A Different Route to Publication

Susan Greenway's Middle Grade Novel ELEPHANT TOUCH

Another of my clients just released her debut middle grade novel. Susan Greenway’s ELEPHANT TOUCH made me cry the first - and every subsequent - time I read it. I truly loved working with Susan and love this book. So after she had several near misses with agents, she wanted to get the ball rolling in a different way.

I hope it will give you some thoughts about exploring all the options in publishing today.

Here’s a synopsis:

Since the sudden loss of her mother, Quinn has been inconsolable. Her aunt brings her to volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary, hoping it will be a healing experience—but when Quinn learns about the previous abuse of the elephants she’s there to help, she’s overcome with even more grief.

While crying alone by the river one day, Quinn has a magical encounter with an adult elephant. She marvels at the elephant’s show of compassion, and they develop a strong connection. But when an orphaned baby elephant, also grieving her mother’s death, arrives at the sanctuary in fragile health, Quinn is afraid to get involved. To help save the baby elephant’s life, she must be courageous and use her newfound ability to connect with the elephants—not to mention accept the support of her new human friends. If she can channel her grief into action, she just might find the community and support she’s been missing. But can she find the courage to do it?

For fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish, Elephant Touch is a contemporary middle grade novel about overcoming grief that will touch the hearts of its readers.

Let’s Get Talking!

What is the backstory behind this story? What made you wish to write it?

I was at an elephant show in Thailand when I learned that my mother had passed. When I began to cry, three elephants corralled behind me walked up to me. One of them placed its trunk on my shoulder. I was stunned at their intuition and deeply moved by the compassion of the elephant’s touch.

Later, I wanted to write about the human/elephant connection. There are many instances of strong relationships between humans and elephants throughout history. I also wanted to highlight some of the ways that grace appears to us in times of loss. And, I wanted to raise the awareness of the endangered status of elephants.

Was the initial drafting process smooth for you? It felt to me that you had a really solid draft when we started working – was that true for you?

I wouldn’t describe it as smooth. I’m more of a ‘pantster’ than a plotter in my writing, which can result in a lot of dead ends. My story began with a single layer plot and evolved to a multi-layered story after some helpful input from other writers. After that I began working with you and learned to put more depth and emotion into my characters, which strengthened my story considerably.

What route did you take to publication? How did that experience work for you?

After several attempts to land an agent, and a few almost yeses, and, after facing the reality that most children’s publishers were closed to unsolicited manuscripts, I decided to go with a hybrid press called She Writes Press (SWP). I liked that SWP vets the books they print before accepting them. SWP gives their authors a lot of information on the publishing process, and designates support staff to each author for and during the various stages of publishing. It was definitely a learning experience, and, at times overwhelming. But their staff were accessible and very helpful.

It was also a very long two years from signing until release date. During those two years, Brooke Warner, the founder of SWP, was able to broker a deal for distribution through Simon & Schuster, a huge advantage for all of the current and future authors.

How does it feel to have the book actually in print?

It’s a bit surreal, especially after all this time. I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity. My biggest hope is that the kids who can benefit the most from Elephant Touch will have the opportunity to read it and be encouraged.

Are you writing something new (please say yes!!) and if so, how’s it going?

I’m trying. My husband had some health issues that diverted my attention for several months. I have a story I want to write, but it’s been hard to get it going.

Susan R. Greenway, author of ELEPHANT TOUCH, is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist. She is a longtime member of SCBWI and a graduate of the University of Washington Writing for Children Program. ELEPHANT TOUCH is her debut novel, inspired by an experience she had with an elephant in Thailand. Susan is an outdoor and dog enthusiast and lives with her husband and their sweet dog, Willow.

So Much Praise For This Book

ELEPHANT TOUCH has garnered a lot of well-deserved praise, and this is a small sample:

“A touching tale about a parent’s death and the birth of a passion for animals.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A tender-hearted story of loss and love. Quinn breaks the rules to save a baby elephant; can she do the same for herself?” —Kirby Larson, author of Newbery Honoree Hattie Big Sky

You can read more on Susan’s site, and find copies here, and here.

I know you’ll love this book!

If You Want To Work With Me…

Find everything you need about my courses and writing community right here, including the ability to work with me in my Fox’s Den:

As always, happy writing!