections, and I always have a sign-up sheet for my quarterly newsletter.

-I love that analogy.

If applicable- What has been your favorite part of author events?

I love author visits ‘cause you get to interact with KIDS! If you can’t tell, I really enjoy being around kids. They ask great questions, they won’t sugar-coat their feedback, and they’re so passionate about what they like. I can’t wait to keep booking more and more of these events!

If applicable- What kind of events have you been able to host, and how were the events arranged? Did you reach out directly? If so, how? (Email? Phone call? etc.) And what places have you been able to visit? (Farmer’s Markets/Libraries/Schools/Bookstores, ETC.)?

I’ve participated in book festivals, done one in-person author visit, multiple Zoom author visits, and been a panelist for a few different events. For two of these, I was contacted by someone I had met at another event. They told me about the book festival or author visit they wanted me to do and asked if I was interested. For all the others, I had to reach out via phone or email (I’ve done both), explain who I am and about my book, and ask if they are interested. I think calling bookstores works better because you can learn the person’s name and explain more about yourself. Then, you can follow up with an email.

Coming up in the next few months, I’ll be participating in the Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson in September, and I have multiple book signings/story times booked in October! 

Do you have any final words of wisdom you’d like to share with readers today that you wish you had known when you first started pursuing publication?

I’m so grateful to be writing books for kids and so thankful to be talking to you, Chelsea! I wish I had known to slow down and not be in a rush to be published. I wish I had allowed myself to “play,” to experiment, earlier. I eventually got to that point, but it took a little while. 

-Lovely advice to end on, Heather. Thanks again for being with us today. It's been an absolute treasure getting to hear more about your wonderful "story behind the story" of publishing. And you've given us so many great tips, resources, and pieces of advice. I'll be keeping my eye out for your forthcoming books!

And now it's time for some GIVEAWAYS!

This month, Heather is offering TWO giveaway prizes- one prize per winner– TWO WINNERS TOTAL!

• One picture book manuscript (fiction or nonfiction, 800 words or less) OR 1 query letter critique

• One 30 minute, ask me anything session

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

• Leave a comment on this post!
• And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: September 30th, 11:59 PM CST

Want extra entries? Retweet on X or share on Instagram (story or post) with a link to this article and mention my handle (Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks X @chellysbooks).

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog.

BOOK LINKS

Purchase THE CLIMATE CRISIS IN THE SOUTHEAST

Purchase THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA

Purchase DISNEY TOP BRANDS

Purchase TRUNK GOES THUNK A WOODLAND TALE OF OPPOSITES

Purchase ADHD AND ME

Heather C. Morris is the grateful author of multiple books for kids – fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and middle grade – including Trunk Goes Thunk! (Gnome Road Publishing, 2024), and a ghost story in the Haunted States of America Anthology (Godwin Books/Macmillan, 2024). She is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Middle Grade Hub, and the 12×12 picture book challenge.  When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find her hiking the surrounding Appalachian Mountains with her husband, their three kids, and their rescued border collie. Heather is represented by Kristen Terrette at Martin Literary Management.

Connect with Heather: Website: www.heathercmorris.com Instagram: morr_writing Twitter/X: morrwriting

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