Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Looking back over the process of a book can be really informative. So much is forgotten over the course of the several years it takes from idea to published. Here’s an interesting post from debut author Danna Zeiger on the journey of REWRITING THE RULES: HOW DR. KATHLEEN FRIEL CREATED NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR BRAIN RESEARCH AND DISABILITY.

GIVEAWAY! To get in on the giveaway for a copy of REWRITING THE RULES, please sign up for Danna’s newsletter. (And for an extra entry, leave a comment below!)

The Evolution of a Picture Book Biography From Sub to Pub

By Danna Zeiger, Ph.D.

As a scientist, I can comfortably declare that the world of publishing can be more elusive than an NIH grant. (For those who don’t know, applying for a science grant from the US government takes months of preparation, analysis, and years of experimenting, writing and rewriting – but at least the reviewers who ultimately rip apart the submission will suggest a dozen (impossible) experiments (that might take a decade and cost a fortune you don’t have) to try before resubmitting). In publishing, you’re lucky just to get a response. As a data junky, two-years-ago me would have greatly appreciated someone demystifying the publishing process. So, I would like to hold your hand as you sip some delicious coffee, and tell you about this simultaneously bizarre and wonderful rollercoaster ride through my debut picture book biography.

I’ve known the subject of my biography, Dr. Kathleen Friel, since college—meaning, some decades. (I won’t tell you how many!) She was at my senior thesis presentation, she came to my wedding, and we’ve kept in touch from time to time afterwards.

When I resigned from my professorship, started homeschooling my kids in Covid, and dove into my dream of becoming a children’s book author, I knew I wanted kids to meet Kathleen.

I started my research in Oct 2021, and kept accumulating files and folders, pictures and quotes, galore.

It took time to process and consider how I wanted to approach this book before I could even write my first (real but terrible!) draft.

After working seriously on it for several months with multiple critique groups and trusted critique partners, I won first place in the Spring Fling writing contest (thank you Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal) with a coveted critique prize with agent extraordinaire Alyssa Henkin. Her feedback helped me immensely and I continued to shape my story. Per her advice, I included a more personal, less clinical touch. (Thank you, Alyssa!)

By the time I queried this manuscript, I was up to draft version 46.

(Hot tip: Book ideas can be amazing. They still take time, and more time. Let them percolate, keep revisiting them.)

Querying in July 2022: I sometimes led with this manuscript, depending on agent preference.

(Hot tip: Many agents, including biography-focused agents, passed on this manuscript, even with champagne rejections—but this was not predictive! So don’t let passes get you down.)

The manuscript I queried the agent I ultimately signed with was not this one. Yet, my debut book is the nonfiction manuscript we went out on sub with first, in February 2023.

(Hot tip: What you query with is not necessarily what you will go out on sub with.)

Offer in June 2023: The offering editor requested to change the title, which I immediately agreed to. (She was totally right!)

The editing process was an exciting and collaborative partnership. This may be unique to my editor and publisher, but I felt included in every step! I wish for everyone an equally positive debut experience. Part of this may have also been due to the technical nature of my manuscript, since I knew Kathleen personally and could share input as a scientist. 

My editor was thorough and thoughtful, and wanted to make sure to get this story right. I worked with her, another editor, and two sensitivity readers! 

This meant multiple rounds of edits including feedback from each editor and sensitivity reader.

Some stats:

First manuscript: 2,000+ words (AGH!) + back matter

Manuscript queried: 890 words + back matter

Manuscript Subbed to Editors: 850 words + back matter

Final manuscript for publication: ~1170 words + back matter

What changed? Aside from the title, I had included quotes from Kathleen in my original sub. At first, we moved them to illustrations through the editing process. Then we cut down on them… and then we cut them completely. Ultimately, I think this only served to improve the book! They became a little distracting, even though I had loved them.

(Hot tip: Think about what is essential to you and be open to changing some things (not everything!) while trusting your editor.)

Ironically, many of the added words that made the published manuscript so long were scenes I had written previously but removed! In sticking to the recommended picture book word counts, and per feedback I received, I had cut several scenes I originally liked! Ironically, the editing process brought them right back in.

(Hot tip: Especially in nonfiction picture books, editing is more extensive, and word counts can actually increase!)

The back matter was also edited extensively, with multiple more rounds—everything we did made the book only stronger and left the most crucial information.

What didn’t change?

I learned what was important to me, and sometimes would ask not to change something—STET—with good reasons. Certainly, scientific accuracy, or accuracy about cerebral palsy, was essential.

Some aspects were in my original manuscript and the editors, art director, and Josée took it beyond my wildest dreams! For example, I had suggested a dandelion motif, but what I envisioned was some small fraction of the creative masterpiece Josée delivered!

I know you’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again… trust the process. And above all, trust your editor. 

This book has surpassed my wildest dreams and I’m so proud to call this book my debut.

Don’t forget to sign up HERE for Danna’s newsletter to be entered in the GIVEAWAY for a copy of REWRITING THE RULES! (US addresses only, please. Winner announced 11/14/25.)

AND if you leave a comment below, you’ll double your chances with an extra entry!