From LPGA to ISBN: Tackling My Next Big Challenge

When I said that writing my first children’s book over the span of a decade was just the beginning, I wasn’t kidding.

Earlier this summer, conversations with local authors opened my eyes to a whole new layer of understanding – not just about the publishing process itself, but the creative possibilities waiting on the other side.

And that realization left me energized!

Of course, I had two major hurdles to overcome: Finding the right publisher and securing an illustrator to bring my manuscript to life. No biggie, right?!? After all, I’ve led communications for an LPGA tournament for a decade, opened supercenters, and mitigated situations to ensure celebrity events with Olivia Newton John and Ree Drummond went smoothly. Surely, I could handle this.

My quest to find a publisher!

So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I dove into research, narrowing down publishing houses that aligned with my book’s heart but also with my personal values. Supporting local and women-owned businesses has always been part of my DNA and it was important to me that I do the best I could to carry that commitment forward.

But I also leaned into my connections. Thanks to my friend and fellow local author, Carla Flanders, I had multiple insightful conversations with the company that published her beautiful book, On the Day You Graduate. I soaked up a wealth of knowledge – but I wasn’t quite ready to commit after talking to only one publisher. After all, it was a huge decision to make!

I explored truly viable options to do it all myself, but I understand my limitations. Thankfully, I also know my strengths. I thrive on collaboration and building relationships. I knew I wanted a partner to help guide me through the process of purchasing ISBNs and book sales and formatting because although I learned a lot in a short amount of time, I was far from expert level.

Then one summer weekend, with family visiting from out of town, I found myself updating my sister, Denise, on where I was on this publishing journey. She’d read my manuscript numerous times and had been one of my biggest cheerleaders from the start.

As we talked, she mentioned one of her friends owned a publishing company – the same friend whose book she had gifted my son on his 13^th birthday – and would I be interested in simply talking to her?

Um, yes. Absolutely, yes!

Denise gave me Hillary's email address and gave Hillary a heads up that I’d be using it.

And I did and we immediately hit it off. It felt like I was talking to myself, or rather a version of myself I aspired to become because she was not only a published author of a middle grade novel, The Mystery in Mapleton, she also built her own publishing company and was working with other authors.

Through our conversation, I learned that we share the same goals and misconceptions about publishing. We were both moms who had a shared passion.

And it very quickly became clear to me that she was the credible professional who could translate my vision into reality.

She was really doing it, building her brand and helping aspiring authors. She’s such an inspiration!

I shared my manuscript – something I don’t do lightly – because we both needed to know if we were a fit for one another. Soon after, we signed a contract, and I can officially say it:

I have a publisher.

Let me say that again: I have a publisher!

This collaboration already feels like the beginning of something truly special.

Stay tuned for a Q&A with my publisher next week.