Behind the Book: Meet My Publisher, Hillary Halverson

The path to finding my publisher – yes, I have one! – was unique.

But the more I think about it, the more I realize: no two journeys are alike. Each one is shaped by its own twists, tenacity and timing. And I’m a firm believer in things happening for a reason and at the right time.

My publisher, Hillary, is amazing. A busy mom who shares my love for reading and writing, she turned her dream into a reality – becoming a published author and now helping other authors do the same. Her journey is an inspiration.

Learn more about it in this Q&A with Hillary.

1. What's your background? Have you always been a writer?

I started as an English major but ended up combining my love for teaching and drawing/painting/sculpting and worked toward my art education degree. I'm now a certified k-12 art teacher and spent the first part of my career teaching middle school art, which I found inspiring, challenging, and rewarding. After my kids were born, I resigned from teaching and spent time at home, raising them. I miss being in schools and that energetic environment though and have been substitute teaching for the past several years. One of my favorite times of the day is bedtime, and I got in the habit of telling my kids elaborate bedtime story-adventures. One, in particular, was about a boy who found something interesting in the sand at the bottom of a lake. Every night, the story got bigger and more complex. I thought it wise to start writing my ideas down so I could keep them straight, and that story turned into my first book!

2. What inspired you to get into publishing?

As my manuscript neared completion, I started looking into agents and publishers. I did A LOT of research. Traditional publishing was my singular focus because I wanted to be considered a legitimate writer, not a hack. However, the more webinars I attended and the more articles I read, I slowly started to change my tune. I learned that the publishing industry has changed drastically in the past decade, and self-publishing is no longer something to scoff at. I love learning new things, so researching how to self-publish became my full-time job. I learned the ins and outs and eventually self-published my own book. Then, with all of the facts and how-to's floating around in my head, it felt natural to share this knowledge with others following the same path. I also enjoy editing (I know, I'm one of those weirdos), so I started a writing group in my town to help other authors edit and critique each others' works. With that chugging along, I created a logo, built a website, and filed an LLC. Almost immediately, two authors were referred to me through unrelated avenues, and I was on my way.

3. Tell me about your book.

My book is called The Mystery in Mapleton. It's the story of middle schooler, Nick Thornton, who finds himself spending the summer at his uncle's house in the middle of nowhere. He meets two kids, and together, the three of them discover a trail of clues leading to a mystery that's been hanging around for over a hundred years. My book is published under the pen name, H.M. Lawson.

4. What made you want to work with Christina Fecher?

I play pickleball with Christina's sister, Denise, who casually asked if I'd be able to help point Christina in the right direction for publishing her children's book. We set up a meeting and hit it off right away. Christina's book is a charming story, and I knew I wanted to help her get the book out to her readers. We signed a contract and started working together almost immediately.

5. What advice do you have for authors?

Write every single day. Your craft is only as strong as the time you put into it. A book in your head will never reach readers.

6. What's one common misconception authors have about publishing?

It's expensive. Everything I researched led me to understand that if you're paying a publisher upfront to publish your book AND they're going to take a royalty percentage, you're working with the wrong company. The publisher should be confident that your book will earn money, and they'll take their cut after the customers start buying. With that said, my publishing company, Wilson Lindberg offers a hybrid publishing option. Hybrid publishing with my company involves an upfront consultation fee that includes editing and/or formatting and/or publishing. After the work is published, the author will retain 100% of the royalties from their sales. This allows the author to enjoy the freedom of self-publishing with a little help from me.

7. Do you have a favorite children's book from your own childhood, or one you read your children?

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn was my all-time favorite ghost story. My favorite to read to my kids was The Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren.

8. What is your favorite Michigan destination?

Warren Dunes is an awesome place to spend the afternoon.

9. Like athletes before a serve or after scoring a goal, do you have any rituals when you work on a new book project? 

I live in a house built in 1925. I do my best writing in the winter. It's chilly in my office. Before I start, I make a cup of green tea, turn on all of the desk lamps around my office, turn on the space heater, and wind the cuckoo clock on the wall. I've never thought of this as a ritual, but I do these things every single day, so I suppose they are!

10. What's next for you?

I'm working on a sequel to The Mystery in Mapleton. It's called The Puzzle in Pinehurst. Nick and his friends are back at it, solving a mystery in a different town. Stay tuned!