May 5, 2019 - June 30, 2019
% complete
The first draft of THE STAR FESTIVAL was called BABY UNDERSTANDS. Parallel story concept book, under 200 words.
September, 2019 - October, 2019
% complete
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.
November 13, 2019
% complete
I pitched to editors and agents through the writing course.
December 19, 2019
% complete
Some of my editor's initial notes:
Show a bit more personality - ease into the story. Spend more time at the festival.
December 30, 2019
% complete
January 29, 2020
% complete
After verbally agreeing to general terms they would proceed to find an illustrator and then take it to the Sales team.
February 6, 2020
% complete
If the illustrator agrees to terms, they will take the ms to the sales team in one week.
February 19, 2020
% complete
At this point I researched lawyers.
February 24, 2020
% complete
The lawyer spoke on my behalf.
March 10, 2020
% complete
May 13, 2020
% complete
July 27, 2020
% complete
Usually, an agent does this part.
PM - Publisher's Marketplace
PW - Publisher's Weekly
August 4, 2020
% complete
August 14, 2020
% complete
April 1, 2021
% complete
I was lucky that my start date was not delayed due to Covid.