One middle grade book’s journey from book deal to launch, and beyond…

Psst…did you hear that Griffin Speaker debuted last month? And was promptly selected as an Indie Next Kids’ List pick and featured in Barnes & Noble’s Best Kids’ Books of 2026 (so far)?

If not, you probably don’t follow me on Instagram. I was a little excited. Okay, more than a little. It’s not every day that your critique partner’s middle grade fantasy novel novel hits the shelves!

Suffice it to say I was thrilled to have a front row seat for the launch of this beautiful, magical adventure. How long did the journey take? Were there any twists and turns? Since you may not have followed it as closely as I did, here’s a fly-by (oh yes, pun intended) of some key milestones for one traditionally published middle grade book.

Summer 2023

Rachel Stark, while at Disney-Hyperion, acquires Griffin Speaker and its sequel in a two-book deal.

January 2025

Editing and a flurry of important work has been taking place behind the curtain. The deal is announced in Publishers Marketplace and Publishers Weekly (above). Around that same time, Jan reveals Matt Rockefeller will do the cover art, plus a dozen or so stunning illustrations incorporated throughout the book (one example below).

August 2025

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) arrive in the mail! I oh-so-proudly receive one and can’t stop smiling from ear to ear.

November 2025

Jan joins a panel of local kidlit authors to discuss her journey to publication and shares her insights on the industry.

March 2026

Early launch activities commence with Disney Publishing’s spring/summer preview on the American Library Association’s Booklist Webinar, a “Middle School Magic” online panel with the School Library Journal, and an in-person turn at the Texas Library Association Conference in Houston – complete with panel discussions and a book signing event (below).

May 2026

Pub day is finally here! My pre-ordered copy of Griffin Speaker arrives in the mail and a dizzying array of events commence: Jan’s official launch party at Rediscovered Books, followed by an in-store event and book signing at Barnes & Noble Boise, then off to San Francisco for an author presentation at Town School and in store event at Books Inc. Laural Village where Jan was in conversation with NYT bestselling author Kiyash Monsef. Finally, the book tour concluded with an event at Barnes & Noble Hillsdale in San Mateo.

June 2026

Exciting news arrives…Griffin Speaker is now heading into its second printing with word that this edition will include the full-spread map (below) created by fantasy map artist extraordinaire, Virginia Allyn. If you enjoy maps, you’ll want to click that link. Also, while visiting Colorado, Jan pops into bookstores to sign copies for excited readers.

August 2026 (upcoming)

More events and books signings planned, including at Pages, A Bookstore in Manhattan Beach on August 8 and Barnes & Noble’s Huntington Beach store on August 9.

Whew!

There you have it: a brief peek inside the rather opaque world of traditional publishing through the lens of one middle grade book. Just under three years from book sale to publication. Nine months from ARCs to publication. Virtual and in-person launch events (primarily focused on librarians) started three months ahead of publication. A party plus five events to celebrate the official launch. Drop-ins whenever a bookstore is nearby, with continued coordination of clustered events in a particular locale.

It’s a lot, and Jan is doing all that while wrapping up edits on book two, Griffin Rider, due out summer of 2027.

I’d say she’s earned herself a warm mug of Root Elixer! 😉