A Publisher's Life

Giving Back

2010-03-30T00:07:00.003-05:00

Hello All!

As spring (and quickly following in Texas) summer approaches, we are going to be doing a little Spring Cleaning.

We have some overstocked older titles in our warehouses as well as some ARC's from past releases. We will be "Sharing" these with schools and organizations that could use a little help with their libraries.

If you have a need for a few Children's Books please email me the following:

Your Name:

School/Organization Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Age Groups:

AND

Tell us a little about your school or Organization:

Through the Spring and Summer, as time permits, Blooming Tree Press will box up some of these wonderful titles to share with those who can put them to good use.

Email your requests to btporders@gmail.com

Please understand that there are a limited number of books so when we run out we are done.

Thanks!
Miriam Hees

Blooming Tree Website Down

2010-03-23T23:41:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who let me know that the Blooming Tree Press website is down. I am very grateful. I am in contact with the host people and it will hopefully be up tomorrow.

Miriam

An Update

2010-03-12T20:12:00.001-06:00

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who is involved with me - As a part of Blooming Tree Press or otherwise - for your amazing patience as you wait for me to contact you and get work done for you. I have not forgotten about a single thing.

It has been a very bad winter physically for me and it has put me in a postion for the first time, in a long time, of not being able to get all my work done in a timely manner. It has frustrated me to no end.

But I finally feel the warm light summer coming back - along with my energy. I am ready to get down to business again. Feel very free to send me a reminder email if I have not done or said what I have promised.

It's good to be back in the game.

Miriam

New Website!

2010-02-24T18:18:00.003-06:00

Blooming Tree Press has just put up a new and improved website and online store!

Follow the links below to our updated website. All submission information as well as a Newsletter is now available. There are a few pages we are still working on, so it's not perfect yet!

Also visit our new BTP Store with Grand Opening specials on all of our books. Enjoy!

www.bloomingtreepress.com
www.bloomingtreepress.com/store.html

The Princess and the Pee

2010-02-04T20:54:00.004-06:00

Please join me in congratulating Author Susan A. Meyers on another great book.

AND introducing Manelle Oliphant, illustrator for:

The Princess and the Pee
ISBN: 978-1933831121
February 2010

Princess Pia Scarlett wants to sleep on the top bunk. That's the only way she can see the fireflies. But her sister, The Darling Milicent, refuses to switch bunks until Pia stops wetting the bed. So, they make a bet, seven nights dry and Pia gets to see fireflies.
Which sister will win?

Pre-Order your copy now!

2010! A Very Good Year!

2010-01-22T06:55:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone is settling down after the holidays and working on a great 2010! BTP is working hard on more titles. Some have just been released and more coming throughout the year.

Stay tuned for updates and what we are up to.

Until then, let us know what you have going for 2010. What are you working on? What do you hope to accomplish? How do you see publishing for 2010?

Miriam

2010 Bloom Award Submission Guidelines

2009-12-30T16:51:00.002-06:00

Here it is! The new guidelines!

This award is for unpublished authors only. Each year's award will consist of a different genre, age group and imprint. This award WILL result in the offer of a publishing contract for one lucky winner. (Disclaimer: If both parties come to an agreement)

2010 Details

The second Bloom Award will only be open to the following type of manuscript:

Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Light Romance Fiction (However, sex is not appropriate for books at our press. The romance should be along the lines of the stuff found in Life in the Pit.)
Imprint: "Tire Swing" (our children's/YA paperback imprint)

Requirements

The following will be required as part of your package that you submit:

A Book Proposal
A Detailed Synopsis
A Detailed Outline
An Author Biography (include email address)
The First 3 Chapters

All manuscripts need to be submitted in a standard format (i.e. 8 ½ X 11 double-spaced pages, 12 point standard font, white paper).

Additional Information

Our definition of an unpublished author consists of no previous full length published book in the children's or Young Adult market. Published short stories, poems, magazine articles, or adult books don't count.
Only one entry per person will be allowed.
If you make the first cut you will have to be able to produce the completed manuscript immediately. So don't enter if you don't have a completed or near completed manuscript.
Manuscript length should be no less than 40,000 words but no more than 65,000 words.
If you are the winner you must be willing to promote and market your book to the best of your ability.

Submission Dates and Mailing Information

Postmarks are as follows:

Submissions begins: May 17, 2010
Submissions Deadline is: October 31, 2010

Please make sure your submission is not postmarked before May 17th or after October 31st.

Please mark clearly on the outside of the package “The Bloom Award”.

Note: All submissions will be read but no material will be returned. All communication will be via email and phone.

Mailing Address:

Blooming Tree Press
P.O. Box 140934
Austin, Texas 78714

The Winner will be announced no later than December 25th 2010. The winning book will be released each year on Mildred Bloom’s birthday – April 25th. (Book release to be April 25th 2012)

Winners of The Bloom Award!

2009-12-25T11:19:00.002-06:00

I am proud to announce the winners of the very 1st "The Bloom Award".

1st PLACE:
Laurie Wallmark for Sisterly Mystery

Honor Book Winner:
LInda Hurst & Linda Lee for The Seeing Eye Detectives

Please join me in congratulating these talented authors!

We Have A Winner!

2009-12-14T09:06:00.001-06:00

Hello All,

It is done! The winner of "The Bloom Award" 2009 and its Honor Book has been selected. The winner will be notified by a phone call from me on December 25th! The Winner and Honor Book will be posted here and on my facebook page on the 25th as well.

2010 guidelines for "The Bloom Award" will be posted in January.

Miriam Hees

Mildred Bloom

2009-12-03T09:06:00.004-06:00

It's days like this I like to think about the person who took a chance on me, my mom, Mildred Bloom.

April 25, 1919 - December 3, 2007.

New Imprints - Ready Blade

2009-12-01T21:15:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

We have several new imprints in progress at Blooming Tree Press. One of the next ones to go full force is Ready Blade. They will begin with Graphic Novel series and do other things close to that genre in the future.

Ready Blade has several series in the work but they are looking for local artist that would like to be a part of the team. If you live in Austin, Texas or close by and would like to be a part of this new and exciting imprint, please email me at bloomingtree@gmail.com

Let's have some fun!

Miriam Hees

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T20:36:00.002-06:00

To all of you, our friends and family,

We at Blooming Tree Press, CBAY Books, Ready Blade, Tire Swing Books and all our up and coming imprints - wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

I, personally, have so many things to be thankful for this year. There were lots of challenges and not just a few hard moments, but all in all I am thankful for my wonderful family - my co-workers here at BTP - and all of you who make my life so wonderful. You make me smile!

Please share what you are thankful for. Maybe it's something I can add to my list.

Miriam

The Bloom Award Top 10!

2009-11-15T21:07:00.005-06:00

I am please to announce the Top 10 Authors

in the running for "The Bloom Award"

(in no particular order)

1. Peggy Kennedy - The Family Secret - A Rainy Day

2. Samantha Louise Bond - The Mystery of the Lost Treasure

3. Pat Toole - Box of Five Arrows

4. Debbie Kump - Disappearances

5. Linda Hurst and Linda Lee - The Seeing Eye Detective: Case of the Disappearing Dog

6. Laurie Wallmark - Sisterly Mystery

7. Suzanne Y. Cordatos - Deserted On Delos

8. Anne McGee - The Mystery at Marlatt Manor

9. Suzanne Kehde - The Ghost and the ipod:A Jade Hill Mystery

10. Liz Tetley - First Case Scenario

The first place and honor winner will be announced on Christmas Day.

I want to thank all of you who honored Blooming Tree Press and Mildred Bloom with your submissions. They were all great and it was very hard to whittle it down to 10.

We will post new guidelines in January 2010 for the next one. "The Bloom Award" - 2nd annual.

Until then . . . write on!

Miriam Hees
Publisher
Blooming Tree Press

The Bloom Award - Update

2009-11-11T16:18:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

I want to give an update on The Bloom Award contest, so here it is!

If you were emailed or called regarding your entry into The Bloom Award, you have made the top 20. Congrats!

We are currently reviewing these entries and we will have a top 10 very shortly.

Just a note:
If you made the top 20, and you don't win The Bloom Award, your manuscript will still be forwarded to CBAY Books if you had a Sci-Fi/Fantasy twist or to Tire Swing Books for all others. These manuscripts will be treated as "requested, non-exclusive submissions" and will be reviewed in full by an editor. You will only be notified by one of these editors if they are interested in your manuscript.

Stay tuned for the top 10!

Miriam Hees

The Bloom Award - Thank You

2009-11-01T00:19:00.003-05:00

The postmark deadline has past for this years entry into "The Bloom Award". I want to thank not only all of you who have entered but those who have wished us well with it.

We will have a top ten list no later than November 25th, 2009 with the winner and honor winner being announced on December 25th, 2009.

In January of 2010 we will post the new submission guidelines for the 2010 entries. It will be a different genre and category and we are already getting those guidelines ready.

Thanks again for being a part of this very special award.

Miriam Hees

Acquisitions Process?

2009-10-28T12:20:00.003-05:00

I have been asked many times what is the acquisitions process is for Blooming Tree Press, CBAY books and all their imprints. So, Madeline Smoot has kindly shared our process via a flow chart. Find the like below. Happy Reading!

http://www.madelinesmoot.com/buriededitor/acquisitions.pdf

Thanks, Madeline!

Miriam Hees

Congrats to our Cybils Award Nominees!

2009-10-23T11:56:00.003-05:00

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CYBILS AWARD NOMINEES

IN THE CATEGORY: Fantasy and Science Fiction - middle/elementary

Author P.J. Hoover for:
The Emerald Tablet (The Forgotten Worlds)ISBN: 9781933767130
Imprint: CBAY Books
Navel of the World, The (The Forgotten Worlds, Book 2)ISBN: 9781933767147
Imprint: CBAY Books

Author David Michael Slater for:
The Book of Knowledge (Sacred Books, Volume II)ISBN: 9781933767024
Imprint: CBAY Books

Author Donna St. Cyr for:
The Secrets of the Cheese Syndicate ISBN: 9781933767109
Imprint: CBAY Books

IN THE CATEGORY: Middle Grade Fiction

Author Stacy Nyikos for:
Dragon Wishes ISBN: 9781933831114
Imprint: Blooming Tree Press for Children

Let's give them all a big hand and best wishes.

Miriam Hees

The Bloom Award - Deadline Approaching!

2009-10-04T18:34:00.004-05:00

Hello All!

Just wanted to remind everyone that "The Bloom Award" entry deadline is fast approaching!

http://www.bloomingtreepress.com/bloomaward.html

October 31st, 2009 is the last postmarked day we will accept entries. (See above link for submission guidelines or check previous blog post) We are just loving the entries we have received so far and we look forward to yours as well.

Thanks for supporting Blooming Tree Press

Miriam Hees

P.S. This years winner will be announced on Christmas Day 2009!

Arizona SCBWI

2009-09-23T13:16:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Bradford and I will be at the Arizona SCBWI conference this weekend. We can't wait! Hope to see all Arizonan's there!

Miriam

Lorenzo and the Pirate

2009-09-16T17:59:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Well, it's time for another preview of our fall line. This time it's "Lorenzo and the Pirate" by Lila and Rick Guzmán.

Below find a preview of the cover, about the book as well as some very nice pre-publication endorsements.

Congrats Lila and Rick!

Miriam

Lorenzo is off on his next adventure! This time, he sails the high seas with pirates.

It is 1779. Eighteen-year-old Lorenzo Bannister boards a pirate ship to give medical aid and amputates the captain’s leg to save his life. The British attack and sink the pirate ship, marooning Lorenzo and an amnesiac pirate on a deserted island.

Endorsed by Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico: "Skilled is the author who interweaves adventure and history into a rollicking yarn that teaches while it entertains. Lorenzo and the Pirate takes the young adult reader into the tangled times of the American Revolution, when Britain was at war with her rebelling colonies. The newest in a series of Lorenzo adventure books by Lila Guzman, Lorenzo and the Pirate will keep you captivated as history comes alive, through the exciting adventures of Lorenzo and his friends."

Mimi Lozano, Somos Primos, calls it: “a great adventure. Once again, the history of the time period was woven effortless into the background. I can’t wait for the sequel as Blackie’s unknown past unravels.

The book is entertaining historical fiction in a colonial era and place often overlooked by other authors. (Wesley Odom, President, Pensacola Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution)

Lorenzo and the Pirates is a stirring and thoroughly entertaining story that kept me turning the pages, wondering what would happen next. Lila Guzman integrates the historical setting and events into the story so naturally that one learns a great deal without even realizing it. The characters are engaging and realistic, and the plot has twists and turns that both young adult and adult readers will enjoy. Highly recommended! J. M. Hochstetler, author of the American Patriot Series (Daughter of Liberty, Native Son, and Wind of Spirit) and an a contemporary novel, One Holy Night

Lorenzo and the Pirate, the 4th novel in the Lorenzo series, joins:

Lorenzo’s Secret Mission (Book 1)
Finalist, Book of the Year (Young Adult Category), Foreward Magazine, 2001.
Finalist, Golden Spur Award (Texas State Reading Association), 2005

Lorenzo’s Revolutionary Quest (Book 2)
National TCARA Book Award, 2006

Lorenzo and the Turncoat (Book 3)
Arizona Authors 2006 Literary Award

Twitter Time!

2009-08-05T12:58:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have finally joined in!

You can twitter with me now!

bloomingbooks

Talk to you soon!

Miriam

The Bloom Award - Submission Guidelines

2009-07-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

Submission Guidelines

The Bloom Award

The follow are the submission guidelines for the literary award named "The Bloom Award". This award celebrates the life of Mildred Bloom, Matriarch of Blooming Tree Press. Mildred Bloom passed away in 2007 at the amazing age of 88, but in those previous 88 years she touch thousands of peoples lives with her generosity, hard work, faith and her never-ending belief that hopes and dreams will always prevail.

So here we go!

This award is for unpublished authors only. Each year's award will consist of a different genre, age group and imprint. This award WILL result in a publishing contract for one lucky winner. (Disclaimer: if all parties can come to an agreement.)

More Details

The first Bloom Award will consist of the following:
1. Age Group: Middle Grade.
2. Genre: Mystery/Adventure, Who-Done-It. (Fiction Only)
3. Imprint: "Tire Swing" (our children's paperback imprint)

Requirements

The following will be required as part of your package that you submit:

1. A Book Proposal

2. A Detailed Synopsis

3. A Detailed Outline

4. An Author Biography (include email address)

5. The First 3 Chapters (8 ½ X 11 double-spaced pages, 12 point font)

Additional Information

1. Our definition of an unpublished author consists of no previous full length published book in the children's or Young Adult market. Published short stories, poems or magazine articles don't count.

2. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

3. If you make the first cut you will have to be able to produce the completed manuscript immediately. So don't enter if you don't have a completed or near completed manuscript.

4. Manuscript length should be no less than 18,000 words but no more than 40,000 words.

5. If you are the winner you must be willing to promote and market your book to the best of your ability.

Submission and Mailing Information

Postmarks are as follows: Submissions begins: May 18, 2009 Submissions Deadline is: October 31, 2009 Please make sure your submission is not postmarked before May 18th or after October 31st. Please mark clearly on the outside of the package “The Bloom Award”.

Mailing Address:
Blooming Tree Press
P.O. Box 140934
Austin, Texas 78714

Note: All submissions will be read but no material will be returned.

The Winner will be announced no later than December 25th 2009. The winning book will be released each year on Mildred Bloom’s birthday – April 25th. (First release to be April 25th 2011)

For any questions or concerns, please submit those via The Publisher’s Life Blog. http://www.apublisherslife.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your patience and best of luck.

Miriam Hees
Publisher
Blooming Tree Press

The Kulak's Daughter

2009-07-08T12:41:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

Here is the second preview covers I promised you.

The Kulak's Daughter by Gabriele Goldstone is a middle grade novel that will be coming out this fall in our new division "Tire Swing". It will release as an original paperback. Below is a small teaser for the book.

Gabe, you did a great job.

This is a powerful story and I hope with all my heart that your mother will be proud of it and of you.

Olga likes little things - especially the tiny apples in the orchard in the spring, or her baby brother's little toes. But when her family is labeled 'Kulak' and exiled to Siberia, she starts to hate little things - especially the bedbugs that overrun the barrack at night, or the lice that carry the dreaded typhus. Suddenly Olga's little world is overwhelmed by Stalin's big plans.

Haven

2009-06-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Here is the first of many preview covers for this year and next.

Haven by Beverly Patt is a middle grade novel that will be coming out this fall in our new division "Tire Swing". It will release as an original paperback. Below is a small teaser for the book.

Bev, you did a great job. I can't wait to see Haven in your hands and in stores this fall!

Fourteen-year-old Latonya Dennison needs a home and, as luck would have it, Rudy Morris’s home is available. However, because Latonya is black and Rudy’s family is white, the foster care system is unwilling to make the placement. When Latonya, Rudy and Rudy’s goofball friend, Stark, take matters into their own hands, each discovers a unique definition of family, as well as a few surprises along the road.

IT'S A BOY!

2009-06-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

Congrats to our very own Madeline Smoot!

Miles Ryan was born June 14th 2009. He is healthy, happy and now our youngest member of the company.

Welcome to the family, Miles!

Miriam

Blooming Tree Press Website Active

2009-06-20T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Blooming Tree Press website has been cleaned, fixed and de-hackered!

Yeah!

Thank you for all of your patience.

Miriam Hees

Blooming Tree Press Website Update

2009-06-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

It appears that a hacker has gotten a hold of our website. We will be taking it down and fixing it so as not to infect any one's computer that comes to visit us on the site.

Thanks you for your patience. We are still here and the website will be back just as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone who alerted us.

Miriam Hees

Blooming Tree Press Website

2009-06-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

It appears the Blooming Tree Press website has had a ghost move in. We are working to fix that now. Thank you for your patience.

Miriam Hees

A Few Anniversaries!

2009-06-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Just wanted to drop a personal note and some news. We are celebrating a few anniversaries here. It is our seven year anniversary of publishing our first book at Blooming Tree Press - and today is my 27th wedding anniversary. Yeah!

All in all I'd say I am a very happy girl!

Also, we have 3 titles about to come out.

1. Lorenzo and the Pirate by Lila Guzman

2. The Kulak's Daughter by Gabriele Goldstone

3. Haven by Beverly Patt

There are 1-2 other titles for the end of the year but I'll announce those later.

Congrats Ladies on your success!

Miriam Hees

BTP Submission Update

2009-06-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Just a quick update. All requested submissions from conference attendees, agents or those we personally requested are still be reviewed. I apologize for the wait. I know it's hard. We have a long standing history of reviewing every submission carefully so this tends to create a back log for you and for us.

Remember than unless we specified to you we wanted an exclusive period to consider your manuscript we have always regarded all submissions as simultaneous. Please feel free to submit your work to other publishers. We feel it would be very unfair to you to have a lock on your submission.

If you have questions you may status query at btpsubmissions@gmail.com

BTP is working hard and still loving publishing! As always we appreciate you and your words.

Miriam Hees

Austin SCBWI Boot Camp

2009-05-30T08:14:00.001-05:00

Morning All!

On April 25th Blooming Tree Press hosted a Boot Camp for writers. This Boot Camp was set up by the Austin Chapter of the SCBWI and was done with absolute precision!

Six members of the BTP staff** had a fabulous time teaching and learning at this intense and very select all day session. Classes included Plotting and Characterization, Working Side-by-Side With an Editor, Getting Your Manuscript Submission Ready, Websites and Blogging as well as one on one critiques.

I was so impressed with the writers and illustrators who attended. They were obviously dedicated to their craft and willing and ready to learn as much as they could.

I want to say a special thank you to Tim Crow, Regional Advisor for the Austin SCBWI and his whole staff. Being a part of functions like this are only as successful as the people in charge. You did a great job!

Miriam Hees

**Miriam Hees -Publisher
Bradford Hees - Editorial Director
Madeline Smoot - Publisher/CBAY Books
Anna Herrington Editorial Director
Judy Brown - Editorial Staff
Jackie Cannon - Editorial Staff

SCBWI Oregon Spring Conference

2009-05-17T20:07:00.001-05:00

Hi All!

I just spent a wonderful weekend in Portland with the Oregon SCBWI. I had a fabulous time! I was taken sightseeing, I ate at the restaurant where they filmed the prom scene of Twilight and then best of all I was treated like a queen by the staff, writers and illustrators at the Spring Conference.

I want to say a special thank you to Robin, Judi and the whole staff who worked so hard and treated me so special.

It always invigorates me to spend time with writers and illustrators who still have that burning passion for the craft. Thanks to all of you for filling up my tank.

Miriam Hees

Update Plus a Sweet Dreams Preview

2009-05-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

It's a busy time of year for BTP. We are working on getting 2009 titles out, attending and speaking at Spring Conferences and trying our best to go through and respond to ALL the submissions that we still have in our possession. Thank you so much for your patience on this as we do our best to read your work and then make the hard decision of what is best for our lists. With so many great submissions I would say it is one of the hardest parts of our job.

I hope you are all getting your submission ready for The Bloom Award. I know I am excited about reading them. The Bloom Award has been in the planning stages for many many years and I am just delighted to be able to see it come to light.

Now to save the best for last. As many of you know we do Anthologies. The latest one that will be coming out in 2010 is Sweet Dreams - a Picture Book poetry collection. For those of you who are in Sweet Dreams and for those who are supporting these authors and poets, here is a preview of the cover of Sweet Dreams! Nancy Miller is our illustrator and is working hard on this fabulous book. When I saw the cover I just couldn't wait to share it with all of you.

Enjoy!

Miriam Hees

The Bloom Award- Submission Guidelines

2009-04-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Submission Guidelines

The Bloom Award

The follow are the submission guidelines for the literary award named "The Bloom Award". This award celebrates the life of Mildred Bloom, Matriarch of Blooming Tree Press.

Mildred Bloom passed away in 2007 at the amazing age of 88, but in those previous 88 years she touch thousands of peoples lives with her generosity, hard work, faith and her never-ending belief that hopes and dreams will always prevail.

So here we go!

This award is for unpublished authors only. Each year's award will consist of a different genre, age group and imprint. This award WILL result in a publishing contract for one lucky winner. (Disclaimer: if all parties can come to an agreement.)

More Details

The first Bloom Award will consist of the following:

1. Age Group: Middle Grade.
2. Genre: Mystery/Adventure, Who-Done-It. (Fiction Only)
3. Imprint: "Tire Swing" (our children's paperback imprint)

Requirements

The following will be required as part of your package that you submit:

1. A Book Proposal
2. A Detailed Synopsis
3. A Detailed Outline
4. An Author Biography (include email address)
5. The First 3 Chapters
(8 ½ X 11 double-spaced pages, 12 point font)

Additional Information

1. Our definition of an unpublished author consists of no previous full length published book in the children's or Young Adult market. Published short stories, poems or magazine articles don't count.
2. Only one entry per person will be allowed.
3. If you make the first cut you will have to be able to produce the completed manuscript immediately. So don't enter if you don't have a completed or near completed manuscript.
4. Manuscript length should be no less than 18,000 words but no more than 40,000 words.
5. If you are the winner you must be willing to promote and market your book to the best of your ability.

Submission and Mailing Information

Postmarks are as follows:

Submissions begins: May 18, 2009
Submissions Deadline is: October 31, 2009

Please make sure your submission is not postmarked before May 18th or after October 31st.

Please mark clearly on the outside of the package “The Bloom Award”.

Mailing Address:

Blooming Tree Press
P.O. Box 140934
Austin, Texas
78714

Note: All submissions will be read but no material will be returned.

The Winner will be announced no later than December 25th 2009. The winning book will be released each year on Mildred Bloom’s birthday – April 25th. (First release to be April 25th 2011)

For any questions or concerns, please submit those via The Publisher’s Life Blog.
http://www.apublisherslife.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your patience and best of luck.
Miriam Hees
Publisher
Blooming Tree Press

Submission Guideline Change

2009-03-31T16:34:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

We have a small change in the care of submissions. As before, we only accept agented submission, submission from conferences we speak at and submission that correspond with awards or contest we are running.

In the past we have returned submissions that were not requested, but we will no longer be doing that. The large number we get each week takes too much staff time to return.

As of April 1st, 2009, any non-requested submission will NOT be returned - they will be recycled.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Miriam Hees

P.S. The final details for The Bloom Award will be announced no later than next week!

Knowing Joseph - Finalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year!

2009-03-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

ForeWord Magazine Announces 2008 Book of the Year Award Finalists.

A huge congrats to Judith Mammay for her novel Knowing Joseph being selected as a finalists for ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award!

You go Judy!

Miriam

The Bloom Award - More Details!

2009-02-13T08:48:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

Although we are not yet ready for any submissions for "The Bloom Award" I wanted to give a little more information so you will be ready when we are.

Just To Recap

We are setting up a a literary award named "The Bloom Award" to celebrate the life of Mildred Bloom, Matriarch of Blooming Tree Press. This award will be for unpublished authors only. Each year's award will consist of a different genre, age group and imprint. This award WILL result in a publishing contract for one lucky winner. (Disclaimer: if all parties can come to an agreement.)

More Details

The first Bloom Award will consist of the following:

1. Age Group: Middle Grade.
2. Genre: Mystery/Adventure, Who-Done-It.
3. "Tire Swing" (our children's paperback imprint)

Requirements

The following will be required:

1. A Book Proposal

2. A Detailed Synopsis

3. A Detailed Outline

4. An Author Biography

5. The First 5 Chapters

Additional Information

1. Our definition of an unpublished author consists of no previous full length published book in the children's or Young Adult market. Published short stories, poems or magazine articles don't count.

2. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

3. If you make the first cut you will have to be able to produce the completed manuscript immediately. So don't enter if you don't have a completed or near completed manuscript.

4. If you are the winner you must be willing to promote and market your book to the best of your ability.

5. As this award is named after my amazing mother, I will need the winner to love children's books as much as Mildred and I did. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about this. I need that excitement from the winner as well.

AGAIN let me be clear. Please DO NOT send anything yet. It will not be read or returned. This information should get anyone interested started toward the entry process.

More information will be coming shortly.

Thank you for your patience and best of luck.

Miriam Hees

Publisher

Blooming Tree Press

Your NOT-to do List!

2008-12-28T16:37:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

I hope all of your Christmas and Holiday was fun and fabulous. Mine was! I can't think of anything better than spending time with family.

As I write this I am thinking of everything that was accomplished at BTP in 2008. 10 titles!!! That is amazing. I'm not sure we had planned on that many titles coming out but they did, they are awesome and we are proud as punch of all of our authors, illustrators and staff.

What does BTP have planned for 2009??? Well, quite a bit I'm sure, but I read something very interesting in a magazine yesterday about a "What NOT to do" list. I won't rewrite the whole thing but basically it was a list of NOT stress, NOT worrying, NOT taking on too much and living a more relaxed and enjoyable life.

For example:

I will not bring my work home with me. I will instead enjoy my friends and family and take the time to work on a hobby I have always wanted to try.

So right now I want to hear from as many of you as possible. Respond with your NOT-to-do list. I'll post them all together before the first of the year so we can all refer to them throughout the year!

Thanks!
Miriam

The Bloom Award

2008-12-02T16:56:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

After much planning on our part and much waiting on your part, we are beginning preparations for the first ever Bloom Award.

Below you will find initial information. Genre, age group, etc. This should give writers who might like to enter the competition a chance to think and plan.

Mildred would no doubt haved liked to read all the entries herself, but she will have to wait and hear the winner when it's done.

Information

We will be setting up a literary award named "The Bloom Award" to celebrate the life of Mildred Bloom, Matriarch of Blooming Tree Press. This award will be for unpublished authors only. Each year's award will consist of a different genre, age group and imprint. This award WILL result in a publishing contract for one lucky winner. (Disclaimer: if all parties can come to an agreement.)

"The Bloom Award" (the first) will be consist of the following:

1. Age Group: Middle Grade.
2. Genre: Mystery/Adventure, Who-Done-It.
3. "Tire Swing" Imprint.

We are still working on the rules and details and time for submission. Please DO NOT send anything yet. It will not be read.

More information will follow in January 2009. Thank you for your patience and best of luck.

Miriam Hees
Publisher
Blooming Tree Press

Little Bunny Kung Fu named a Finalist in the Borders 2008 Original Voices Awards

2008-11-25T16:06:00.001-06:00

I just can't wait to announce that Little Bunny Kung Fu, written and Illustrated by Regan Johnson is one of the six finalist in the 2008 Borders Original Voices Awards for Picture Books!

The announcement came out today (see link below) and of course all of here at Blooming Tree Press are thrilled!

http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/11-24-2008/0004931977&EDATE=

Let's give a big congratulations to Regan Johnson and keep our fingers, toes and anything else we can think of crossed that she will win!

Way to go Regan and Little Bunny Kung Fu!

Thanks,

Miriam Hees and
Bradford Hees (our proud Editorial Director who first spotted Regan and her amazing Bunny!)

The Life of Books

2008-11-19T08:26:00.001-06:00

Morning All,

I get this question a lot.

"How is the publishing business going? Are you guys doing all right?

My answer is yes.

Now that doesn't mean we aren't feeling the effects of the economy. Everyone on this planet is as far as I can tell, but we are doing things to make sure that our books keep coming out.

When I read the publishing news there is a constant chatter of how this company and that company is cutting here, trimming there. The number of titles are being reduced in many publishing houses and it's getting harder and harder for authors to sell.

With that said I will say this. Books will always be around. Period.

Blooming Tree Press is making changes by:

Creating new imprints to produce more affordable paperbacks than hardcovers.

Offering monthly specials at our Blooming Tree Bookshop.

Offering big discounts for large orders and classroom sets.

We are economizing in the office with our supplies.

How and where BTP staff works.

The way we do business with the printing companies we use.

Recycling as much as we possibly can.

We are going to do everything we can to make sure our books are affordable as well as a fantastic read.

So don't stop writing, dear authors. Readers will always demand great stories to read and Blooming Tree Press will be there to give them to you.

Miriam Hees

"Patrick the Somnambulist" made The ABC Best Books for Children Catalog 2008!

2008-11-05T21:00:00.000-06:00

Greetings!

Join me in giving a super huge congratulations to Sarah Ackerley and Patrick the Somnambulist!

They made The ABC (The Association of Booksellers for Children) Best Books for Children Catalog 2008!

The ABC Best Books for Children Catalog is a full-color 20 page consumer circular which is distributed through ABC member stores in the fall. The catalog features 225 frontlist and 30 backlist titles, with an annual print run of about 400,000. The catalog is fully vetted, and features bookseller favorites, award winners, and critically acclaimed titles.

You can find an online version of the catalog by clicking on the link below or go to the ABC website for lots of great information.

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=b09b985a-9f13-413c-9768-a3a6bf1ccf88

I am so proud of you and Patrick, Sarah. I salute you!

Miriam Hees

A Feeling of Fall

2008-11-03T08:52:00.001-06:00

Greetings!

I don't know about where you are but in Texas we are starting to feel a touch of fall.

I'm sure many of you are heading straight into winter, but either way it makes me have a different feeling about my day and about what I want to do and read.

For me, iced coffee turns to hot lattes and salads turn to rich soups and hearty breads.

But most importantly I like to curl up in a soft, warm blanket and reach for my stack of yet to be read books.

Today my stack is heavy with, yet to be read, full manuscripts that my hands are just itching for. This is the time of year I do a lot of my personal selections for the coming years of publications.

As far as my personal reading in concerned, I might re-read for the hundredth time Pride and Prejudice or see what's new with one of my favorite romance novelist.

Now it's your turn to Post!

1. What is your favorite book?
2. What new book do you want to curl up with?
3. What is your favorite fall foods?

Have a great Monday!

Miriam

STATUS QUERY FOR BLOOMING TREE PRESS

2008-10-27T17:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I wanted to drop a line to try and get questions and concerns answered regarding prior submissions to Blooming Tree Press.

First let me say that if we have your submission, and we have not sent you a rejection letter, we DO have interest in your work. That does not necessarily mean we will be able to publish it, but it does mean that we think your work has extreme merit.

As you know, we are a small press with a small staff but we still want to respond to the submissions we request and receive in a timely manner. We have always stated that six months is our nearest timeline for response, so here is what I would like those with unanswered submissions to do.

1. Please note that we are still closed to unsolicited queries or submissions and only take Agented inquiries or submissions from conferences we speak at. This is NOT a call for submissions.

2. If you submitted to us during our unsolicited time (which would have been prior to October 2007) or if you have submitted by way of an agent or as a conference attendee and have not had any response from a submission prior to April 1, 2008, please status query us at btpsubmissions@gmail.com

3. If you have submitted after April 1, 2008 by way of an agent, a conference or a personal request, please wait until six months have passed and then status query us at the same email address.

Fortunately or unfortunately when a manuscript is impressive enough for us to hold on to it takes even longer in the process. Also remember to always feel free to simultaneously submit any work you have with us. Because of the long publishing process it is the only fair thing to do.

Again, thank you for trusting your words with us and best of luck in your writing persuits.

Miriam Hees

Publisher

Blooming Tree Press

Blooming Tree Bookshop - It's Back!!!

2008-10-19T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

The online Blooming Tree Bookshop has been out of order with many technical problems. Well, it's finally on the way back to greatness! It still has a few things that need polishing, but all in all it is ready for viewing.

Click on the link below or access it through the Blooming Tree Press website. We are having a sale on many of our titles to celebrate and will continue to put other titles on sale through the new year. Just click on the section called "Specials".

http://bloomingtreepress.com/catalog/index.php?osCsid=a0002d1cbb1b4ec6fbafc84a5cb77bfe

Have fun shopping!

Miriam

Welcome to the Premiere of CBAY Books!

2008-10-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

This is a very exciting time for Blooming Tree Press as we announce the opening of CBAY books with its premiere titles The Emerald Tablet, by P.J. Hoover and The Book of Nonsense, by David Michael Slater.

CBAY books (Children's Brains are Yummy!) is the brain child of Madeline Smoot. As owner of this amazing division, Madeline has worked hard to prepare and produce two fabulous middle grade novels which I know will be a big hit!

The Emerald Tablet and The Book of Nonsense are now on sale with their October releases.

Join me in congratulating P.J, David and most of Madeline for this amazing success.

Miriam

The Emerald Tablet Release!

2008-10-11T10:24:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

It seems that news for BTP just keeps getting better and better! Next up is the release of The Emerald Tablet by P.J. Hoover on October 21st, 2008.

This is a fabulous book released by CBAY books which is a wonderful part of BTP. Congrats to P.J. Hoover and to Madeline Smoot on the coming success of The Emerald Tablet.

I'm sure that P.J. and Madeline will be more than willing to answer any questions you have about writing and The Emerald Tablet. Ask away!

Miriam

Thank you New Orleans!

2008-10-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

Morning All!

I want to give a great big THANK YOU to the New Orleans SCBWI for having Madeline and myself as conference speakers this past weekend.

I was treated like a queen! I was impress not only by the city itself but by the quality of writers and illustrators at this SCBWI chapter.

New Orleans gang, you have lots of great talent and it was my honor to be a part of your conference and your city.

Miriam

Dragon Wishes Release!

2008-10-08T16:03:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

Dragon Wishes, by Stacy Nyikos will be released October 23, 2008. We are very excited about this new addition to the BTP family!

I am going to post a link to Stacy's brand new Book Trailer, but I also think now is the time to ask Stacy some questions about Dragon Wishes. How it came to be, how she wrote it, etc. Here is your chance to Ask-The-Author!

The Book Trailer Link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAPOjGhalG4

Have Fun!

Miriam

Heading for New Orleans

2008-10-02T10:33:00.000-05:00

Hi,

I am very excited to be heading for New Orleans to speak at their SCBWI Conference. Madeline and myself will be there this weekend and from what I have heard from many of my authors, this is a great bunch of people. So look out, here we come!

I'll let you know all about when I get back. Have a great weekend.

Miriam

Thought of the Day!
Do a kindness for someone you love today. One greater than you would do for your boss.

Fall Titles 2008 Blooming Tree Press

2008-09-29T11:53:00.000-05:00

Morning Everyone!

It's been a long time since I posted but here is a tidbit before I fly out to New Orleans to speak at the SCBWI Conference this weekend!

Here are our titles that are just out or coming out for the fall. Let's give these authors a great big hand!

1. The Emerald Tablet - P. J Hoover - October 2008 - CBAY Books
2. Life in the Pit - Kristen Landon - November 2008 - Blooming Tree Press
3. The Book of Nonsense - David Michael Slater - October 2008 - CBAY Books
4. Letters from Camp Lizard: Hold on to Your Tail - Regan Johnson - October 2008 - Tire Swing Books
5. Dragon Wishes - Stacy Nyikos - October 2008 - Blooming Tree Press

Congrats to all of you!

Miriam

Miriam Hees Cynsations Interview

2008-08-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

A BIG Thank You to Cynthia Leitich Smith for interviewing me about Blooming Tree Press. The links to the interview are below.

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2008/08/publisher-update-miriam-hees-of.html

http://cynleitichsmith.livejournal.com/106603.html

Miriam Hees

The Publishing Industry in a Changing Economy

2008-08-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

I get asked this same question all the time. How has the publishing industry changed in a changing economy?

I think in many ways it has stayed the same, yet it has changed as well.

Readers will always read books.

Readers are now even more selective about what they read.

Price does make a difference in what readers buy.

The publishing industry must adjust to #3.

Publishers must work harder to "sell" their books.

Authors must work harder and find new venues to sell and promote their books.

Readers will always read books - publishers must have what they want available.

Now a question for you. In these ever changing times what do you see or think will be seen in the publishing industry?

Miriam Hees - Blog Talk Radio

2008-08-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Well, in case you want to know all my deepest, darkest secrets, I'm going to be on Blog Talk Radio on August 17, 2008, 200 pm Pacific Time. Come join in if you like. Find the press release below for it. It tells you how to sign in and be a part of it!

Miriam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miriam Hees joins BlogTalkRadio host
Judy Gregerson on The Real Connection
August 17, 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Career+Family+Lupus

Everett , WA –August 5, 2008 –Independent publisher and publishing consultant, Miriam Hees, will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s show “The Real Connection” (http://blogtalkradio.com/the-real-connection) with host Judy Gregerson on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time. The interview will highlight Hee’s unusual beginnings and how she built a life for herself despite the medical obstacles she faced.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (347) 633-9413. The live Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/the-real-connection.

“Miriam Hees is an incredibly strong woman,” said Gregerson, host of the program. “She has survived Lupus, had several careers, and started her own publishing company, Blooming Tree Press, and now she’s established Frontlist Media, her publishing consulting firm. On the show, we’ll concentrate on how she managed to holds her life and family together while she fights the ravishing effects of Lupus and the drugs she has to take. We hope that listeners will call in and ask questions.”

“There are two kinds of Lupus sufferers,” Hees said. “The kind who give up and do nothing and the kind who take life by the horns and jump in, good or bad. There’s no in between and I’m the over-achieving kind.”

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show and listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page.

About “The Real Connection”:

The Real Connection is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that focuses on guests who have lived compelling lives, overcome great obstacles, and have something to share that will help others.

About BlogTalkRadio

BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive broadcast. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/

Press Contact:

Judy Gregerson
425-296-0922
judy@judygregerson.com

Pictures from BEA in LA

2008-07-17T13:10:00.001-05:00

Hi All,

I thought I'd share a few silly pictures of Madeline and I and our trip to Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Here goes!

Miriam and Madeline

My Favorite Yellow Thing

Miriam standing

Madeline taking picture of Miriam standing

. . . or she is getting on the bus?

Miriam standing in front of a cute stone creature thingy

Ah, what is there to say about Steven Spielberg but WOW!

Miriam in front of the Theatre

And last but not least "Sophia"

The Blooming Tree office Wonder Ferret!

...Ah, she didn't go to LA - I don't think. Hum...

Patrick the Somnambulist - Podcast Review!

2008-07-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sarah Ackerley, author/illustrator of Patrick the Somnambulist. Patrick is featured on:

Just One More Book!!

A podcast about the children's books we love and why we love them!

If you click on the link below you will go directly to the page. Once you are there, follow the directions to click play and enjoy this wonderful audio review!

Way to go Sarah!

http://www.justonemorebook.com/2008/07/16/loving-your-label-patrick-the-somnambulist/

Lists and Time Management

2008-07-06T15:18:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

I was reading my Children's Books Editorial Director, Madeline Smoot's blog, Buried in the Slush Pile where she posted about time management and lists. It is an awesome post and it got me to thinking. Lists are what we live by at BTP. I have 4 notebooks I carry with me at all times with lists on each and every thing that has been done, needs to be done, or things I am in the middle of working on. I know Bradford (Ready Blade's Editorial Director) and of course Madeline does, too.

So, to add to Madeline's post, how can you make the most of lists like we do?

Have at least one Notebook - Now, not everyone needs 4 notebooks, but if you have a least one with you at all times it can save you stress and grief.

Use Your Notebook - Every few days write down where you are in your project(s)(Include a date). List what you need to research, places you need to visit, or things you need to revise. Each time you add a new date, look back at previous list dates and make sure you have completed past lists.

Note Your Progress - When you look at past list, it will shows you what you've accomplished. This should give you quite a lift as well as keep you from missing things that you should have done.

Idea Pages - Remember to save a few pages in the back of your notebook for idea pages. I often get a fabulous idea somewhere, but by the time I'm near pen and paper I've forgotten what it was. To avoid not writing down the next Pulitzer Prize Winning Idea - write down every idea you get. When you look at it again it might seems horrible, but then again, it might be brilliant!

I know that only so much fits in this brain of mine, so I have to have lists. What other brilliant ideas do you have? Let us know!

Miriam

An Update from BTP

2008-06-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

This is the same message posted on "The Blueboard"

I want to thank everyone who submitted to the November Call. What a response and what talented authors and illustrators you all are! We are truly humbled here at BTP. Also, a HUGE thank you to Kay and Debbie for all their hard work. I know for sure there were more than 2,000 submissions and that is amazing work, ladies!

With the exception of the Adult Division, all of the submissions (email and snail mail) have been reviewed and decisions made. If you are still waiting for a response from the November Call, now is the time to status query.

*Note: If you are waiting on a response for anything submitted before the November call, we are still reviewing those submissions. Thank you for your patience.

Most of you already know this, but Blooming Tree Press is now a closed house to unsolicited submissions. We accept agented submissions and submissions from conference attendees where we speak and some professional references. Keep an eye on our website and if things settle down in the future we will let everyone know about any open call dates.

We are still working through the details for "The Bloom Award" to honor Mildred Bloom and we will let you know when that is ready and give you a list of the guidelines.

Our lists for all of our imprints are full through the beginning of 2010. In case you are interested here is a list of our imprints.

1. Blooming Tree Press (Children's - Adults)
2. CBAY Books (Our Edgier Children's Imprint)
3. Ready Blade (Our Graphic Novel Imprint)
4. Tire Swing Books (Our new Paperback Children's Imprint)
5. Sentinel Books (Our new Paperback Adult Imprint)

I want to personally thank every one of you for your support of BTP. No one could be luckier than I. I truly think of you as my friends.

Miriam Hees
Publisher/Managing Editor
Blooming Tree Press

Getting Your Manuscript Submission Ready

2008-06-10T22:18:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

As promised, I am going to give a few pointers on making sure your manuscript is submission ready. These are not pointers on how to write or what to write, this is about how the manuscript will look and what goes with it. Are you ready? Here we go!

Submitting to Agent or Or Publisher

Follow the Agent or Publisher guidelines exactly.
If asked for a Synopsis, Query or Outline be sure to keep them precise and to the point.
Do not submit a manuscript that has been put together at Kinkos to look like a book.

Page Format ( For all age books including picture books)

Page format should be 8 1/2 X 11 with 1 inch margins and 12 point font.
Double line space all pages.
Include page number, last name and title on each page.
Include name, address, phone number and email address on the first page.

Remember To

Type your manuscript on a computer if possible.
Send legibly printed pages.
State if it is a simultaneous submission.
Wait an appropriate amount of time before doing a status check.

As a publisher who receives hundreds of manuscripts at a time I wanted to explain what will make me take a manuscript seriously and what looks professional.

Please feel free to ask any questions you'd like regarding formatting and submitting.

Fun at BEA!

2008-06-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

I'm Back! From BEA and another conference. Both were very fun and very very tiring. I just love meeting new people and old friends.

It's now crunch time for fall releases and getting started on next years spring season. I'm excited about it and I'll post our Spring and Fall 2009 releases soon.

That's all I am posting today, but my next post will be a short and sweet lesson on getting a manuscript ready for submission. After teaching about it at this weekends conference I realized it was important to share with everyone.

Thought of the Day!
If writing didn't ever pay anything, would you still write?

BEA and PMA

2008-05-25T12:54:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

Well, it's time for a plane ride to Los Angles. On Wednesday I travel to Los Angles to meet up with Madeline for Book Expo America and some classes with the (PMA) the Independant Publishers Marketing group.

I hope to accomplish quite a few things on this trip. One, I will be looking for foreign rights agents for my authors and two I will be meeting with lots of colleagues and friends in the industry.

I will also be attending a dinner, (ABC) The Association of Booksellers for Children, with Madeline. There will a lot of the top Children's booksellers there and in addition BTP is a sponsor of the dinner. We are giving away 500 copies of our newest picture book "Patrick the Somnambulist" to guests at the dinner.

All in all it is going to be a blast as far as I can see! If you are going to be there please send me an email to bloomingtree@gmail.com so I can meet up with you to say hello!

Thought of the Day!
Say THANK YOU to a veteran today for bravely fighting for our freedom. They are the reason we can post to any blog we want freely.

Blooming Tree Authors

2008-04-20T17:37:00.000-05:00

Just couldn't pass up the chance to post a picture from the TLA 2008 Cultural Diversity Panel. Gabe, hope you don't mind I am using this picture.

From Left to Right:
Stacy Nyikos (Dragon Wishes), Beverly Patt (Some Birds Stay), Miriam Hees (just the publisher), Lila Guzman (Lorenzo the Pirate), Linda Joy Singleton (Into the Mirror), Gabriele Goldstone (The Kulak's Daughter).

These are the BTP authors and their titles coming out. (Some are tentitive titles) They were fabulous! It was great to hang out with all of you.

Part 2 - TLA Conference - Dallas, Texas

2008-04-19T18:15:00.000-05:00

Wednesday morning is when all the librarians are let into the Exhibit hall. We had until about 10:00am to have our area ready to go. Luckily for us, The Emerald Tablet ARC's arrived the night before for Madeline to pack up and bring to Dallas. Trisha (P.J. Hover) the author arrived and started signing her ARC's. It was quite thrilling for her to sign her very first publication.

Needless to say as soon as the attendees saw The Emerald Tablet and The Book of Nonsense were available to grab, we had a drove of librarians at our booth. Happily, we all explained that these 2 premier titles from our CBAY imprint were coming out this fall and that one of the authors was signing today! I think in total about 1,000 free copies were taken and as far as I can see, CBAY is about to have a great launch.

During all of this Bradford continued to fold our 2008 catalog for distribution, while Madeline and I explained about all of our titles over and over again. Not a bad thing to have to repeat in my opinion! There is nothing more I like to talk about than BTP books!

The exhibit hall closed at 5pm. I knew there were authors there I wanted to meet and I hoped the next day I would have time to search them out. Turns out a few of them found me!

Long time friend and multi-published author, Dottie Enderle, stopped by and told us about her book signing times. She joined Linda Joy, Gabe, Bradford and I for dinner. We talked about upcoming books, the conference and many other things. We called it a night to get ready for day 3.

More fun to come and more people to meet next . . .

Thought of the Day!
If you had the chance, which author would you like to meet most?

Part 1 - TLA 2008 Conference Dallas, Texas - Tuesday

2008-04-18T21:51:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

I have just arrived back from TLA (Texas Library Assoc. ) in Dallas, Texas. I had such a great time and met so many librarians, authors, friends and fellow publishing persons that it is still all buzzing in my head!

I don't want to forget to tell you everything so I am going to do this in different post.

A special thank you to Madeline Smoot (Managing Editor) and Bradford Hees (Managing Editor) for all the hard work they did these past 4 days at TLA. I couldn't have done it without you. You were both FABULOUS as usual!

On Tuesday before librarians came to see us at our booth, 5 Blooming Tree Press authors spoke at their "Cultural Diversity Panel" Ladies, you were amazing!

As I snuck in to watch them speak I realized I hadn't met 2 of them in person before. But that didn't matter - I knew them all instantly. Beverly Patt, Stacy Nyikos, Gabriele Goldstone, Lila Guzman and Linda Joy Singleton had all the attendees spellbound as they not only explained how their new and current books addressed cultural diversity, but how they came up with the ideas for their books and how it effected them personally and the people around them.

I watched proudly as attendees nodded, gasped, sighed and almost cried. The heartfelt way they made their presentations had whispers going on all around me. One librarian even asked me where they could get their books. I, of course, had the answer for them. Smile!

After a wonderful dinner, where Bradford and I were able to talk more with some of these fabulous ladies, I went to bed with a smile on my face. I knew it was going to be a great conference - and boy was I right.

More to come . . .

Miriam

Thought of the Day!
Friends and Family can make your day. Have you told them lately?

TLA Here We Come!

2008-04-07T19:26:00.000-05:00

Blooming Tree Press will be leaving next week for Texas Library Association (TLA). We will have a booth with all our books, including freebies! Here is your chance to meet Madeline, Miriam and Bradford! Be sure and stop by to say hello. We'd love to put a face to a name.

See you there!

Miriam

Thought of the Day!
Success means different things to different people. Tell us what your measure of success is.

A New Website for Blooming Tree Press

2008-03-17T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hi Gang!

I just wanted to drop a short note to tell everyone we have a new website. It is there now with lots more pages of information in the works.

www.bloomingtreepress.com

This is going to be a site we will update very frequently and one that will have the latest titles, author, conference info and submission information available.

I hope you like it!

Thought of the Day!
Give me your description of a "day off".

Spring Traveling

2008-03-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

Well Gang,

Along with all the titles we are getting ready to come out this spring and fall, we at BTP will be doing some traveling. If you are going to be at any of these places, be sure to drop us a line and let us know so we can meet you and say hello. bloomingtree@gmail.com

Madeline Smoot will be speaking at the San Antonio SCBWI Conference March 15, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.

Miriam, Madeline and Bradford will be at TLA (Texas Library Assoc.) Conference in Dallas, Texas April 15-18, 2008. We will have a booth there and we also will have BTP authors who are presenters on a panel.

Miriam and Bradford and staff will drop by the Austin SCBWI conference April 26, 2008 in Austin, Texas to give a high-five to Sarah Ackerley, author and illustrator of "Patrick the Somnambulist". Her first picture book will be released April 22, 2008! It is amazing!

Miriam and Madeline will be at BEA (Book Exp America) in Los Angeles May 27- June 1, 2008. **Miriam will only be there May 28-31**

Miriam and Bradford will be speaking at the "East Texas Christian Writers Conference" June 6-7, 2008 in Marshall, Texas.

Miriam and Madeline will drop by the Writer's League of Texas Conference, June 20-22, 2008, in Austin, Texas to say hello to a great friend of ours, Chuck Sambuchino, editor of Guide to Literary Agents and the assistant editor of Writer's Market (both Writer's Digest Books) who will be speaking there.

That takes us through June 2008. I'll let you know where we will be in the fall as soon as I can remember.

Other than that, things to remember.

"Knowing Joseph" by Judith Mammay will be released at the end of April or first of May 2008. This is a great middle grade book that deals with Autism. Don't miss our on this read!

"Life in the Pit" by Kristen Landon will release in June or July 2008. This is Young Adult fiction that is a delightful read!

More title details coming soon for the fall.

Thought of the Day!
They say the only certain things in life are death and taxes. Personally during this tax time I think taxes may be the death of me!

Update from Blooming Tree Press

2008-02-20T13:55:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!

I have been getting lots of emails with questions.

When are we are accepting submissions?

What is coming up at BTP?

Honestly I didn't know for sure myself, but now some decisions have been made and I am going to share them with you.

The Direction of Blooming Tree Press

We have been so very fortunate over the past 5 years to find great authors and illustrators, meet fellow publishing persons and basically get the BTP name out there. Because of this we have earned love and respect in this business and have more wonderful work to do that we could have ever hoped for. Thank you to all of you who have made that possible for us.

So now with 3 imprints:

Blooming Tree Press (Children's and Adult Divisions)

Ready Blade (our Graphic Novel Division)

CBAY (our edgier Children's Division)

. . . we are going full steam ahead. We have also hired a fabulous sales company who has taken BTP national. And on their first national sweep, Little Bunny Kung Fu was chosen as Border's Books "Original Voice" for February 2008. They have also seen to it that 8 of our other titles have been being picked up by the national chains.

With all this work to do, and so many books already contracted we have our list full through 2010. But we have a plan that will continue to include the yet-to-be published authors and illustrators. (All of you who have spoken so well of us and believed in us all along)

So here are the new submission guidelines (that will be posted on the website soon). These guidelines will be in effect until further notice. Please follow them carefully as it makes less work for us and for you.

1. We will no longer accept unsolicited submisions from Authors or Illustrators email or snail mail. (Any sent to the home office will be returned if the proper postage is included)

2. We will accept submission queries by all Agents. (email or snail mail)

3. We will accept submissions from all attendees of any conference we have spoken at for a period of 3 months. (All envelopes must be marked with the conference name, but we prefer email)

4. We will continue to finish reading and responding to any snail mail submission we have from the May 2007 cut off date and before at the Austin office.

5. We will address any submissions that are and have been in the "possible publication" stack. (You know who you are. You have been notified)

6. We will read and respond to all submissions from the November 2007 email call. Only 1 or 2 of all of these will be selected for a possible contract (if they fit our list), so good luck to all of you!

7. All authors/Illustrators who have publishing contracts with us who are still waiting for their book to come out - your time is coming. We are a bit behind, so if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Now for the Biggie that am so proud of!

8. We will be setting up a yearly literary award named "The Bloom Award" to celebrate the life of Mildred Bloom, Matriarch of Blooming Tree Press. This award will be for unpublished authors only. Each year's award will consist of a different genre, age group and imprint. This award WILL result in a publishing contract for one lucky winner. (disclaimer: if all parties can come to an agreement)

I am just so excited about this! Mama was all about giving chances to those who had the odds against them (she adopted me after all). She believed in hard work and the publishing world can be a hard hard place with few chances. So here is your chance compliments of Mildred. Information will follow no later than this fall.

We are still working on the rules and details, so don't ask what they are yet because we haven't written them.

Also know that we have gone almost all electronic/email for those who we are working with us. We have new toys that make reading submissions quicker and more efficient, so bare with us through this change.

I do hope I haven't ramble too much, but I felt everyone deserved an update.

Miriam Hees

Thought of the Day!
Did you know that one hug can go a long way?

Space Coast Writer's Conference

2008-01-31T11:05:00.000-06:00

Well Gang,

I just came back for a lovely time in Cocoa Beach, FL. Madeline (Editoral Director of BTP Children's Division) went with me and we met lots of wonderful writers and fellow publishing peoples.

I have to admit I thought it would be nice and sunny and warm, but instead for me, it was cold and windy. Of course I am a cold natured person. Other than the weather it was a fabulous beach setting.

I spoke on Friday night about how to get the most out of a conference. On Saturday I did one-on-one critques and then spoke on working with a small press. I did read one or two samples that sounded very interesting, but of course I will see how everyone writes when they send their work in.

In between critiquing and speaking I was able to sneak in and hear a few presentations (although I didn't get to hear Madeline's which was rumored to be fabulous!). Chuck Sambuchino, Editor of "Guide to Literary Agents", did a wonderful presentation on Playwriting - which I found out quickly is very different from Screenwriting. It seemed to be something that was near and dear to his heart as he had written quite a few himself and had seen them preformed.

I also met four wonderful agents who would definately be treasures to represent any writer's works. I hope that I can call all of these great ladies friends one day.

After the conference on Saturday, all of the speakers were taken out to a wonderful dinner and then a few of us stayed up a little longer playing pool (Chuck the pool shark was my partner), talking and singing kareoke (Madeline has a wonderful voice).

All in all it was a great time and now I am back at work. I am leaving for vacation next week and I know I will come back rested and ready to work twice as hard.

Thought of the Day!
What is the first thing you are going to do once winter thaws and you spring (or in Texas summer) peaks out?

2008 BTP Releases!

2008-01-17T11:05:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

Well, I thought you would all like to know what is coming out this year from Blooming Tree Press. These are from our main BTP division and our two other divisions.

Ready Blade
Our Graphic Novel Division which has been in the works for 2 years. It's creator and Editorial Director is Bradford Hees.

CBAY
Is our edger children's division. It's creator and Managing Editor is Madeline Smoot.

Just remember these are tentative dates and there are titles that may be added or pushed back depending on their status. Congrats to all of these amazing authors and illustrators!

2008 Publication Release Dates

Tentative

Blooming Tree Press

Knowing Joseph – February 6, 2008 – Judith Mammay
Patrick the Somnambulist – April 8, 2008 – Sarah Ackerley
The Girls – April 15, 2008 – Smartwriters MG Winners
Life in the Pit – April 22, 2008 – Kristen Landon
Dragon Wishes – September 16, 2008 – Stacy Nyikos

Ready Blade

Series Camp Lizard
Volume 1 – Hold on to Your Tail – May 6, 2008 – Regan Johnson

Series The Light of Nor – Bradford Hees Author, Regan Johnson Artist
Volume 1 – October 11, 2008

CBAY

The Book of Nonsense – October 7, 2008 – David Michael Slater
The Emerald Tablet – October 14, 2008 – P.J. Hoover

Be sure to snag yourself a copy of these great books!

Thought of the Day!
Don't dread your birthday. The alternative is not good!

Taking Stock of 2007

2008-01-14T10:01:00.000-06:00

Well, it's 2008 and if you are anything like me, you look back at what you did and what happened in the year past. I know my son and business partner looks hard at the past year and measures his success or failure depending on what he accomplished in the previous year. That is a good thing to do, but I would like to remind him and you that accomplishments and growths can come from success, failures and just plain old life lessons.

I will be in Florida, speaking at a conference in a couple of weeks and I am going to go into more detail there about this but I wanted to share a little of what I think you should look at in the business of writing, publishing and life.

Blooming Tree Press grows more successful every year and it is thrilling to see. I am not just talking about the success of how many books we put out, what the figures are and what awards we win. That is important and imperative in order to stay in business, but lets look at what I learned.

For example, we put out a very important book called "Bad Girls Club" about abuse and mental illness. This book is amazing and is selling well, but more importantly we are getting responses from people who's life this book has touched. People who experienced the same thing or now know how to respond to someone who is in the middle of it. How amazing to be a part of that.

We also published books that were fun and exciting and may be the first book a child reads. These books may be the ones that shape a child's desire for reading for the rest of their lives. What an honor for us to be a part of that.

My personal assist came down with Leukemia. Anna Herrington (Assistant to the Publisher) has been undergoing treatment to save her life for months now. Amazingly enough on December 20, 2007 Anna received a stem cell transplant and will now be back to work in March 2008 cancer free. How wonderful to see life so fragile in someone so special and young and to see them win. We were a part of that.

For me, family Birthdays and Anniversaries came and went. . . Worked raced on . . . and then my mother died a slow and painful death. But she never stopped smiling the whole time. She showed me my whole life what strength, honor, living and loving was all about. . . even in the end. How Blessed I was to be a part of that.

I know that many if not all of you had similar experiences. Trials and happiness in 2007. Now what are you going to do with it? How is it going to help you in your Writer's Life?

I was just asked the other day, "What do you do when you get writers block?" I've never had writers block, just writer's what do I write next. I told this person to start at the end and work their way back until it became clear.

We all have that option. We know what happened in the past and now we can use it as strength to write in the future. Because what is a book but a little taste of life's experiences. Take your experiences from 2007 and use them as an excuse to write . . . not to wait.

Thought of the Day!
If today was the last day you could write, how long would you sit at your computer and type? What would you write about?

Happy New Year from Blooming Tree Press!

2008-01-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

Well, folks. Here we are in 2008! I think it is going to be an amazing year. We have a lot of things going on here at BTP.

1. Little Bunny Kung Fu was chosen by Borders Books as their February 2008 "Original Voice". Can you believe it???? Congrats to Regan Johnson!

2. We have around 8 titles coming out! Wow!

3. Lots of submissions still yet to read and go through. If you have not received an answer on your past submission gives us a few more months. I will post here when we have gone through everything that has come to us via snail mail. At that time if you never received a response we will have an email address for you to ask status. If you were one of those who are being looked at via our email submission call, then that will be handled separately and take longer. Please remember, we are NOT accepting any unsolicited manuscripts at this time.

4. BEA 2008, BTP will have some of their titles displayed there. More info to follow.

5. TLA 2008 in Dallas! BTP will be there!

6. The Opening of our Graphic Novel Division. READY BLADE Our first 2 series titles will come out in 2008. Camp Lizard and Light of Nor. This is very exciting. We have been working on this new division for about 2 years now. Bradford Hees is the creator and Editorial Director of this division, but I know he will say he couldn't have done it without Regan Johnson, our fabulous Art Director. Thanks Regan! This is a great and different way to get kids (and adults) to read!

7. Tentative date for our yearly open submission call is September 1-20, 2008. This is our email only unsolicited submission call. We love this yearly call because we love finding new talent. More information to follow.

8. Our first annual Writing Award in memory of Mildred Bloom. Lots to be done to set this up so more information will follow. Needless to say this will be a yearly award that will give one lucky writer a publishing contract!

Well, that's it for now!

Happy New Year from all of us at Blooming Tree Press!

Miriam Hees

Submission Deadline for Children's Writers and Illustrators is Near

2007-11-24T10:59:00.000-06:00

Dear Authors and Illustrators,
I want to thank all of you who have submitted your manuscripts to Blooming Tree Press. I am quite overwhelmed at the numbers and quite honored that you would think enough of us to want your work considered by Blooming Tree Press.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and 12pm November 25th, 2007 is the end of submissions times. This is your final chance to go to www.bloomingtreepress.com and then the "Contact Us" section to submit your final works. Be sure you are sending it to the correct submissions email address listed further down in the guidelines.

Once the deadline passes there will be no exceptions.If you have accidentally snail mailed your submission (and we have received some), they will be returned unread, so be sure to quickly email them to us before the deadline passes.

As you know, we are a small press, and to make us successful we can only choose a limited number of manuscripts to consider. Please don't think because we didn't choose yours that it is not good. It just means it was not right for us at this time.

Please note we will not be accepting unsolicited material for quite some time after this. All updates for the future will be posted on the website.

As the health of the lady this company was named after fails rapidly, you will find us working diligently, but quietly and respectfully. Don't be alarmed if we respond in a somewhat slower manner. We will still be doing our job behind the scenes.

Thank you again for the privilege of seeing your hopes and dreams. They have been and will always be treated with the utmost care and respect.

Until next time, keep writing and dreaming.

Miriam Hees
Publisher/Managing EditorBlooming Tree Press

Fall in the Air!

2007-10-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

I was visiting my mother in the hospital on Saturday and she thought it was getting cold outside. This made me realize that fall IS in the air (not here in Texas but in a lot of other places). For me it makes me stop and take a look at was has happened so far this year - what I have done or not done. Most of all it makes me want to take a deep breath, walk a little slower down the the street and think about the wonderful Holiday times I am going to spend with my family. Oh, the business goes on, you can be sure of that, but I think all of us need to spend quality time while we still have the chance with those we love.

Mother and I looked at a fall magazine together and she remarked how she remembered all the dinners we had cooked and when my kids were young, how much fun it was watching them play at her house. I realized I miss those times, too.

So, in the midst of writing and working and living your life, remember to work on making new memories to share. They are priceless.

P.S. The submission guidelines have been written for November and will be posted on the Blooming Tree Press website any day.

Thought of the Day!
What if we could be as loyal to each other as our pets are to us?

Have a great week!

Miriam Hees

Submitting for the Highest Success

2007-09-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

When submitting to a publisher, how do make the most of your time, postage and possibility of getting read?

Following their guidelines as close as humanly possible.

I spend many hours a week sending back submissions that won't be read because we are not accepting unsolicited submissions right now. Those are hours I could be spending reading the submissions I do have.

I know and agree that the CWIM and other resources are wonderful for finding publishers - the latest and greatest. BUT, after you find your list of possibilities, your search is far from over. CWIM needs each publishers guidelines almost a year in advance. You can imagine the kinds of changes in a years time span in a publishing company. Staff changes, imprints opening and closing, and yes, submission guidelines changing.

Once you find the publishing houses you are interesting in, go immediately to the website. This is something we update on a dime to have the latest submission information. If for some reason the information is not there, see if there is an email address to send a question to, or as a last effort, give them a call.

Knowing what is going on and what a publisher is looking for is key to success. If it says query only, follow that guideline. If it says synopsis and sample chapters, follow that as well. Also be sure to follow basic formatting guidelines (double-spaced lines and 12 point fonts). If you are sending to a specific person, please spell the name correctly. Better to have no name than one misspelled.

Finally, put as much contact information on your work as possible. Address, 2 phone numbers, email address, too. Then sit back, be super patient and wait.

Give the publishing company time to really look at what you have sent. Emailing and calling frequently to find out status can sometimes cause a fast look and a quick rejection. The publisher might feel pressured to give you an answer, and rather than take their usual time, they might hurry it through.

None of what I have told you will assure you of a publishing contract. BUT, if you follow the rules very closely, you just might make someone very happy and more likely to respond to your submission.

Thought of the Day!

Do you treat your family members with as much patience, happiness and love as you treat your coworkers and customers?

Publisher in the Fall

2007-08-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

Hi Folks,

I don't know about other presses but fall seems to be an extra busy time for us. I have sat and thought about why that is. I think it's because no matter how hard we try, by fall we are behind for the year and then must try with all our might to get caught up.

So, here at BTP our fall is full of fun. LOL! Here's is small sample of what we are up to.

1. Reading and getting all waiting submissions responded to.

2. Setting up for our 25 days of unsolicited children's submission dates. (November 1-25, 2007 only) Hint: This will be an all email submission time.

3. Getting the last of our fall titles out (Krumbuckets by L.C. Mohr and Smartwriters Anthologies).

4. Getting our January and February titles to the printers (Patrick the Somnambulist by Sarah Ackerley, Life in the Pit by Kristen Landon, Knowing Joseph by Judith Mammay).

5. Finishing the selections for our Sweet Dreams Anthology.

6. Getting "Ready Blade" our graphic novel imprint underway.

7. Getting out BTP Adult division underway.

8. Going to the Texas Book Festival (state capital in Austin, Texas Nov. 2-3, 2007).

9. Making quilts for Christmas. (Oops! that's just me) smile!

10. AND selling books!

There is much more going on but I will not bore you with that.

Thought of the Day!

Close friends are really angels in disguise.

Sweet Dreams

2007-08-22T09:57:00.000-05:00

Well, folks. We are in the final selection stages for the Sweet Dreams Anthology. Boy has this been a big job! So many submissions and so hard to choose.

We have decided on most of the selections and have made calls to the authors on those. If you know anyone who has not heard from us regarding their submission one way or the other, we still have a few left to decide on.

This is going to be a wonderful anthology! (Release Date is 2009) Out best yet I think. A full color, hardback picture book of Sweet Dreams. It just doesn't get better than that!

Thought of the Day!

Make everyday count and make them count with the people that matter most to you.

The Busy Season

2007-08-01T10:16:00.001-05:00

I think all publishing houses have their busy season. Ours happens to be now! Blooming Tree Press is attracting a lot of interest from so many sides that we are surrounded by work.

Right now we are working fast and furious to get all past submission responded to no later than October 2007. Then in November we will be accepting submission for only 25 days with very specific guidelines. Keep an eye on the website for the details. The submission dates will be November 1-25 2007 ONLY! Then that will be it for unsolicited submissions until further notice.

Our list is a great list and has been set until 2009. Keep your eyes peeled for amazing things from Blooming Tree Press.

Thought of the Day

Just because you're different doesn't mean you're wrong.

Publishing Glamour

2007-07-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Everyone is still welcome to ask question from the previous post, but here is a new post.

Publishing Glamour

What do you think of when you think of Publishers, Editors, Agents, New York, the Publishing Industry?
Glamour? Money? Famous Authors? Endless Cocktail Parties?

I am sure all of this is true at times, but for even the biggest and most famous people in the publishing industry, this is a soul-searching job filled with hard work. Especially for those of us who are passionate about books.

As I sit here on a Saturday morning writing rejection letters I smile to think of publishing as a very glamorous job. Oh, sure, I have wonderful times at conferences and events. Meeting all of you guys is the most fun part of my job, but the reality is the job I do, I take very seriously.

As I read each letter - each first page - I feel your hopes and dreams stamped there. So you can be sure that everything that comes to this company is treated with respect and serious consideration. Your rejection letter might not be long, or even of great assurance to your career, but one thing you can be sure of - we glamorous people of the publishing world appreciate and admire you and your work. We couldn't publish books without you.

Thought of the Day

Life is short. Don't spend a second of it regretting the past. It will only cripple your future.

Ask the Publisher

2007-06-25T19:29:00.001-05:00

Here it is folks! Your chance to ask any questions you'd like about publishing. You can get free advice and and honest answers.

For a limited time only so Go for it!

Thought of the Day!

The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.

Should I Resubmit?

2007-06-24T17:26:00.000-05:00

Hi Gang!

I read on boards and hear at conferences the confusion of whether or not to resubmit after a rejection with helpful comments or to submit more after a personal rejection letter, etc...

I know this will not be a cut and dry answer for all publishing houses but here is what we do and how I feel about it.

First:
If you get a personal rejection from us with specific details on how to make your manuscript better, then take those suggestions to heart. I can assure you that if one of my editors or myself take the time to give personal suggestions, we think you have possibilities. However, if we do not specifically state that we would like to or be willing to look at it again, we are not interested in seeing it with the changes. Take those changes and use them to approach another publisher.

Second:
If we send you any rejection letter and we do not specifically say, we would be happy to see future works, please do not send anything else, unless it is during a unsolicited submission time of the year, or your agent has approached us or we have met and talked at a conference.

Third:
Be sure and read the websites of all publishers before submitting. Also, don't rely only on the CWIM and other resources for submission guidelines alone. We send those guidelines to CWIM and other places at least 6 months before the guidelines are published. Things changes from week to week - that means staff too!

Fourth:
Don't send the same manuscript to every editor in the company. We are small and we all get to see everything that comes through. You are wasting stamps and it is quite confusing as well as a little irritating to have 6 of the same thing.

I hope this clears some things up.

Thought of the Day
Getting published is a lot like hitting a jackpot on a slot machine. Your manuscript just happened to be put in the right slot and all the Bonuses lined up. Don't give up until you find the right machine.

Back To Work!

2007-06-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'm back, gang! It was great! The prefect vacations. Plans are now to get everything for the rest of the year out and going. BTP staff is at a run to make (or get as close as possible) to deadlines and I am working on contracts, orders and statements.

I just got through looking at our list of books coming out this year and I get excited all over again. What a great line up! Keep an eye on our website as it changes and grows. We will have our list of titles out soon.

Well, I'd better get crackin!

Thought of the Day!
Vacation is a great excuse not to go to work

Out of the Office

2007-06-08T12:50:00.000-05:00

Well, gang. This publisher is taking a break. I will be gone a week with my fabulous husband for our 25 year anniversary. When I return I will have lots of good new information for you. Until then, stay safe, write a lot and relax.

Thought of the Day!

Being married is hard work. Don't give up on it.

Formatting!

2007-06-03T19:54:00.001-05:00

Hi Folks! Today we are going to talk about the importance of formatting correctly before submitting. I can't stress enough how important it is if you want to make a professional impression.

Here's how it goes. No matter what length of manuscript you are about to submit to a agent or a publishing house be sure to do the basics. When I say basics I mean please don't do anything fancy. Use a nice 12 point font no matter the type. And always double space on a 81/2 X 11 piece of paper. This is for picture books, too! If you are the illustrator and you are sending a dummy book then that is the only exception.

I can't tell you the number of submission we get where writers/illustrators have the perfect dream for their book and they script it out for us. Dummy Books with stick figures, books they have had printed a Kinkos to look like a real book, or worse yet, using singles spaces and printing on both sides of the page. I know you have an idea of how you want things, but let us do our job. Leave us something to do!

Remember, sometimes you will have just one chance to make a good impression. Don't blow it.

Thought of the Day!

Do dogs have bad days?

Hurry Up and Wait!

2007-05-24T16:31:00.000-05:00

Life is full of waiting. I know that for a fact. Through the years life has taught me to be a pretty patient person.

Writers have to do a lot of waiting. Write it, send it, wait. Then, we liked it, wait. Then we may want it, wait. etc...

This all seems very hard, but the one thing I have found out about patience is that the waiting insured me that I waited for the right thing. I know for a fact there are many things I could have chosen that were wrong had I not waited.

So take heart, writers and everyone in the publishing industry. WAIT for the perfect match to come along. The direction it takes you in life will make all that waiting pay off.

Thought of the Day!

I have heard people boast. "I don't like to wait and I don't wait for anything."
Sheesh! Well, I have been glad on more than one occasion I waited a few seconds on that green light. Otherwise I would have been an 18 wheeler sandwich!

The Slush Pile

2007-05-22T20:22:00.000-05:00

There have been many myths and tales regard publishing companies and their slush piles. Now, granted, a lot of the large publishers and some of the smaller ones don't take unsolicited manuscripts anymore. But whether it's slush or lots of submissions, everyone wants to know what happens to their hard work once it hits the mail room.

Recently, at a conference, I had an attendee tell me that they heard lots of publishing houses just throw manuscripts away without reading them. I just don't think that's true. I have heard lots of stories myself from other agents, editors and publishers, and as a whole I believe your work is in good hands. They really and truly still get excited about a great story! It is a passion!

Here, we treat all manuscripts pretty much equal. That means, everything gets read. It may take us a while but our process is that everything that comes in the mail goes through the "check in process". It is assigned to a reader, then, if it shows promise, it is passed around to as many staff members as necessary until it lands on my desk. Thus the 6 month or more waiting.

I won't kid you. Your story has the be outstanding to make it to me. This is a tough, competitive business. BUT, if you are a good writer, sooner or later, your work is going to be in print. Don't stop trying.

Thought of the Day!

If there were 25 hours in a day like many of us would like, would we use it to sleep, or work even harder?

Priorities

2007-05-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

I remember, very well, watching a movie years ago called "Baby Boom" in which the boss of a very busy woman professional told her she would have to get her priorities straight. She had just adopted a baby and he told her she would have to chose between a family and a career. In the end of the movie she explained that no one should have to choose and that she could do both. For some reason this hit me hard and gave me a new and uplifting perspective on life.

As much as I like my work, I will always put my family first. I CAN be both an Publisher, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, mother to my mother, pet owner and friend. There is enough of me to go around.

Thought of the Day!

Put your family first.
My husband has told me many time, "If you die, the people you work with will miss you, but soon you will only be a memory. But your family here who loves you very much will miss you much longer than anyone else."

Scheduling Time for Your Craft

2007-05-18T19:54:00.001-05:00

Hi folks. I was recently at a conference and the one thing I always tell writers is to schedule time to write. It's been a long-standing thing for creative people like writers to say, "I don't feel in the zone today", or "I have writer's block". Even if it's only five minutes the same time every day, set aside time to hone your craft. If you treat it like I do exercise, you will never make it to the gym and your dress size won't change. Writing and working out is hard work, but in the end, it is well worth it.

Miriam

Thought of the Day!
If no one sees me eating that piece of chocolate cake, did I really eat it, and were there calories in it?

Forget Yesterday!

2007-05-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days that everything goes wrong? That was my day yesterday. I kept turning around to see if someone had pasted a target on my butt! But they hadn't. Well, today already seems better, so I guess bad days have some use.

Lot's going on at BTP. We have our two new titles at the printers. YEAH! The Penguins of Doom and Bad Girls Club. These are great books and we are very excited about them.

The first round of rejections for the Sweet Dreams Anthology go in the mail on Friday. It's hard to say no, but unfortunately that's publishing.

Thought of the Day!
Remember, a rejection doesn't mean you are a bad writer or your story is bad. It just means it doesn't fit with the publisher's plan at that time. Your next story may be the perfect one, so keep writing!

Miriam

A Publisher's LIfe is Back!

2007-05-14T12:47:00.000-05:00

It has been a long while since I have posted about a publisher's life. As you might have guessed, I've been busy publishing! But I am back now. Ready to impart all sorts of secrets and information.

Starting May 1st 2007 we had to suspend unsolicited submissions because of our huge volume! Thank you so much to those who think so much of us! We love you, too. Now we will spend the next 6 months catching up on submissions, getting new contracts in the mail and publishing/marketing the work we have coming out.

It's a hot, fun time right now for BTP!

Thought of the Day:

Motherhood lasts forever. . . thank goodness!

Miriam Hees

Details

2005-11-14T12:06:00.000-06:00

This month will be titled details. I have 2 stacks of "detail" next to my desk and I am sure there are more on the other side of the office. Hum, good title "The other side of the office". I'll have to keep that in mind.

This weekend was spend with those details. Sending information to Baker & Taylor so they will release Little Bunny Kung Fu and Lyranel to sell. Sending all info to Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Then on to reviewers. Both on and offline reviewers have so many different requests. My marketing folder has detailed details for that one.

The authors Publicity and Marketing binders are coming along nicely and then there is a stack of contracts that need to be addressed.

I will be hiring a part time Admin Asst to help with our huge database. It will be great to have someone to over see that.

This week we rented a larger warehouse space. It was getting soooo cramped. Now, after a week of moving it's all done and it looks great.

Question of the day. Why do we all work so hard during the holidays? Isn't it supposed to be a time of rest?

Busy Season

2005-11-11T15:23:00.000-06:00

Oct, Nov, and Dec are the busy season for us. It usually starts with the Texas Book Festival and kind of goes up from there. We had a wonderful turnout at the Festival and sold tons of books. That was nice. Of course the fact that our Little Bunny Kung Fu Author was dressed as a giant rabbit probably cause a little attention at our booth.

Right now we are working on getting the last book of the season (One Eyed Jack) out. We had hoped to get Jessica McBean out as well, but time is crunched.

With so much going on and so much product coming in and out of our office, we made the decision to rent warehouse space. It took 3 days to get everything in. Enventory was done and we believe it was a very good move. Now we have more room to work, organize and get all our promotional binders up and going for our new authors.

As I think about the upcoming holidays I can only say this. Take time to spend with your family and friends. I am going to. For this one brief time of year stop, relax, breathe and have fun!

Thought for the day. If you work through your lunch break, did you really take one?

It's Coming Along Finally

2005-10-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like things are coming along and the only "maybe" or "if" for the festival will be the plush LBKF toy. Lyranel's Song is on the way. Little Bunny Kung Fu, 200 copies will be drop shipped in time for the Texas Book Festival. Now, Little Bunny Kung Fu will not be officially released until Christmas but we didn't want to pass up the opportunity to show it off at the festival and it looks like we will be able to do that. YEAH!

All other items for the festival are in and ready to go. Now I can put that torch down and move on to getting One Eyed Jack and Jessica McBean printed. Jack is finishing the proofing and Jessica is in layout.

I think my blood pressure has dropped now because this all seems to be coming together, but as soon as the next emergency strikes I'm sure it will be up again.

Deadlines

2005-10-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

This week and next week are deadline times. With the Texas Book Festival coming up, I need books to sell. Lyranel's Song is a definite, LBKF is a hopeful. I am calling every day. We will see.

I had a great time meeting writers, illustrators, and other editors at the Austin SCBWI on Sat. Mark McVeigh of Dutton was quite complementary of our staff and business. Said he had heard great things about our company and staff. I thanked him for those kind words.

The new catalog is being completed so we will have the Spring 2006 in time for a Christmas time mailing. The first round of edits are done for One Eyed Jack and with that, it will go to press next week, hopefully getting a proof or blueline about 2 weeks after that.

We are already getting orders for Jessica McBean, Tap Dance Queen, who is right behind One Eyed Jack in the printing process. The person who ordered Jessica has a last name of McBean and it gave me an idea. Go figure! I am now working on a marketing mailing of all "McBeans" in the US. I'll report how that works.

Today we will continue on the mailing lists for One Eyed Jack, as we will be contacting the Christian market for it.

Our editorial meeting is Weds night at 6:30pm and we will try to see if Judy and Kay are available to be conference called in. All editors will be pushing their favorite titles, knowing that the only openings start in 2008.

Never a dull moment!

Thursday Means Meeting Day

2005-10-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

It's our weekly editor meeting today. Everyone is so good about being on time and being ready. Madeline has the Kids Directory ad ready, Meghan has a stack of rejections but found one possible jewel in her stack. She was quite excited. Bradford is going full steam with the Manga and Kelly has One Eyed Jack about ready to be printed. I wish Judy and Kay were in town but they are going gang-busters with queries.

LBKF printing is still so so, and I'm calling and emailing the printer twice a day to see progress. I am still hopeful that we will have LBKF book in time for the festival. The bunny, however, would be a miracle if we get it in time. Oh well. We tried our best.

The Austin SCBWI conference is on Saturday and I am looking forward to it. I like being around writers and beginning writers.

I still have some reading to do, but hopefully I can trim my pile just a touch tonight.

It's Wednesday

2005-10-05T09:32:00.000-05:00

This morning I received word from LBKF printer that they couldn't download the files that were courrpt, instead they gave a server of theirs to put the files on. I've notified the author, so hopefully they will have what they need by the end of the day.

Little Bunny Kung Fu (LBKF) plush toys I hope are being made, but I have yet to recieve the final quote from China. They say although they had originally quoted a 7 inch stuffed toy, that when they added in his ears, it made it a 16 inch stuffed toy. My thought is, should he be charged for having big ears? Hum?

I am confident after speaking to the printer yesterday that Lyranel WILL be here in Austin in time for the Texas Book Festival, but as far as Little Bunny Kung Fu is concerned, I am hoping and praying. I started in plenty of time to have all of this done. I'm afraid these two screw ups are the printers fault. But hey, we are human. I just wish this kind of an error didn't have a chance of effecting our bottom line.

I have just finished formatting the text for Jessica McBean, Tap Dance Queen for the Library of Congress CIP data dept. All I need now is the birthdate of the author and illustrator in order to send it. They catalog by name and birthdate and that's not something I usually get from people. Maybe I should so I can send birthday cards.

I still have 2 full manuscripts I need to read today alone and then we will do a manuscript check at this weeks meeting to see what editor has what and who is waiting for a response.

I hope to finish up the Hastings Bookstore mailing by the weekend and go forward with the Barnes & Noble mailing. Can I request more that 24 hours in a day? Hum, probably not.

Decisions, Decisions

2005-10-04T19:49:00.000-05:00

This has been quite a week. Matter of fact it's been quite a year. As you know, after successfully releasing Mistletoe Madness last Christmas, I have been going full guns with the company. This is kind of scary, but I know what I am doing. Not to mention the books we are bringing out are so so good. All this company needs is the right break to put it on the map.

I found out today, after casually dropping an email to both printers that Lyranel's Song is going great! The printing is in full swing and I will have both hardcover (with dust jacket I might add) and softcover in time for the Texas Book Festival. Thank you God! This book has had way too many hiccups as far as I'm concerned, starting with the loss of the cover. BUT after a total redo of the cover (thank you Kelly for that great job), I know it's better the second time around. This book is going to be gorgeous.

Now, Little Bunny Kung Fu, I find out, is not being printed yet. Apparently there is a corrupt cover file which they said they told me about in an email but I don't remember getting. Good thing I called. Hopefully it can be ftp's to the printer by tomorrow and the book can be on it's way.

My nightmare is that I have 600 stuff Bunny Kung Fu rabbits to sell and NO book. Dear Lord, you won't let that happen. Will you?

One Eyed Jack is being proofed by the staff right now and if I get my wish, it will be on it's way to the printer in about 10 days. Can I have my way please? I love this book.

Jessica McBean, Tap Dance Queen is our last of 2005. Whew! I think we can do it. It's close, really close to being ready. YEAH!

Did I thank you, staff today? If not, thank you, thank you, thank you. You are the best group of editors and designers in the world. I am so lucky.

Starting a Business

2005-10-04T19:39:00.000-05:00

I have worked my whole life. I started working at a small-town type grocery store at the age of 14 to help with the bills. I've been working ever since. I enjoy working and using and challenging my mind.

I did go to college for a short while, but the demands of survival showed me that work was where it's at. I have always been good at running businesses and making those businesses successful. Now that I have found what I want to do with the rest of my life, it's my turn to try and turn a dream into reality.

Book publishing is a hard, hard business. I know because I've been studying it for over 10 years. I am not afraid though. In fact I am excited and ready to take on the challenge. There are those who don't think I can do it. All I can say is watch me. I am about to give it all I have. I don't go down easily. I won't start now.