Behind the Scenes: How Alumni Authors Navigate the Publishing World
Ever dreamed of seeing your name on the cover of a book? For aspiring authors, the path from an idea to publication can feel like navigating uncharted territory. At Le Moyne, our alumni have transformed their passion for storytelling into beautifully crafted children’s books that inspire readers of all ages. Here’s how four alumni authors—Jennifer Fabian ‘13, MBA ‘19, Deborah Acio ‘07, Jennifer Catney OT ‘18, and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ‘98 —found their way into the publishing world.
Whether you’re a student dreaming of writing your first book or an alum considering taking the leap, their stories can offer you insights and advice.
From Inspiration to Manuscript
Each alum’s journey began with a spark of inspiration.
Jen Fabian channeled personal grief into a poetic story about love and loss, writing the initial draft of Looking Up at You, Looking Down at Me in high school.
Deborah Acio turned her pandemic baking experiments into Benji’s Berry Berry Pie, combining storytelling with life skills.
Jennifer Catney revived a family tradition to write Filling the Manger: A Christmas Tradition of Spreading Kindness, blending her heritage with practical ways for kids to spread kindness.
Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead found her muse at her child’s preschool, crafting The Bucket Filling Fairy as a joyful lesson in kindness.
From Idea to Bookshelf: Alumni Authors Share Their Paths to Publication
- Self-Publishing: Both Deborah Acio and Jen Fabian opted for self-publishing to maintain creative control. They emphasized the importance of timelines, budgeting for illustrations, and marketing the book independently.
- Independent Publishers: Jennifer Catney and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead chose hybrid publishing models, which blend professional guidance with shared responsibilities for editing, illustrations, and promotion.
- Pitch Contests: Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead highlighted the value of participating in pitch contests on platforms like Twitter (now X), which connect authors directly with agents and publishers.
- Self-Publishing: Both Deborah Acio and Jen Fabian opted for self-publishing to maintain creative control. They emphasized the importance of timelines, budgeting for illustrations, and marketing the book independently.
- Independent Publishers: Jennifer Catney and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead chose hybrid publishing models, which blend professional guidance with shared responsibilities for editing, illustrations, and promotion.
- Pitch Contests: Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead highlighted the value of participating in pitch contests on platforms like Twitter (now X), which connect authors directly with agents and publishers.
- Jen Fabian collaborated with her cousin to create heartfelt, symbolic artwork.
- Deborah Acio found an illustrator through Fiverr, ensuring the images aligned with her playful narrative.
- Jennifer Catney illustrated Filling the Manger herself using Procreate, blending her artistic vision with digital tools.
- Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead worked closely with a professional illustrator, creating a character-rich world for The Bucket Filling Fairy.
- Jen Fabian collaborated with her cousin to create heartfelt, symbolic artwork.
- Deborah Acio found an illustrator through Fiverr, ensuring the images aligned with her playful narrative.
- Jennifer Catney illustrated Filling the Manger herself using Procreate, blending her artistic vision with digital tools.
- Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead worked closely with a professional illustrator, creating a character-rich world for The Bucket Filling Fairy.
- Start Small, Dream Big: Begin with a clear idea and build from there.
- Master the Query Letter: If approaching publishers or agents, a polished query is essential.
- Plan for Marketing: Self-published authors must be their own marketers, so consider how you’ll promote your book before it launches.
- Be Patient: Publishing can take months—or even years. Build in extra time for unexpected delays.
- Find Your Community: Writing groups, online forums, and alumni networks can provide encouragement and feedback.
- Start Small, Dream Big: Begin with a clear idea and build from there.
- Master the Query Letter: If approaching publishers or agents, a polished query is essential.
- Plan for Marketing: Self-published authors must be their own marketers, so consider how you’ll promote your book before it launches.
- Be Patient: Publishing can take months—or even years. Build in extra time for unexpected delays.
- Find Your Community: Writing groups, online forums, and alumni networks can provide encouragement and feedback.
Tip for Future Writers
- Draw inspiration from your own experiences or meaningful traditions. Write regularly, even if it’s just a few lines a day.
- Research the publishing model that aligns with your goals. Attend workshops or conferences like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) for industry insights.
- If you’re illustrating your book, invest in tools like Procreate. If you’re outsourcing, take the time to find someone whose style will complement your story.
Your Story Starts Here
Whether you're just starting to sketch ideas or polishing a manuscript, the experiences of our alumni show that publication is possible with persistence and creativity.
Are You an Aspiring Author?
Share your story idea with us or connect with the Le Moyne alumni community for guidance and inspiration.
