#Pit2Pub Success Story: Debra Daugherty @dmddeb @CleanReads_ @Pit2Pub

Cover Reveal!!!

This post is a special one and I'm honored that the author, Debra Daugherty, chose my blog and platform to do her debut novel's cover reveal!!!

So without further ado ... here's her fantastic cover!!

1.  Name:
Debra Daugherty

​2.  Genre:
PB thru YA

3.  Tell us about yourself.
I’m a central Illinois native. Yea - Land of Lincoln! My rescue dog, Honey, and her companion, a Chihuahua named CeCe, love to sit in my office when I write. Honey usually curls up under my desk by my feet and snores. I love to travel. Many of the settings in my stories are based on places I’ve been. I also love browsing through antique shops and shopping at garage sales. When not writing, I’m doing book work for my brother’s construction company.   

​4.  Why did you enter #Pit2Pub?
I love twitter and have pitched my stories, from PBs to YAs, on #PitMad, #PitchCB, #PitchPB, etc. When the day for #Pit2Pub arrived, I had several pitches ready to use. I spent the entire day pitching. I received 6 faves, 3 on a YA, 1 on a children’s chapter book, and 2 on THE DRAGON’S RING.  I submitted to five of the six publishers, received some nice rejections from four and a positive response from one. Three weeks later Clean Reads publisher Stephanie Griffin sent me a contract for THE DRAGON’S RING.

6.  Who did you sign with?
I signed on with Clean Reads and it’s been a wonderful, positive experience. Everyone on the staff is friendly and helpful; and the other authors are supportive, offering advice and encouragement.

7. Tell us about your book.
​THE DRAGON’S RING is a fairy tale/love story:

​Sir James Trueblood is determined to capture a unicorn so he can marry Princess Isadora. The knight begins his quest, not realizing the princess is following him in disguise. On his journey Sir James tangles with a witch and slays a dragon. With the dragon’s ring the knight’s mission is a success, but then he learns the unicorn will die if not set free. Now he has a dilemma, marry the princess or free the unicorn.
 
8. When is your book scheduled to release?
August 28!!!
 
9.  Bucket List item?
In 2010 I traveled to London, Paris and Rome. I’ve taken a Caribbean cruise and in 2012 returned to London. I’ve also visited Scotland, Wales and Ireland. I’m fortunate to have crossed these fabulous places off my bucket list. My priority now is to become an established, well-read author with several published books. I’ve been working on a YA series and would love to find a publishing home for it.
 
10.  Parting words for other authors.
​Never stop writing. I know there will be days when it seems hopeless and you’ll feel like giving up. I’ve lived through them. I promise you there will be rejections. I have a file cabinet filled with them.  When you find a publisher who believes in you and loves your writing, you’ll realize all the hard work and hours spent writing and revising will be worth it.

---

Social media links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmddeb
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/DebraDaughertyauthor
Website:  http://writing-for-children.webnode.com
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/ddaugherty329
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7579797.Debra_Daugherty

I'm a member of SCBWI. Publishing credits include picture book CALAMITY CAT, 2013, MeeGenius/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, (now part of HMH's Curious World website),  and two short stories in Guardian Angel Kids' e-zine, LET YOUR IMAGINATION SOAR! and THE MYSTERY OF THE GHOSTLY THIEF. My short story, HEART OF STONE, won first place in a 2015 writing contest. And soon to be released by Clean Reads, THE DRAGON'S RING!

---