As you know, all of us at Write2Ignite are dedicated to instructing and encouraging Christian writers who desire to publish books for children that honor the Lord. We also love sharing good news when an author finds a publishing home. Today, I'm happy to share publishing news from five team members--including me!

Click on the person's name to find a link to her website.

Carol Baldwin, Blog Coordinator

After 16 long years of writing, revision, and searching for an agent or publisher, I'm thrilled to announce that Half-Truths will be published by Monarch Educational Services in June 2025. This is my debut young adult novel and I couldn't be happier to be connected to a clean-reads publisher who believes in providing books that matter for children and teens. I'm thankful for the support of the Write2Ignite community (Jean Hall and I go way back--she's known about Half-Truths for a very long time!).

Here is the pitch for the book:

A 16-year-old Southern girl wants to become a journalist to shed light on 1950’s racial injustice but can she overcome family constraints and her fears to make her voice heard?

Read more about my publishing journey here, on Joan Edwards' blog, or in this interview with my fellow Monarch, Russell Fellows.

Gail Cartee, Conference Registrar

I've gone both ways with publishing; self-publishing and traditional publishing. Years ago no one wanted to accept self-published books in their bookstores. The writer did everything: editing, finding pictures, publishing, and marketing. It cost a lot.

The second time I went the traditional publishing route with Elk Lake Publishing. My editor helped me edit the book and encouraged me to find an illustrator. Write2Ignite introduced me to author/illustrator, Samantha Bell.  Messages released in June 2023. I order books POD (print on demand), place my books in a local bookstore, and sell them at craft events. 

Messages is for children dealing with the loss of friends or family.  Publishing a book is not likely to make me rich and famous, but it is a way to give God's message to a world in need. I have probably given away more books than I've sold because I want to encourage children and families who need hope. 

Brenda Covert, 2 for 1 Critiques Coordinator

My participation in Write2Ignite's events contributed to my recent publishing contract. I got the idea for my Christmas picture book, working title "Meanwhile Back at the Manger" during Laura Sassi's W2I picture book master class in 2021. I thought about it now and then and finally wrote it before the 2023 W2I master class by Kim Peterson on writing hooks, queries, and proposals, where I polished a query letter to go with it. My W2I critique group helped me polish my manuscript. After I submitted my manuscript to Ambassador International, I waited 3 months and lost hope when I received a publishing contract by email! My picture book is now with one of their editors, and I'm working my way through 14 pages of marketing-type questions for the marketing team! I don't have a release date yet but I'm very excited!!

Kathy O' Neill, Critique Groups Coordinator

Kathy O'Neill, a lifelong horse lover and rider, is excited to have signed with Tyndale House Publishers for a devotional book for kids who love horses. Her critique group helped her hone her sample chapters for submission. She doesn't have a release date.

As a teacher, writer, and speaker, Kathy enjoys engaging children’s and adults’ hearts and hands to discover God and their creativity through art, history, and nature. She has written for The Quiet Hour, Light from the Word, Refresh Bible Study Magazine, Highlights, DevoKids, Clubhouse Jr., Starlight, and Appleseeds. Visit her website http://www.kathy-oneill.com/ to discover activities and workshops.

Kathy is represented by Dan Balow of the Steve Laube Literary Agency. 

Cindy Lynn Sawyer, Website Administrator and Newsletter Editor

Paxton decides to set out on a journey, venturing from one room to the other. He is sure that there is an exciting adventure awaiting him under something in his home. But after looking beneath several objects, he realizes he was wrong — though a second glance might change everything. 

The Wonder of Under teaches preschoolers that adventure isn't just about what's out there; it's about what's within. Paxton's realization that he can create adventures from simple treasures he finds emphasizes the importance of imagination and resourcefulness. 

This story was inspired by one of Cindy's granddaughters who had a fascination with exploring the world from underneath as she began to crawl. After thorough research, Cindy has opted for self-publishing through her business, Designed2Glow, while also enlisting the assistance of professionals to ensure the creation of a quality picture book. The Wonder of Under will be launched next week! Subscribe to her newsletter through her website at designed2glow.com.

The Best Good News

Of course, we know that none of our words can ever compare to the Word of God. And the BEST news isn't our publishing news. It is the Great News of the Gospel.

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1: 17, KJV

Do you have good news to share? We'd like to hear about it!