Welcome to Tuesday Debut, everyone!
Today’s debut-ess has a lot of interesting information to share, so we’re going to get right to it!
But first. . .
The winner of last week’s giveaway from Katie Reinert, winner’s choice or a PB manuscript critique (up to 800 words) OR a signed copy of her book, READY TO SMILE AGAIN, OR a 20-minute Zoom Ask Me Anything! is. . .
Cathy!!!
(no last name, additional words, or numbers, so hoping you know who you are ! 😊)
Congratulations, Cathy! Please email me so I can get your prize organized for you!
And, we have a new giveaway for this week! Today’s debut-ess is offering not one, but TWO, giveaways! Number One is a signed copy of her book STUCK: The Story of La Brea Tar Pits (US addresses only, please) and Number Two is a PB manuscript critique!!! To get yourself in the running for these fabulous gifts, please leave a comment below by Monday March 31st at 3 PM Eastern and your name will be added to the random drawing.
And now, without wasting another moment, I am thrilled to introduce you to today’s debut-ess, Joyce P. Uglow, (who just so happens to be a 2021 graduate of Making Picture Book Magic! 😊) and her fabulous book, STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits!
Title: STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits
Author: Joyce P. Uglow
Illustrator: Valerya Milovanova
Publishing House: Bushel and Peck Books www.bushelandpeckbooks.com
Date of Publication: March 4, 2025
Fiction or Nonfiction: nonfiction picture book
age range of your book: ages 7-10, grades 2-5
STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits An entire ice age ecosystem jumbled together – unlucky predators and prey and plants in stacks – stuck – waiting underground for tens of thousands of years until unearthed, studied, and displayed at La Brea Tar Pits Museum in Los Angeles, California. Back matter provides an author’s note, a timeline, a glossary, and a “Who’s Stuck?” list.
SUSANNA: Welcome, Joyce! Thank you so much for visiting with us today. This book looks absolutely fascinating. Where did the idea for it come from?
JOYCE: STUCK! came to me the first time I stood and stared at the Smilodon exhibit. My original notion for a picture book was that a Saber-toothed cat could travel the USA. However, I started researching and quickly realized the story is much bigger than the 3.5 million fossils stored and displayed in the museum. Two words: climate change. Paleontologists’ research uncovered findings showing changes that impacted the ice age ecosystem trapped over 50,000 years in 100 hardened, hidden deposits of asphalt.
Dr. Regan Dunn, paleobotanist at La Brea Tar Pits, found a direct link between a warming period, a total of increase of 48.6 degrees Fahrenheit and a drying period. The effect of the warming and the drying, showed the ecosystem changed from a woodland environment to a chaparral open habitat, which was arid and fire-prone.
Those findings indicate that we, too, should pay attention to our environment. Since 2018, I’ve read research and interviewed scientists to ensure the accuracy in the text and in the art. I dedicated to La Brea scientists Dr. Emily Lindsey and Dr. Regan Dunn.
SUSANNA: I agree that we should pay attention to our environment. It’s interesting (and a little scary) to hear about that previous warming and drying period. How long did it take you to write this book?
JOYCE: I started writing STUCK in 2018… years pass quickly when you’re having fun! I submitted in January of 2023 and received an email from Bushel and Peck Books editor, Ryan G. Van Cleave on July 27, 2023. Just like the magic of a picture book’s first line, his email began, “This book rocks!” THAT was a cartwheel-across-the-front-yard email.
Of the things that go into a well-done picture book take time. On the author’s side, unearthing research, shaping information into lyrical text and vetting the text for scientific accuracy, are not quick tasks. On the publisher’s side, they must find an illustrator who suits the project, allow time for creating beautiful artwork, tweak the text, complete the copy editing, and double (or triple) check the spreads. It takes the time it takes. Publication dates are set by press with the knowledge of the details involved. But sometimes things outside their control slow things down and pub dates change. This was the case with STUCK. From its first date of November to a hopeful January release date, to the official pub date of March 4, 2025. I am thrilled to say STUCK arrived – EARLY!
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
JOYCE: Yes! Taking a book from idea to acquisition to publication involves vision and flexibility. From the get-go, I envisioned STUCK as a lyrical picture book. I did vacillate back and forth between informational fiction and creative lyrical nonfiction, however. My wise critique partners encouraged me to stick with my nonfiction vision, and I did. My editor and I used the Microsoft Word Review > Track Changes functions in three insightful rounds of edits. Copy editing caught two typos. Whew! Decisions involved no side bars, phrase and word choice replacements, several tweaks to details in the illustrations, and additions to the back matter.
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
JOYCE: The long and the short of it is that I trust my critique partners’ opinions with regard to tweaking word choices, line breaks, and voice. This manuscript went through three (at least!) rounds with these uber-talented Writers Without Borders and the LegenDAIRYwriters. When I found that I was rereading research articles and not finding new tidbits to include, I polished it, held my breath, and submitted.
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
JOYCE: When taking a Highlights Foundation course online, our instructor was intrigued by my writing and suggested I submit the manuscript to their publishing house. I did, but I decided to not put all my fossils in one pit. STUCK became a simultaneous submission when The Children’s Book Insider offered an above-the-slush-pile opportunity for Bushel and Peck Books. At that time, Bushel and Peck Books accepted unagented submissions. And the rest is history.
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”?
JOYCE: As Bethany Hegedus at The Writing Barns reminds us, “It takes the time it takes.” Early on in this journey, I learned that watching my inbox is poor use of my time. You know, a watched pot never boils. While on submission, I continued writing new projects and polishing existing drafts. I was over-the-moon-excited when I opened the YES email from Ryan about six months after I submitted.
SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”? (Best moment ever! 😊) and how did you celebrate (if you care to share 😊)
JOYCE: I called my husband, a writing friend, a teaching friend, and my sister with my over-the-top-thrilling news the day the email “call” arrived. Larry came home with two dozen roses that evening, and I’m still wearing that grin. I’ve found that the best moment ever expands when the book of your heart gets love from others.
Photo Credit: Michelle Mullen and Frankie!
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
JOYCE: The contract did take some time to arrive, and I understand that this is can be the norm. This being my debut picture book, I expected a quick turn-around time from offer to signing. I based my expectation on experiences with contracts from poetry anthology publishers. It’s all good.
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
JOYCE: Quite frankly, I did not know what to expect in terms of a contract. I asked writer friends and read a bunch to educate myself. I did not belong to the Authors Guild at the time, but I highly recommend the experts at AG. Their website states,
“Identify and avoid all kinds of traps in publishing agreements” and “Our legal team will review your contracts at no charge and help you understand what you’re giving away before it’s too late. We provide members with detailed written reviews of all types of agreements.”
Below is an excerpt from my contract.
Royalty on Publisher’s Edition… Publisher shall credit Author’s account with a royalty equal to seven percent (7%) of Net Revenues from the sale of the first ten thousand (10,000) copies, ten percent (10%) for the next five thousand copies, and twelve percent (12%) thereafter.
It will be a dream come true to see the sales of STUCK go over 10,000 copies because that means thousands of kids have read the story of Smilodon, the dire wolves, Harlan ground sloth, and wondered about dung beetles, Errant eagle, and Zed the Columbian mammoth.
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
JOYCE: Bushel and Peck Books is a company with a vision. I could tell right from the start that the design of STUCK would be cover-to-cover beautiful. My vision for the book was enhanced by editor Ryan G. Van Cleave’s insights and illustrator Valerya Milovanova’s artwork. In terms of the edit rounds, we didn’t make significant changes to the text. I did, however, dig up more for the back matter… after the first advance reader copy was printed for the American Library Association (ALA) 2024 conference. My favorite piece in the back matter is the color-coded alphabetical list I created to show the plants and animal species discovered thus far.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
JOYCE: I am thrilled with the process. I was given opportunities to comb through the sketches, revisions, and final art with the goal of looking at the science in the art. In fact, I jumped on a Zoom call with Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Dunn from La Brea to talk about research and the book’s images, discussing potential misconceptions. For example, there are 100 deposits and not all of the entrapments happened at once. The ice age plants and animals got stuck together over thousands of years. The resulting fossils, buried deep in the deposits underground, got broken and jumbled as a result of the earth’s movements. The art shows multiple digs rather than one.
text copyright Joyce P. Uglow 2025, illustration copyright Valerya Milovanova 2025, Bushel & Peck Books
In terms of the never-ending question about art notes, we toyed with sidebar notes. We ended up keeping the text lyrical without additional text. Valerya Milovanova did an excellent job of portraying a sticky situation with soft blues, browns, greens mixed in the dark pools. Just so you know, I did include the GPS coordinates for La Brea that did not get in the book. In case you want to know, Hancock Park and La Brea Tar Pits are located at 34° 3′ 49.8492” N and 118° 21′ 23.4792” W
text copyright Joyce P. Uglow 2025, illustration copyright Valerya Milovanova 2025, Bushel & Peck Books
SUSANNA: How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
JOYCE: Good question! A whole bunch of friends received their copy of STUCK from their preorders before I received one I preordered for myself. I have not yet received my box of author copies as I write this. As for the number of copies in the first printing, I have not asked.
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?
JOYCE: Bushel and Peck Books promotes their list on their beautiful website, in a book mobile, as well as via Instagram and Facebook. It was exciting to see STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits appear on the website header. The company’s mission to donate books to children in need warms my heart. Their marketing director submits to award committees and reviewers.
SUSANNA: I love that about Bushel & Peck, too! What a commitment to getting books into children’s hands! Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.
JOYCE: I have learned marketing and promotion tips and tricks from many talented writers. A couple of years ago, I started noticing their powerful visuals created in Canva. Knowing very little, jumped in and began learning. Susan Johnston Taylor hosts a Facebook group to support Canva users. Using this intuitive platform, I’ve created postcards, flyers, business cards, documents, my book tour announcements, and discussion guides, and educational activities. I participate in marketing groups: Kidlit Kangaroos, Picture Book Peeps, Kids Book Crew where we promote, review, and support each other. I love promoting their beautiful work.
I’ve been humbled by the generosity of fellow creatives and by being included in spreading the word about our book on interviews like this one! Being there for others is a mindset I subscribe to. In the “Fish Philosophy,” Be There refers to the principle of being present – physically and emotionally- with others. Being there builds strong relationships by prioritizing others. I strive to be there for the writing community.
I am reminded by Dolly Parton that giving back is essential. She once said, “It seems like the more I give, the more I get. And that is the way it’s supposed to go in life.” And I have come to understand that I can make a difference by lifting others up. Our 44th President Barack Obama, wisely said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” I market and promote with this in mind.
Cynthia Mackey and I both have lyrical books that are coming into the world “during” Poetry Month. On March 14, join us in the STUCK BUMBLEBEE Poetry and Illustration Challenge. You can read the detail here.
SUSANNA: How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
JOYCE: I started creative writing in fourth grade due to a weekly broadcast our teacher used called Let’s Write. The love for story developed as I took literature and writing courses in my undergraduate work for elementary and special education. Reading about writing instruction help both me and my students. I loved teaching reading skills through writing!
When I said my good-byes as the president of the Wisconsin State Reading Association, I answered the “What’s next for you?” by saying, “I’m going to write.” But, I soon realized there’s more to it. I read up on best practices and picture book rules. I joined SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12 Picture Book Challenge (and many more groups over the years.)
To get to your question, I’ve been writing since age 10 and seriously writing PBs for at least a decade.
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?)
JOYCE: I’m certainly not the first one to remind writers to read a ton of picture books. My process is that I read first for enjoyment. Then I read like a writer with a close look at the marriage of story and art. I ask myself: What are the most successful elements? Is it the pacing that I love? Or does its unique voice, structure, word choices and word play make this a mentor text?
Some organizational advice: I finally catalogued my home library by using https://www.libib.com/ to organize my collections. Just know that if you do pull all your books onto the floor, you might have trouble putting them back on the shelves. I certainly did! I settled on the floor reading and rereading… and reviewing.
Be a book buyer, a library user, a book reviewer, and a book giver.
SUSANNA: I love that adivce, Joyce! Anything else you’d like to share about your book’s journey from inspiration to publication?
JOYCE: Our books have the potential to make a difference – even if it is for one kid. Be inspired by places, people, and the power of story. Be curious!
I ink my thinking at Storied Ink https://joyceuglowauthor.com I am looking forward to talking with kids about the climate change studies, the fossils stained brown from the asphalt, and the nature of these discoveries.
SUSANNA: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers!
Readers, if you have questions for Joyce, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond! And remember that your comment puts you in the running for Joyce’s giveaways! Two winners will be randomly selected from among those who comment on this post by 3 PM Eastern Monday March 31st and one will receive a copy of STUCK and the other will win a picture book manuscript critique!
Author Joyce P. Uglow, who has become enamored with making fresh fruit sorbet in her new Ninja Creami. The preparation is super easy and it satisfies her sweet tooth without the guilt 😊
Website https://joyceuglowauthor.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jpuglow/?hl=en
Instagram Valerya Milovanova https://www.instagram.com/valerya.milov/?hl=en
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyce.uglow
Instagram Bushel and Peck Books https://www.instagram.com/bushelandpeckbooks/?hl=en
Substack newsletter https://jpuglow.substack.com/
Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jpuglow.bsky.social
You may purchase Joyce’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!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Looks like a wonderful book – can’t wait to read!
I know, Bethany. Doesn’t it look amazing?!
This looks fascinating! I live in Utah where there has been a lot of prehistoric finds. BTW, your Corgi actually looks like he’s smiling for you! 😊
I’m always awed by how things continue to be discovered! And I agree about the corgi, Stacey 🙂
Congratulations 🎊 👏 Joyce. STUCK looks fascinating.
I haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet, Deirdre, but I am looking forward to it!
Thank you for this wonderful interview, Joyce and Susanna! It was so interesting (and helpful) to read about the story of your La Brea book! Looking forward to reading this very much!
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Mona!
What a fantastic concept for a picture book. It looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your publication journey too.
I agree, Amanda! Such an interesting subject!
Thank you for sharing the royalty percentages! I saw on a publisher’s site recently that they offered 10% and I thought that was so low I didn’t consider them 🙂 But that’s simply the fraction that authors are offered!
I usually get 5% on hardcovers, 3% on paperbacks, Jodie, if that helps at all! 🙂
It really does – thank you!
Your picture book is perfect to make sense out of the LaBrea Tar Pits, located in busy Los Angeles. It’s an amazing place and I am sure your book is too. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and journey. Congratulations!♥️
Isn’t it crazy to think of it being in Los Angeles, Robin?!
The premise of this book sounds fascinating and such a great takeaway regarding climate change and how we can turn around and change our habits. Looking forward to reading!
– Yashika Mody
I agree, Yashika – such an important and timely message!
So excited to read this book, absolutely stunning!! Congratulations!!
It really is stunning, isn’t it? Absolutely gorgeous!
Congratulations, Joyce! Your book looks fascinating.
Thanks for stopping by to read the interview and support Joyce, Karen!
joyce, this is a fantastic interview with Susanna! You’ve done an excellent job promoting the book and I look forward to seeing where else you and STUCK pop up.
Happy to be with you on your journey through publication with your debut. Congrats.
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Kathy! There was a lot of interesting info!
What an exciting debut – congratulations Joyce!
It looks amazing, doesn’t it, Cathy? Thanks for stopping by to support Joyce! 🙂
I am thrilled this book is getting wide coverage – it’s a 5* book for every library. Award winner for sure!
I think you’re right about that, Robin!
Great interview, Joyce and Susanna! STUCK is a fascinating read. Congratualtions to both Joyce and Valerya!!
I think I’m making up new words to *congratulate* you!! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Judy! And I’m sure Joyce really appreciates your enthusiasm!
Great interview and am ordering the book!
So nice of you, Raven! It’s incredible, isn’t it?
…yes, and the time and energy and passion it took her to produce it – blows me away!
I’m so glad to see STUCK getting so much love! It is so beautifully written and illustrated, and carries a poignant message. I enjoyed reading the story behind your story and the process of getting it into your hands. Great interview!
Well said, Lindsay! I agree wholeheartedly! Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Book looks great! Look forward to reading it!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, Zachary!
kids are going to live STUCK! Thanks for sharing!
I think they really will, Sue!
Thank you very much for your candid interview. I really enjoyed reading about your revisions, submissions, and contract terms too. I’m intrigued by the topic of this book and can’t wait to learn new facts while reading this gorgeous book. I’d love to win a copy to read and review.
I’m so glad you found the interview so interesting, Danielle! If you don’t end up winning a copy, maybe you can request it from your library!
Thanks for this in-depth interview. I just requested our library acquire the book. Mine is on its way. Now I just have to make plans to visit La Brea.
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Claire, and thanks so much for requesting STUCK from your library! That is so helpful!
This was a great interview, thanks for sharing, Joyce! STUCK! looks fascinating-a winner for sure. Congratulations!
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Debbie!
I love this topic SO much and I know kids will too! Thanks for sharing your journey, Joyce. Congratulations!
I think this one is going to be a winner, Kim!
Congrats on the book, Joyce! I remember meeting you at the 12×12 bonfire on the beach last summer and talking about its release. I’m so happy to see your dream come true!
So nice of you! I’m sure Joyce appreciates your support!
Sounds like the perfect mentor text for me! I just love topics on the environment with true facts. Such a wonderful achievement to get this gem out in the world. Congratulations!
I agree, Sharon! And I also love books on environmental topics. So interesting and so important!
I love reading these insights! I love that Bushel & Peck picked up your manuscript Joyce! (I’ve admired their books for years and Ryan Van Cleave is always so nice!) Congrats Joyce!
I also love that Bushel & Peck provides books to kids that might not have them otherwise – such a great business model!
Great interview!!! Love love love this book!
You get the job as head cheerleader, Jilanne! 🙂
Wow! Great post, I am looking forward to reading STUCK! 😊
So glad you enjoyed the post, Susan! I’m sure you will also enjoy the book!
Love the in depth back story and concept of STUCK! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
I’m glad the interview left you so enthusiastic! I’m late replying, so I hope you’ve gotten to read it by now!
Great interview. So much helpful information. Thanks Joyce for sharing and I love this book. Congrats!
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Deborah!
We recently adopted a 5 year old tricolor Corgi so I love your photo as well as the information about your book! I haven’t been familiar with Bushel & Peck books before. Thanks for sharing all the information. :))
Sometimes I think I’m the only person who doesn’t have a Corgi! Maybe it’s a requirement for being a kidlit author that I don’t know about 🙂 I think Bushel & Peck is a very interesting publishing house. I love their commitment to literacy!
Kids love nonfiction and this is an intriguing one of discovery! My great nephews love science and this is one they’re going to love!
I’m glad you stopped by and discovered the book, Gloria, so that your nephews can enjoy it!
Congratulations, Joyce! What a cool book and terrific interview! Thank you, Susanna.
So glad you liked it, Karen!
Congrats!! Kids will love this book! Thank you for reminding us all how important critique groups can be in helping us on our journeys.
That is SO true, Cathy! Where would we be without our critique partners?!
Congratulations Joyce and Varlerya! I’m looking forward to reading your book.
It looks amazing, doesn’t it, Charlotte? I am also really looking forward to reading it!
I love the LaBrea tar pits and can’t wait to read your beautiful book!
I’m sure you’ll like it, Susan! It looks amazing!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read this with my son. This is right up his alley!
So glad you discovered it, Amy!
Wow! Great interview and what a labor of love went into creating this book. I’m excited to read it!
So true, Lisa! I hope you get to read it soon! (Or maybe you already have by now since I’m so behind responding to comments on this post 🙂 )
congrats on ur new book. i remember ur helpful critique about my fractured fairy tale in 12×12
How wonderful that you have this connection!
Congratulations, Joyce! I look forward to reading STUCK!
Me, too, Patricia!
‘Stuck’ is remarkable! Well done Joyce!!!
Thank you for stopping by to read the interview and support Joyce, Patti! I’m sure she appreciates it!