Tuesday, March 19, 2013

My first picture book -- Cover revealed

    I've written many children's books, ones I read to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but I Like Pink is the first accepted for publication and with an illustrator who has been able to apply time and effort enough to have a tentative release date. This book is the first that uses the name Vivian Zabel, rather than V. Gilbert Zabel or Vivian Gilbert Zabel.

     I entered the manuscript in the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) yearly competition. As per the guidelines for the contest, I waited until after the entry deadline to submit it to a publisher. 4RV accepted it immediately. I can hear your thoughts, you know. You're thinking, "What's the big deal. You are the head of 4RV Publishing." Ah, but I don't have any say in what is accepted. All submissions go to an acquisition editor anonymously, even mine. In fact, many of you know the story of one of my manuscripts being rejected, and it's still rejected until I improve it -- some day when I have time.

     Now, back to the subject at hand: I like Pink. I submitted the manuscript, which was accepted within two days. I contacted (yes, here is where I used my position and knowledge of our illustrators) Ginger Nielson, one of our fabulous illustrators, and asked her if she would take the project. She agreed, gave a timeline (tentative release June, 2013), and began work. Ginger finished the cover as one of the first steps, but I couldn't reveal it or even the title until I knew all judging of the OWFI category was finished. I didn't want to influence any judge, whether for or against my entry.

     Until now, no one had seen the cover except Ginger, me, and Sonia Gensler. I'm soooo excited. I think it's gorgeous. 

     The book is based on something my great-granddaughter Haylee told me at the family Thanksgiving get-together. Therefore, she had to be the main character. The book is one that helps little ones learn colors, but guess which color is Haylee's favorite? Oh, now she has added purple, too, but pink is still first. Haylee informed me, "I like pink: dark pink, light pink, and almost white pink." That from a three-year-old begged for a story, didn't it?

20 comments:

Deb Hockenberry said...

Vivian,
I love the cover of I Like Pink. Having your great - grandaughter as inspiration for the story is an added bonus! I know since I've used my own nieces and nephews as inspiration and have gotten many ideas from the things they say!

Connie Arnold said...

Congratulations, Vivian! Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are wonderful inspirations for books. Ginger did a great job on the cover, and I'm sure her illustrations will be terrific also.

Beth Reinke said...

Love this feminine cover, Vivian. Ginger did a beautiful job! :o)Congratulations to you both on your soon-to-be-released book.

J.Q. Rose said...

Very, very cute! Congratulations!

Vivian Zabel said...

I'm thrilled. Haylee climbed up beside me and informed me we needed to visit (she was three). During our conversation she said, "I like pink: dark pink, light pink, and almost white pink."

Unknown said...

Can't wait to read it, Vivian!

Joan Y. Edwards said...

Dear Vivian,
Congratulations! I am very excited for you.

Beautiful energy on the cover! Way to go, Ginger Nelson.

Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards

Anonymous said...

That's great Vivian. I'd like to write some children's books someday, too. I agree, Ginger did do a great job on the cover.

Margaret Fieland said...

Great cover. I'm looking forward to reading the book.

Vivian Zabel said...

Marsha, I deleted one of your double posts.

Thanks, everyone.

Melanie said...

Love the cover and the premise of the book! I'll gladly host a cover reveal over at my blog if you'd like.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

The cover is gorgeous and I imagine the illustrations are too. Congratulations, Vivian and Ginger.

Vivian Zabel said...

Thanks.

Melanie, that would be nice.

N A Sharpe said...

Love the cover (excellent job Ginger!) And can't wait for this release. Sounds like a wonderful story. I love stories that are inspired from memory snapshots we have of the children in our lives.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS, Vivian! Cute cover.

Karen said...

Congrats, Viv! I can't wait to have a great-grandchild to buy a copy for!
Karen

Vivian Zabel said...

Thank you for all the congratulations.

Karen, why wait to buy a copy? You could always have one on hand. *grin*

Vivian

Unknown said...

It's beautiful, Vivian. Big time congrats.

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Vivian, I love the cover and the title is so cute! As a reader, you grabbed my attention right away. I'd love to have you on my blog if you'd like to come and visit. When will copies be avail? In June?

Smiles
Steph

Vivian Zabel said...

Thanks, Steph. I would like that.

If all goes well, the book should be finished in June. It all depends on Ginger's schedule. She fit this book in as a favor.

Vivian