The Advent Storybook – Off to Print!
We’ve submitted the final book files to our publisher, David C. Cook, and they’re sending it to the printing press! Here are a few more of my favorite illustrations (but they’re all wonderful—Ian did such a great job)!
Many overseas printing presses take several months to complete an order of books—I think shipping across an ocean affects things quite a bit. But, we’re almost to the next phase–where the manuscript and beautiful illustrations will turn into a real book!
Also, I just looked at Amazon again, and I noticed a little orange banner by the book. At least for today, The Advent Storybook is the #1 New Release in Children’s Bible Stories! That was pretty exciting! It makes me so happy that people are finding out about our book!
We did this together! Each one of our supporters played an integral part, and I’m so thankful for you. I’m still amazed that God worked everything out…it really couldn’t have happened without Him (and each one of you!).
I can’t wait to send you the actual book and other rewards! Christmas 2018 is going to be AMAZING!
Release Date of October 1, 2018!!
I’m SO excited to write this update!
We’ve signed the contract and can now announce that our company (Chasing Hope Press) is working with…
David C Cook, who will be publishing The Advent Storybook!!
I’m still a little in shock that God has worked everything out to bring my dream to life, and I’m so thankful for each one of you and your willingness to make it all happen! We originally planned on self-publishing, but since we are now publishing with David C Cook we can use the money previously allocated for the printing press to make some exciting changes!
**Full-color: All illustrations will be full-color, and we are able to add a few EXTRA illustrations!
**Higher quality: The books will be a higher quality than was previously possible, with a thicker paper and longer-lasting binding. I’m really excited about this, because I want these books to last for many, many Christmases to come!
**Greater reach: The Advent Storybook will be more widely available, appearing in the David C Cook catalog and in stores, too! As a publisher with decades of experience, David C Cook has an extensive network through which our book can be shared. They also prioritize sharing books and resources with under-developed countries across the globe, ensuring that families all over the world can hear the story of Jesus’ rescue!
Ian will begin working on the initial sketches this month! I’m hoping to share a few of those with you as a sneak-preview–I’ll work with Ian to see how we can best accomplish that.
Thank you again for partnering with us to make all of this happen!!! It’s REALLY exciting to watch God work everything out for this first-time author who had a dream but no way to fulfill it on my own. He’s amazing, and so are you guys!
I’ll keep you updated as new things develop!
Laura
Phase 1 – Check!
I’m SO thrilled (and amazed) that we get to make this book together!
It’s really miraculous that we 1) reached our goal, and 2) have a traditional publishing company interested in a children’s book written by a first-time author with no platform. I was talking with my editor, and I keep feeling more amazed that God is working everything out! I’ll have to write a blog post about some of the behind-the-scenes happenings. I really believe God has a plan for this book, and He seems quite capable of moving mountains in order to bring it to life!
THANK YOU for supporting this book! Phase 1 is done–now Ian has a lot of work to do in a short time (Phase 2), and then we’ll send it to the printing press (Phase 3), and then you’ll have it this Fall (Happiest Phase)!
Blessings on each of you! I’ll be in touch! If you have questions, feel free to ask them!
We have an Advent Storybook Page on Facebook, the book website (adventstorybook.com), and our current author website (mattandlaurabooks.com).
…I’M SO EXCITED!
100% Funded on Kickstarter!
WE DID IT!!!
I can’t believe I’m getting to say those words, but against all odds, we’re going to create The Advent Storybook! First, it will go to your homes–and then, with the help of the large publishing company we plan to partner with, the story of Jesus’ rescue will spread all over the world!!!
I’m so, so thankful for each one of you! Each of you believed in a dream I shared with you and then generously and graciously gave to make it happen. My favorite definition of love is wanting good for another and then doing that good, or meeting the needs of another even at great cost to oneself. I’ve experienced beauty and love from each one of you, and my heart is full.
I can’t wait to send this book and the other rewards to you!! I’m so excited that your kids, grandkids, or other children God has placed in your life will be able to hear and see the story of Jesus’ rescue and love! I have lots of picture books for my kids, but none of them have illustrations like Ian’s–his skill at depicting faces and relationships is unparalleled. I’m thrilled that we all get to enjoy his work for years and years to come in our books!
What has miraculously happened today–a community coming together to meet needs, do good, and love–is exactly the way God made us to live in the beginning. And now I’ve experienced a taste of what my book is all about–Jesus rescuing us out of our brokenness and into the restored ability to love Him, others, and all of creation–and to rest in the assurance that we, too, are loved. His rescue is indescribably beautiful! And I just saw Him at work through this Kickstarter campaign! I can’t wait until He makes all things good and new again! And now we have a book to share that truth simply and clearly with precious kids across the world!
THANK YOU!!!