Events
BABY UNDERSTANDS
May 5, 2019 - June 30, 2019
The first draft of THE STAR FESTIVAL was called BABY UNDERSTANDS. Parallel story concept book, under 200 words.
Enrolled in Children's Book Academy / Editor interest from pitch
September, 2019 - October, 2019
During a writing course at the Children's Book Academy, I changed the setting of the story to the Tanabata Matsuri (the Star Festival). The word count increase to 500. I also changed the name of my story to KAI AND THE STAR FESTIVAL / KAI'S BRIDGE.
Rec'd invitation to submit / Subbed to Editor
November 13, 2019
I pitched to editors and agents through the writing course.
Rec'd an R&R from Editor
December 19, 2019
Some of my editor's initial notes:
Show a bit more personality - ease into the story. Spend more time at the festival.
Subbed R&R to Editor
December 30, 2019
Creative team interested / Sent general terms
January 29, 2020
After verbally agreeing to general terms they would proceed to find an illustrator and then take it to the Sales team.
They found the illustrator (Mizuho Fujisawa)
February 6, 2020
If the illustrator agrees to terms, they will take the ms to the sales team in one week.
Acquisitions Meeting / Offer Memo
February 19, 2020
At this point I researched lawyers.
Hired a Lawyer
February 24, 2020
The lawyer spoke on my behalf.
Finished Negotiations
March 10, 2020
Received initial sketches for review
May 13, 2020
Requested announcement in PM & PW
July 27, 2020
Usually, an agent does this part.
PM - Publisher's Marketplace
PW - Publisher's Weekly
Received interior art in color for review
August 4, 2020
Received Cover & Jacket flap for review
August 14, 2020
THE STAR FESTIVAL release date
April 1, 2021
I was lucky that my start date was not delayed due to Covid.