photo by Tymn Urban, Urban Media and Design
I submitted my book to She Writes Press and waited several weeks for the answer. And then I got the email…
Dear Terena,
Thank you so much for your submission and congratulations on passing through our two-tier submissions process with such flying colors. I’m attaching your assessment for Raising Rhia here.
I’m excited to be writing to let you know that we would love to offer you a contract to publish with She Writes Press.
Raising Rhia is finally ready to be read by others after more than ten years of writing multiple versions, including changing the title and format twice. I feel simultaneously terrified and ecstatic! “I will be a published author,” I say while spinning exuberantly in my living room. “I will be a published author,” I say while running to the bathroom, nauseous with anxiety.
The publication date isn’t until Spring, 2026, so I have time to get my nerves under control, if that’s even possible. In the mean time I’ll be working on a new website while building my community. Raising Rhia was written in hopes that it would bring support and comfort to other families raising a child with disabilities. I hope what I contribute online will bring a sense of community to others.
Community is one of the reasons I decided to publish with She Writes Press. I’ll write more about that next time.
Speaking of community, I’m sending deep gratitude to everyone who helped me finish my book. My writing community is wonderful!
OMG, I’m going to be a published author!!!!!!!!!!!!!