An Interview with Author Peggy Cunningham

It’s the third Friday of the month, time for our debut author interview. Today, I’m visiting with Peggy Cunningham, author of the children’s book series Really Rare Rabbits. Book 1, Giant Ghost Rabbits Guarding the Inca Treasure Fires released in February.

Peggy has been burning up the keyboard this year. Since scheduling my interview with her, she has released the second book in the series, Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass, and book 3 releases next month.

Debra: How long did it take to write your book?

Peggy: The idea of my book lingered in my head for a few years before my first attempt to jot it down. I scribbled the core of the story on a notepad in an hour or so. It remained in my files for a few years before I began writing it. I took a course on how to write book proposals and had to come up with a story for a book for the proposal. I pulled my rabbit story from my files and wrote the story in a matter of a few days. However, that was only the beginning of my book.

From that point, I developed a book proposal, edited my story, and acquired an editor to help me get it ready to submit.

Debra: What prompted you to take a course about writing book proposals and how did it help you?

Peggy: I read Book Proposals That $ell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success by Terry Whalin and decided to enroll in his book proposal course. I found the advice in the book and course gave me an edge to creating book proposals that avoid the things that most commonly assure rejection. I learned the basics of outlining a proposal and the most important points to include that will capture the interest of acquisition editors.

Writing my proposal was difficult, but not because of what the publisher asked for. I compiled an extensive proposal and submitted it along with my manuscript. I keep a detailed one as a sample and revise it according to what the publisher requests. Some publishers may want less information, but I don’t believe they would want more. Terry Whalin’s course prepared me for what every publisher wants to know about the author. When my publisher asked for a book proposal, I sent the detailed version. It must have been okay––I got the contract. 🙂

Debra: At what point in writing your book did you begin looking for publishers?

Peggy: After working on it for one year, I submitted it to two publishers. Since this was my first book to submit to traditional publishers, (I previously self-published 14 children’s books) I searched the web frequently during the year I was writing my proposal. I searched for publishers looking for books like mine.

While writing my book, I was taking Jerry Jenkins’ writing courses. One of the lessons was about finding a publisher. My course mentor, Julie-Allyson Ieron was a blessing to me and guided me along the way to being published. I made a list and had six publishers in mind that published picture books. During this time, I was also submitting short stories for publication in anthologies. While looking for publishers for my stories in the Christian Writers’ Market Guide, I also looked for publishers for my rabbit series.

Debra: You had a very methodical plan of action that worked. That’s great. How did you choose the publishers you queried?

Peggy: I’d attended the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference and was receiving frequent updates about future conferences. I also received e-mails from the director, Marlene Bagnull. I contacted a few publishers who were on staff at the conferences and submitted my book to two of them. However, when one contacted me I already had a publisher.

I believe it was a divine appointment when I met my publisher, Tracy Ruckman through an email. My story “I Like Jesus” had been published in Dianne Butts’ and Renee Gray-Wilburn’s book, Grandparenting Through Obstacles, published by Pix-N-Pens Publishing. I read about the publisher on their website and saw they were doing children’s books. When I contacted Tracy to order the grandparenting book, I asked about submitting my children’s book. I was told to go ahead and send it. When I received a reply, my publisher said something all writers long to hear. She said, “This is wonderful!” I signed a three-book contract with Pix-N-Pens Publishing for my Really Rare Rabbits series.

Debra: What was the process once your book began production?

Peggy: After my book was accepted, I was asked to send illustrations with the complete manuscript and proposal. At the time, my publisher required that I have an illustrator, which I did. Next, I signed a contract and began working on editing the manuscript with the publisher. Some minor changes were made and grammar mistakes corrected. Then, I worked with the publisher on the layout and added an author page, back cover blurb, a page of questions for the readers, and my bio. When we were ready to go to print my publisher said this, “And people think children’s books are easy to do.” I agree. It was a lot of work for all involved.

Debra: You mentioned you worked with an editor from the publisher. How did that go?

Peggy: I’m one of those writers who loves the editing process. So, I guess you know I’m going to say it went well, and I loved it. Truth is, I do love it and learn so much through the process. I worked with an editor before sending the manuscript to my publisher. I also worked with the editor/publisher––to meet her specifications. Of course, having a wonderful editor and publisher makes for a joyful journey, doesn’t it? I would tell writers to drink in all the knowledge and wisdom they can through editors. They know their stuff!

Debra: As an editor myself, it’s always nice to hear that writers do have good experiences with their editors. How much of the marketing of your book are you expected to handle?

Peggy: After I’d signed a contract, my publisher sent me a “Now What?” list. The publisher compiled a list of things I could do to get ready for my book’s release. Of course, I can’t possibly do everything on the list, but certain things are a must––such as social media, press releases, e-mail notices, and a professional website with my domain name. An Amazon author page is a must. I am blessed to have a publisher who helps along the way. She allows her authors to choose what best fits their schedules and budgets. Of course, along with that comes each author’s responsibility to participate in the process as best as he/she can.

My second book was just released in August, and I am doing more marketing for the books now because a lot of the groundwork was done for the first book. I don’t feel nearly as overwhelmed as I did with the first book. My advice to newly published authors––hang in there, it does get easier along the way. But, you must work hard to see results. And, your publisher will be thrilled to see you are working hard to get the word out about your book and not expecting the publisher to do all the work for you.

Debra: What was the worst thing to deal with in the publishing process?

Peggy: In my experience, I didn’t know how to break into the publishing world––what to do first. Going to a writer’s conference opened up the world of publishing to me.

After attending Marlene Bagnull’s conference in Philadelphia, I became more aware of the process, and frankly, I was overwhelmed and thought of giving up my dream of being a writer. The conference taught me what I needed to know, but I wasn’t sure I had the time or talent to pursue it. Having a full-time ministry in missions, I doubted God was leading me to write. So, I prayed for God to show me what He wanted me to do. On the last day of the conference, I was offered an opportunity to write a children’s column in a Christian newspaper, and I knew God was leading me to write.

A writers’ conference was the answer for me. Even though I was overwhelmed at all involved in the publishing process, God showed me that He wanted me to write for Him. I knew He would lead me, and nothing was impossible for Him.

Debra: What’s the best thing in the process?

Peggy: There are many best things. Of course, being published is at the top of the list but there are so many blessings along the way to being published. Meeting author’s, publishers, editors, and aspiring writers is part of the best for me. Learning from these godly people in the publishing world has given me joy and taught me valuable lessons to improve my writing. To be called to write is a privilege and honor–to think God is using me through my writing–what a blessed life it is.

Debra: How do you see God using you through your writing?

Peggy: When I hear that my children’s books are being used to lead children to the Lord and teach them biblical principles, I know God is using my writing for eternity. Also, it is exciting to see that the articles and short stories I have had published are encouraging and blessing adults. My hope and desire is that God is using my writing to glorify Him and bring children and adults to Jesus.

Debra: It’s wonderful to have God use our skills as writers to reach out and help others. So often we don’t hear from readers, so we have no idea whether our writing is making a difference. Readers, I encourage you to contact authors and tell them how their writing has inspired you. Peggy, do you use  your books in your missionary work?

Peggy: Yes, I have the joy of using my writing as a tool for teaching children and teen girls in our ministry in Bolivia. We teach practical skills such as computer skills, hygiene, and cooking classes to underprivileged children and with each class we have a devotional and also teach Bible studies. I write devotions and Bible studies for my teen girls’ cooking classes, and I also use my children’s books to present the Gospel to little ones and teach them biblical principles.

Debra: What advice do you have for writers concerning finding and gaining a publisher?

Peggy: The first thing is pray about it. Ask God to guide you. Next, get to a writer’s conference. Learn from others who have experience and expertise. They want to help you. Take their advice, even if it hurts. In the long run, it will help you to see where you need to improve your writing and lead to fulfilling your dreams. There is so much to learn––have a learner’s heart.

A conference gives you opportunity to meet with editors and publishers. I’m not able to get to conferences except once every few years, but God led me to a publisher without those opportunities. If He wants you to do something, He will make it happen in His way. But, if you are able financially to get to conferences, go. I certainly would.

And, of course, work hard as unto the Lord and seek His will in what He wants of your life, whether in publishing or otherwise. True joy and fulfillment comes from being in the center of His will. I know that’s what we (writers) all want most!

Debra: What advice do you have for writers during the process between acceptance and release?

Peggy: Get your social media complete. I was overwhelmed with all I had to do after signing a contract. I was new to Facebook and Twitter because of my circumstances as a missionary. I wasn’t sure that social media would be good for our ministry––turns out, it is not only great for my writing but also our ministry.

I had a blog but needed a website with my domain name. If you can work on all of this while pursuing a publisher, you will be well ahead of all that takes place after signing a contract. Connect with your friends, colleagues, and family.

Send out e-mail updates to them so they know what you are doing and can help promote your book. Get excited about what God is doing through your writing and others will also.

Book speaking engagements––people love meeting authors, especially other authors and writers. And, get ready for book signings.

If you have the finances, get business cards, postcards and even a banner if you have the funds. VistaPrint has beautiful banners.

And, trust God for what comes next. Believe He has a purpose for your writing––whatever that may be. “May the God of your hope so fill you with joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” Romans 15:13 (AMP) Believe!

Debra: Amen! You’ve got me excited. When our writing seeks to glorify God, there are spiritual forces that work to stop us. I’ve faced discouragement and obstacles over my Christian-based writing and I’ve seen other writers saying the same. Thank you for that pep talk from God. When does book three release and what are your plans after that?

Peggy: The third book will be released by Pix-N-Pens Publishing in December. Yes, I am blessed! And, now I’m working on my next children’s series and eventually, more rabbit books. I’m working on the rabbit fourth book because the rabbits keep giving me ideas.

Debra: Thank you for joining us today, Peggy, and sharing your journey to publication. Congratulations on your book series and may you continue to find success as well as reach others with the message of Christ.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peggy Cunningham and her husband, Chuck have served as missionaries in Bolivia, South America, since 1981. In 1999, they founded Rumi Rancho Ministries. Rumi Rancho is their home and ministry base outside the city of Cochabamba where they work with the Quechua people and have a children’s ministry, teaching practical skills to underprivileged children while reaching them for Christ. Peggy writes and contributes to several Christian publications regularly as well as to anthologies.

You can connect with Peggy here:

Website: http://www.peggycunningham.com   E-mail: peggy@peggycunningham.com

Really Rare Rabbits Book 1: Giant Ghost Rabbits Guarding the Inca Treasure Fires
Pix-N-Pens Publishing—released February 2013

Chi Chi and his sister Fi Fi are part of a family of giant rabbits. The young rabbits live on a mountain in Bolivia where their ancestors landed with their owners, the Quechua Indians, when they escaped from Machu Picchu as the Spaniards invaded the Inca Empire in Peru.

You won’t see them on the mountain unless you look very close, but you will hear them giggling. A very old legend tells of their unbelievable size and their truly unusual job, protecting a treasure of gold left behind on the mysterious rocky mountain by their owners of long ago.

Every night they sit by their fires, near where they think the treasures are buried. But, one day they hear of a new Light on the mountain that never burns out. Even though Chi Chi and Fi Fi are supposed to stay well hidden during the day, they venture down the mountain to peer in the missionaries’ windows.

That’s when their dangerous adventure begins.

Really Rare Rabbits Book 2: Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass
Pix-N-Pens Publishing—released August 2013

Really Rare Rabbits Book 3: Giant Ghost Geese and the Winding Wall will release next month.