But all of this planning and plotting for Mist Gate has gotten me nostalgic for other debut books I’ve worked on in the past. And since I’ve only worked at small presses, that has actually been a large proportion of my work. So, today, I thought I’d highlight some of my favorites from the past:
(And just to be clear, for these purposes I’m defining debut as someone’s first book. For example, I’m very partial to David Michael Slater’s Sacred Books, but since he had already published picture books, I don’t consider him a debut author/book.)
Picture Books:
Little Bunny Kung Fu
This was the very first picture book I ever worked on. I still have the stuffed rabbit that goes with the book.
I’ll admit that I did very little with this project other than sort of oversee the timelines. This is back from when I was Children’s Editorial Director back at Blooming Tree Press. But I have always thought this book was adorable with wonderful illustrations.
Easy Reader:
There’s a Yak in My Bed
Easy reader’s are probably really hard to write. I wouldn’t actually know because I have never really tried to write one. They are a bear to edit though. I’m quite proud of the wonderful job the author did with this one.
Chapter Book:
Both of these books were just super fun. I love quirky stories, and both of these have that.
You can never have too many books featuring monsters from Greek mythology. Oh, and there’s magical cheese. Magical cheese. Need I say more?
Trapped in Lunch Lady Land
Today (1/26/15) Amazon has this book on sale for 44% off! I’m just as surprised as you.
Middle Grade:
This is the very first true debut novel I ever published for CBAY Books. It will always have a very special place in my heart.
YA:
Broken Worlds
Although this is very different from everything else I’ve worked on (it has more twist and turns than a mountain switchback trail), it’s one of the most intriguing.
Dry Souls
Even more topical now than ever in our drought stricken world, this book was my first YA debut for CBAY.
