Write2Ignite

I have fun connecting people to one another. My fun is doubled when I get to share how authors connect with a publisher–particularly through Write2Ignite! In January I told you how Laura Petrisin signed with Monarch Educational Services. Here is more news–Amy Houts also signed with Monarch!

Here’s an interview with Amy about her forthcoming books and her multiple paths to publication.

Getting to Know Amy Houts

CAROL: How did you end up submitting to Monarch?

AMY: I enjoy reading the Write2Ignite newsletter. I’ve taken a few excellent master classes. I’m inspired by the blog posts and gain valuable information about editors, publishers, and authors.  In the July 25, 2023 newsletter, I read the interview with Jen Lowry of Monarch Educational Services. I connected with her goal of publishing “clean books,” and this quote from Jen encouraged me to look further: “I don’t want to say I’m only looking for spooky (my favorite genre) books because you never know what magic will flutter into our inbox. Surprise us with a book that matters.” 

I had written a sweet/spooky picture book In the Witch’s House for young children that I had revised over the years and felt was ready for submission (again!). So I read Monarch’s submission guidelines and wrote to Jen. She wrote back to me that same day(!) saying she “adored” my “super cute” story and added editorial notes with a request to resubmit if I hadn’t sold the book by the first of the new year. So, that’s what I did! It is scheduled for publication in September 2025.  

CAROL: What is In the Witch’s House about?

AMY: When a shy girl mistakenly thinks a family of witches has moved in next door, she must find the courage to discover what is really going on at her new neighbor’s house.

CAROL: I understand that Jen wanted you to find an illustrator. Can you tell us more about that process and how you found Berna Datema? 

AMY: I’m not an illustrator, but I’ve connected with several on social media who I love. I was telling a friend about needing an illustrator, and she knew of an artist she could highly recommend who might be interested. After looking at Berna’s website, I thought her style would work well with my book, so I contacted her. She had a few questions for Jen and once they were answered, I was thrilled Jen offered us a contract and Berna accepted the project! It’s such a blessing how this all came together. 

CAROL: How is In The Witch’s House different than your other books?

AMY: I’ve written a variety of books on assignment, both fiction and nonfiction, where an editor gives me a topic and additional information. But the majority I’ve written from my own, and are original ideas based on my faith. My newest is an Earth Day book from a Christian perspective, God’s Earth is Something to Fight For (Bushel & Peck Books, 2023). (Carol’s note: This is a great book for Christian families who want to celebrate Earth Day!)

CAROL: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself, your faith, and your books? 

AMY: I grew up in a Jewish family. But after reading the Bible for the first time when I was a teenager, my beliefs evolved. I was baptized when I was in my 30s after I married my husband, Steve. I wanted to share my newfound understanding about God and Jesus when writing for children. 

Because my family celebrated Christmas (and Hanukkah), it was natural for me to write about this favorite holiday. Emily was three-years old when I celebrated my first publication. My poem, “The Five Senses of Christmas,” was printed in the Christian magazine, Alive for Young Teens. And my first picture book, An ABC Christmas (Standard Publishing) also had a Christmas theme. While financial obligations kept me from living my dream of writing full-time, my background, as a children’s librarian, preschool teacher, and features writer/reporter for the local newspaper, prepared me well for a freelance career. Currently, I’m fortunate enough to be able to write full-time.

I’ve been writing for a long time since Emily was a baby and now she has three children of her own. Bushel & Peck Books is releasing two Bible bathtub books on May 5, 2024. They magically change color when they get wet. How fun is that? Here are links to Noah’s Ark and The Creation.

CAROL: It looks like you’ve published faith-based books, STEM books, all sorts of books!  I’m hoping that our readers will see from your example that there are many paths to publication. 

AMY: Yes, there are many paths to publication! And now more than ever before. I started out writing a cooking column, “Preschooler in the Kitchen,” for a newsletter my parents published. I wrote poetry, stories, articles, and activities for magazines, wrote books on assignment for educational and faith-based publishers, retold fairy tales, wrote biographies, and more. I love working on assignment because I enjoy working with a team, but I also love seeing my own work published. I’ve done some self-publishing, too, and there are advantages, but prefer the traditional route. Here’s what one of my writing teachers told me early on: “Keep working, keep trying, you’ll do fine.” I think of that when I’m discouraged. It’s turned out to be true. 

Amy Houts is an award-winning author of 100+ books for children for both the Christian and general markets. Amy’s Christian books include God’s Earth is Something to Fight For(Sunbeam/Bushel & Peck), Christian Q&A Book for Kids (Rockridge Press), and God’s Protection Covers Me (Beaming Books). Find out more about Amy’s work on her website: https://amyhouts.com. Connect with @AmyHouts on Instagram, X, and Threads and “Author Amy Houts” on Facebook.

Please follow Amy on Instagram, X, and Threads @AmyHouts