The next big piece of the puzzle I needed to solve for was professional editing. And perhaps most daunting, I needed to figure out the complex and seemingly endless options for publishing. The more I read, the more confused I became. So I decided to throw up a flag on Facebook and ask my friends for help.

Did anyone know, or know anyone who knew, anything about publishing a children’s book?

And help they did! Several people knew other authors who were willing to talk with me about their books, the publishing options they used and why. They were so kind, patient and generous with their time. One introduced me to a children’s book illustrator with a major publisher who was willing to talk with me. He gave me lots of great info about illustrations, guidelines for children's books, and he suggested a publisher a friend had used and liked. Some shared their self-publishing experiences. A few other friends knew another publisher I could contact.

I reached out to a friend that had written a number of dog-related books and asked about who she used for editing, and she pointed me to Krista Hill of L Talbott Editorial Services. I’m so glad she did! Krista was wonderful, and not only was she able to help me with editing, but she also was a great resource for starting to understand the various publishing options out there.

I was so touched by people’s willingness to help and to share their knowledge. They were not only enlightening, they were encouraging, and their successes added to my determination that I could and would find a way.

Little by little, one conversation at a time, the plan forward began to take shape. I knew if I waited for all the details to fall into place, it would never happen. So I resolved to just keep taking small steps in the right direction, and keep believing that as long as I kept walking forward, the path would become clear.

Please check out these and other books by these very generous and talented people ...

The Long Road to Antietam: How the Civil War Became a Revolution by Richard Slotkin

Sashi the Scared Little Sheltie by Linda Greiner and illustrated by Morgan Spicer

Bev: The Invisible Sister by Rory Janis Miller

Six Sisters by P.J. Lazos

PJ Finds a Home by Sharon Wells Wagner

Chester GiGolo: Diary of a Dog Star by Christina Potter

Grandma D's Bubbles: A Lesson in Life and Loss by Debra Joy Hart

Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs by Sharon Sakson

Woolbur illustrated by Lee Harper

L Talbott Publishing Consultant and Editorial Services