WHAT HAPPENED WITH MY CHILDREN'S BOOK?

As some of you may recall, last year I wrote and planned to self-publish a children's book. As I was ready to go to print, Garrett Feldman, PMP and Maira Alejandra encouraged me to pursue traditional publishing. I paused my process and sent my manuscript to a few literary agents. Getting representation in the book business is hard, so I took this step with no expectations.

A few weeks later, I signed an offer of representation with the wonderful Jennifer Mattson at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. My dear friend and mentor Jan Sokoloff Harness encouraged me through the editing process and predicted my manuscript would sell at an auction. As much as I appreciated Jan's enthusiasm, I felt it was best to be realistic and simply hope the story would find a good home.

And guess what? In March, the book sold at auction, after 4 editorials threw their hats in the ring to become the home of my story: La Chiva, the colorful bus of The Andes! The cherry on top is that the manuscript was acquired by Nancy Mercado at Dial, a Penguin Random House imprint.

Can you imagine how differently this story would have turned out if it weren't for the wonderful people in my life? I am blessed to have friends and family who see my potential through a lens wider than my own. I am blessed to have people who challenge, encourage, and celebrate me.

La Chiva is a rhythmic story written in Spanglish. Why? Because Spanglish is the language of my heart. I am a medley of Colombian roots and American experiences. Language provides a way to communicate the depth of my love and appreciation for my two homes.

I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me, and for the sacrifices my parents made to lead our family to chase our American dream. I am grateful for the wonderful people who cheer me on through my many creative enterprises. I wonder what else we might accomplish together.

With a grateful heart,

Karol

Link to the official announcement