Tuesday Debut – Presenting David McMullin!

Happy Tuesday Debut Book Birthday to David McMullin and FREE TO BE FABULOUS!

I hope you’re not even thinking of asking, because of COURSE there is cake!!! Have I not been perfectly clear for over a decade that there will ALWAYS be cake? 😊 🧁

Also, there is a present for one of you! David is offering winner’s choice of a critique to a picture book writer, or a 30 minute zoom AMA! Just leave a comment on today’s post by Monday May 6th at 3PM Eastern and you could be the randomly selected winner of this great prize!

I love getting to share new authors’ debuts, but I especially love to share the debuts of authors who have been long-time followers of and participants in the high jinx and shenanigans around here, who have been working consistently and determinedly toward their publication goal, and David definitely qualifies! I don’t even know how many contests he’s entered here, with fabulous entry after fabulous entry and now, LOOK! He’s got a fabulous book! 😊

So let’s meet him and get a glimpse of his book and learn all about how he came to be published! (while we’re eating cake 😊)

Title: Free to Be Fabulous!
Author: David McMullin
Illustrator: Robbie Cathro
Publishing House: Clarion (HarperCollins)
Date of Publication: April 30, 2024
Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction
age range of your book: 4-8

Daniel is bullied for imitating his favorite pop-star, Fabulina, at his school talent show, but soon discovers that the one thing he is teased for is the very thing that gives him his strength.

SUSANNA: Welcome, David! Thank you so much for taking the time to join us today. We are all very excited to hear about your journey to publication! Where did the idea for this book come from?

DAVID: This story came from multiple ideas jammed together. The main inspiration was the concept of viral videos and cyber bullying. Funny thing, that entire aspect of the plot has been removed. What remains, are the bits that make this the most personal story I have written. Although not autobiographical, I think Daniel is a much stronger character because I could relate to his feelings of not always fitting in with the other kids.

SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?

DAVID: Once I had a strong enough idea to sit down and write, it only took me a day, but I think my process might seem a bit tedious to others. Words don’t just flow out of me. I write the first few words, change them a dozen times, then move on to the next words, make more changes, go back to the beginning and so on. I revise and write the first draft at the same time.

SUSANNA: I can relate! Did you go through many revisions?

DAVID: The actual revision process is where the real fun begins. One time I may look at verbs, another time I may change the ending, and another time I may do general futzing. There is no exact number of revisions. Slowly but surely the manuscript transforms into something I like. The biggest revisions usually come after my critique groups have their say.

SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?

DAVID: Three things –  1) My critique partners had no more suggestions. 2) I found myself changing words and punctuation but no more big picture items. 3) Most importantly, I loved it.

SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?

DAVID: I submitted through my agent. This was one of three stories she started off with. This story went to eleven editors. Seven said no. Three were silent. One (my editor) requested an R&R (revise and resubmit).

SUSANNA: How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions (if you did) or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?

DAVID: I wish it were so simple. Ha! I got the R&R, resubmitted, then got a second R&R, resubmitted again, got a third R&R, resubmitted yet again, then I got the offer. That was a ten month process!

SUSANNA: Wow! When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”?  (Best moment ever! 😊) and how did you celebrate?

DAVID: My agent emailed to say she wanted to video chat, I hopped right on and she shared the good news. The funny part is, I am not someone who shows my emotions, but with her looking directly at me I felt I would disappoint her if I didn’t react with a modicum of enthusiasm. After all, she was telling me she just sold my first book. I’m sure it was a pathetic performance, but regardless of outward appearances, I was truly absolutely thrilled.

SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?

DAVID: This took six months.

SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?

DAVID: I don’t know that I had many expectations, so everything made me happy. I was with a large publishing company and was happy to see an advance over 5K. Most everything was pretty standard with 5% royalties on the initial hardcovers. As part of the contract I received 20 author copies, had cover consultation, has no non-compete clause, and had no option on my next work.

SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?

DAVID: My editorial process was fairly simple. I had already done three major rewrites as a part of my R&R process, so by the time we got to the offer my editor pretty much had the book they were looking for. We did discuss small details like word choices, but it was all very pain free. Mostly, my editor would say, “How about this…” and I would say, “Sure.” On the few occasions when I didn’t agree, I would state my reasons, and every time my editor valued my opinion and went with my suggestion.

SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?

DAVID: I was expecting a very modern take, so when Robbie Cathro (whose art has a retro vibe) was suggested, I was a bit surprised. But I loved Robbie’s portfolio, so was excited to go with my editor’s vision. And I’m so glad I did. From the second I saw the first character sketches, I knew the look of the book would be everything I had dreamed. I was shown art at every major juncture and my opinion was sought. This process actually had an impact on my text. My editor and I made several changes based on what we saw in the art.

I had art notes in earlier drafts, (I prefer to call them clarity notes as I intend for them to help an editor visualize the book, and not to direct an artist.) but as the book went through R&R’s and scenes changed, those notes were no longer necessary.

text copyright David McMullin 2024, illustration copyright Robbie Cathro 2024, Clarion (HarperCollins)

SUSANNA: Did you get to see advance reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, etc? What was that like?

DAVID: Not many, but my first review was a terrific review from Publisher’s Weekly. That was a nice way to start.

SUSANNA: Congratulations! That is wonderful! How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?

DAVID: I’m a bit of a special case. I am a full time traveler, so I still have not held my book and will not for another month or so. My husband plans to return with a copy when he travels back to the states in June. I can’t wait! But basically just over two and a half years.

SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?

DAVID: Pretty much all of that work is behind the scenes and unseen by me. The team at HarperCollins did share their marketing plan, which consists of promoting the book through all major retailers from big box to independent to catalogs, submitting for reviewers and awards, and seeking media attention.

SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.

DAVID: Again, my full-time travel puts me in an unusual position. I will not be able to do any in-person events, so I thought about how I can use my unique circumstances to promote. I was inspired by the t-shirt that my character, Daniel, wears. It’s a tour shirt. I thought, what if my character, Daniel were to follow his favorite pop-star, Fabulina, on her world tour? I printed some cutouts of Daniel dancing, and carry them everywhere I go. I take pictures of him in front of all of the most exciting attractions we encounter. He is the most well-traveled kid having visited twenty-one countries on five continents! Also I work with two different author marketing groups, and am doing a small blog tour.

SUSANNA: How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?

DAVID: Although I had been writing for a while, I consider “serious” as when I joined SCBWI in 2014. I sold my first book seven years later in 2021.

SUSANNA: What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication? (Or what is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)

DAVID: This will seem like odd advice coming from me, but engage with other writers. I am an introvert, and that, for me, includes on-line interactions. I get great anxiety connecting with other writers on social media, but I wouldn’t have the support system I have today if it were not for those connections. I will include in that same category, participate in various events and contests like the ones you will find here on Susanna’s blog.

SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?

DAVID: I was fortunate that although I was the “artistic” kid in a rural community, I never had anything but support along my journey to figuring out who I was. Not all kids are as fortunate. Keep a watchful eye out for those kids who might be struggling and let them know that they are fabulous!

SUSANNA: What great advice! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers, David! We so appreciate the opportunity to learn from you, and wish you all the best with this and future titles!

Readers, if you have questions for David, please post them in the comments below and if he has time I’m sure he’ll respond!

And remember, your comment puts you in the running to be the randomly selected winner of either a critique to a picture book writer, or a 30 minute zoom AMA if you leave it by Monday May 6th at 3PM Eastern!

Author David McMullin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmullinpb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmcmullinpb

You may purchase David’s book at:
(all links below are book-specific)

Indiebound/Bookshop.org
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

We can help our debut authors successfully launch their careers by:

– purchasing their books

– recommending their books to friends and family

– recommending their books to our children’s teachers and librarians

– recommending their books to our local libraries and bookstores

– suggesting them as visiting authors at our children’s schools and our local libraries

– sharing their books on social media

– reviewing their books on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and other sites where people go to learn about books.

Thank you all for stopping by to read today!  Have a lovely, inspiration-filled Tuesday!  Maybe today is the day you’ll write your debut picture book 😊

Missed any previous Tuesday Debuts?  Check them out HERE!

42 thoughts on “Tuesday Debut – Presenting David McMullin!”

  1. robdonart123 says:
    Reply

    Congratulations on your book! The story has an important theme in this day of bullying. The main character is adorable. I loved what you said about how you knew your manuscript was ready for submission. My question is…why so many R&Rs? Is that normal?
    Thank you for sharing and be safe in your travels.♥️

    • David McMullin says:
      Reply

      I do not think that three R&Rs is usual. By time we got to the third one, I truly did not think things were going to go my way. My editor and I never discussed it, but my guess is that they really connected to the character and the situation, but did not think that my original, fairly wild telling of the story would be relatable to enough kids. I think the R&Rs were because they were hoping for big picture changes, and we needed to be in sync.

  2. Katie Schwartz says:
    Reply

    Congratulations on your book David! Thanks for your journey to publication information. I liked reading about how you revise (I’ve always wondered how writers can state the number of revisions their ms has gone through), I can’t ever say any # for revisions, I am a futzer too! And love your explanation that your art notes are for the editor intending to clarify things for him/her, not for the artist, I have done this with this idea in mind and wonder if I shouldn’t. Again, thank you for all your information!

    • David McMullin says:
      Reply

      Thank you! I think there is definitely overlap between art notes and clarification notes, but I would always rather not tell the illustrator what to do, but let the editor know what I am hoping, and let them decide what to pass on.

  3. susandrewwrites says:
    Reply

    Thanks for sharing your journey. It reminds me to have patience! I always want things to go fast, fast, fast, but they just don’t. I love your idea to photograph a cut out of Daniel in fun places. Like Flat Stanley! You could have a whole thing with Daniel fans and their fun pictures. Best of luck with your book.

    • David McMullin says:
      Reply

      Thank you! It has been a lot of fun traveling with the cut out. I hope to find a great use for them some day.

    • Susanna Leonard Hill says:
      Reply

      I love that idea too, Susan! It’s such a fun way to share a book. A long time ago, I sent Punxsutawney Phyllis on a “World Tour”, mailing a copy of the book from one person to the next and each one took photos of the book in their location. It was tons of fun! Now that I’m thinking of it, I wonder if that is still on my blog anywhere 🤣

  7. brilawyer says:
    Reply

    Great interview! I love your revision process and how you single out one thing to revise at a time. I’m going to copy that method. Also I’m super curious what you do that allows you to travel that much. That would be so fun! Good luck with your book! It looks fabulous!

    • David McMullin says:
      Reply

      Thank you, Bri! For the travel, My husband and I planned and saved for over ten year top make it a reality. Lots of sacrifices and it wasn’t easy (and no kids (or pets)). Also it costs us less to travel full time than to live in the USA.

  8. kathalsey says:
    Reply

    Wow, I know you from SM, David …you don’t come across as an introvert! I am excited for you and this debut! Bravo for persevering through those R&Rs. That may have scared me!

    And, like you, I don’t know how many revisions I do w/my mss, especially those I love. 

    I’ll be checking the Columbus OH library system for this!

    • David McMullin says:
      Reply

      You would be amazed at how strong my social anxiety can be, but I was also an actor, so I know how to play the part of a not so introverted person. Ha! The R&Rs were no joke, very stressful. By the third one, I was quite sure It was, on my end, just a writing exercise and not a shot at a offer. Thank you for your support, Kathy!

      • kathalsey says:

        David, yes, I guess you are a very good actor. LOL. I placed a hold on your book. It is on order at Columbus Metro Library. Enjoy the heck of of this debut and your travels.

  9. Cathy Ballou Mealey says:
    Reply

    I’m joining Katie’s comment above – #TeamFutzer! – when revising and tweaking manuscripts. Congratulations David!

  16. christym1234 says:
    Reply

    Congratulations, David! I’ve been waiting for this book as I’ve seen it pop up on feeds here and there. I love what you did with the cutouts! I’m looking forward to reading the book.

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