In early November, I hosted an energizing discussion with a few of my fellow writers. Four diverse, dynamic women shared their publishing journeys. They dropped pearls of wisdom on everything from circuitous paths to agents, researching and querying small presses, landing two-book deals with big publishers, and whopping seven-book deals with an entertainment company. We touched on practical tips for school and library visits, developing relationships with your local bookstore, and so much more!

Meet the authors and their books

_{(Note: all books are available at major retailers in addition to the links I’ve provided to our fabulous local indie, Rediscovered Books)}

Kimberly Horch is a mother of five and self-proclaimed day brightener. I can confirm, she absolutely is! Her debut picture book, Sawyer’s Big Idea, was published by Magination Press earlier this year. It celebrates the messy process some of us have when it comes to creativity – or life in general. Kimberly calls it her autobiography! She shares what it was like to sell the book without an agent and how she subsequently landed one, revising the manuscript based on feedback, the joys of working with a small press, and other insights.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson’s publishing story showcases the value of research and resilience. She carefully researched and targeted a press for her non-fiction picture book, The Horse Who Wanted To Fly, and was initially rejected. But when she learned some new information about that press and strategically tried again, her book was accepted. Pam shares the full details of that story, what it’s like to fly without an agent, her approaches to marketing, and much more.

Jan M. Flynn’s debut middle grade fantasy, Griffin Speaker, comes out May 2026. It’s absolutely fabulous…I know because I got to read the advanced reader copy (ARC)! I’m still pinching myself about that. Jan shares her path to her agent with a historical non-fiction book, why she shifted gears to write middle grade fantasy, how she landed her current editor at Disney Hyperion, the timeframe from book sale to publication, and other fantastic gems.

Devri Walls has a publishing story that you won’t believe until you hear it. She has multiple YA / crossover fantasy series and her latest, Transcendents, is coming soon. Her journey started at one press, moved to a hybrid, and now she’s writing cannon for an entertainment company that includes comic books and screenwriters. Devri joined us the day after she returned from Rome where she was conducting research for book two. She covered the power of personal connections, trusting your gut, focusing on marketing that works for you and more.

I could go on, but, really, it’ll be faster and more fun to watch the video!

_{(Note: Yes, I know the video quality is fuzzy. I recorded the session with OBS and cropped after the fact. Sorry about that – I’m not a media expert, but lesson learned for next time!)}