The Judges

My very talented book designer entered Schooled into a competition a while back, for the design and cover categories, and I decided to throw my hat in the ring for the writing and content categories as well. We didn't win anything, but I'm so glad we tried. It's always nice to have some "possibilities" out there, plus a lot of the feedback that came back from the judges was extremely positive. Here are a few excerpts:

"Cover got my attention. Loved the chapter pictures and the author's photo. Liked the chapter typeface. Well Done!"

"Very clean, in every way! Well written, great editing, interesting story-telling, easy to engage in, professional cover. I would buy this book and pass along to friends. Great job. A diamond in the rough."

"What a delightful book! You are able to tell school tales with a wonderful voice, which prompts the reader to want more! By the title and knowing this was non-fiction, I was expecting to read about assessment, policy , or other academic topics. Much to my surprise, you offered a pleasant and humorous distraction in the process. I look forward to reading your future projects. Best regards!"

"Very nicely done. The cover photo does an excellent job of portraying that the book is about a girl at school, and it gives us a clue about the time period, too. The typeface, which I generally dislike, is well-used here."
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The Homestretch

I still have a little ways to go, but I am almost giddy with excitement already over finishing my next book. Now that I know what to expect once the writing is over and won't be so clueless during the process, I'm very much looking forward to it. Phase 1 will be the organization of the book. The majority of the work here will involve me reading the manuscript one million times, my editor reading it, as well as the more difficult task of deciding the order of things. (Like I've mentioned before, this book isn't chronological like my first one was.) Phase 2 will be the design of the book, and the designer I was fortunate enough to work with last time is so wonderful to work with. I find myself wondering what ideas she'll have this time, and I know I'll be dying to see what she comes up with for the cover. Clearly I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't help it. It's all just so much fun!
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Competition

I was pleased to learn this week that my wonderful book designer (of VMC Art and Design) is entering Schooled into a design competition. It'll be in the book cover category, and given how much I (and everyone else) love the cover, I'm hoping she does well.

An interesting side effect of this news has been that it's whet my appetite when it comes to the idea of book competitions. Am I just competitive? (A co-worker who is currently reading my book came up to me the other day and said, "I had no idea you were so competitive!" to which I can only say, never underestimate what a kid will do for a stick of gum.) Whatever the reason, I may have to find some competitions to enter in myself. Although Victoria will have a much better shot at winning for the cover than I will at winning for the writing, but as with so many things in this world, sometimes simply putting your hat in the ring is excitement enough.

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