Happy June, Everyone!
And welcome to Tuesday Debut!
Today’s debut-ess has a lovely book to tell you about, but before we get to it, we have a giveaway announcement from last week’s giveaway of winner’s choice between: a PB critique (up to 800 words, NO RHYME) OR a copy of Music Plants Hope OR a 30-minute AMA via Zoom kindly offered by Tonnye Fletcher. And the winner is. . .
Diyamanthi Galpoththage!!!
Congratulations, Diyamanthi! Please email me at your earliest convenience so I can get your prize organized for you!
And this week we have a very generous giveaway from our debut-ess: winner’s choice of a copy of WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER, OR a PB critique (up to 800 words), OR a query letter critique! To put yourself in the running to be the randomly selected winner, please leave a comment on today’s post by Monday June 8th at 3 PM Eastern!
Now then, are you ready for a glimpse at a lovely book? Please join me in welcoming today’s debut-ess, Hilary Echols, author of WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER!
Title: WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER?
Author: Hilary Echols
Illustrator: Vu Thuy Ngoc Ha
Publishing House: Tommy Nelson/HarperCollins
Fiction PB
ISBN#: 978-1400254774
Age: 4-8
WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER? is a tribute to all the ways God’s love is represented and reflected in the natural world. It is a poignant reminder of the immeasurable, unending power of love.
SUSANNA: Welcome, Hilary! Thank you so much for taking to the time to come chat with us today. We are really looking forward to hearing about your journey to publication with WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER. Where did the idea for this book come from?
HILARY: Several years ago, after watching a movie with my family, I was getting ready for bed, and a question kept running through my mind: What if the world is a letter? What if all the beauty and majesty we see in creation is a message, intended to point us all toward knowing God and His love for us? I immediately thought of a verse in the Bible that I’ve been intrigued by, Romans 1:20, which talks about the ways that nature reminds us of the attributes of God. I knew this was an idea worth exploring.
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
HILARY: I wrote this book the next morning, in one sitting. It all came quickly and easily—the refrain, the arc of the day, the various settings all came at once, with the one exception being the desert scene, which was added later.
Hilary’s writing space 😊
SUSANNA: Were there any mentor texts that helped you zero in on the direction you wanted to take your book?
HILARY: I didn’t use any mentor texts for this manuscript. I typically love using them, but this manuscript just came all at once, pretty much fully formed and ready to go.
SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?
HILARY: The book that is coming out on June 9th is very similar to the original manuscript. Once it was picked up by Tommy Nelson, a few changes were made. The title changed (in the original manuscript, the title had been What If…) and the desert scene was added. Additionally, several minor changes were made in wording or phrasing, but overall, the manuscript didn’t change dramatically.
SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
HILARY: I ran it through my wonderful critique partners, and when they gave me positive feedback, I knew I was ready to send it to my agent.
Hilary’s writing buddy, Bear 💕
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
HILARY: My amazing agent, Lori Steel of SteelWorks Literary, submitted the manuscript.
SUSANNA: How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions were you told it was a yes?
HILARY: The book was submitted to Tommy Nelson around Valentine’s Day, which was totally fitting, given the love theme of the book. In May, I got the opportunity to speak with the team and hear their vision for the book, and share my thoughts and vision, as well. It wasn’t long after that, that I heard that they wanted to move forward.
SUSANNA: How did you get the call and how did you celebrate?
HILARY: I had just finished a hair appointment and was in my car, in the parking lot, when my agent called and gave me the good news. I was so excited and thankful for the opportunity to move forward.
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting the offer and getting the contract?
HILARY: The contract came the following February, just about a week shy of a year from the time it was first submitted to the publisher.
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected?
HILARY: Because it was my first contract, I didn’t have any expectations of what I’d receive, in terms of advance or royalty percentage, but I was thrilled with what came in and very thankful to have an offer in hand!
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
HILARY: Because I’d had the opportunity to talk with the team already, I felt confident that our collective vision for the book was aligned, and I was comfortable with the edits that were suggested. A title change was fitting—I resonated with their suggestion to incorporate the first line of the book, because that had been the question that had started the whole book in the first place!
SUSANNA: What was the illustration process like?
HILARY: It was very collaborative. I was able to see some sketches along the way, which was amazing. It’s such an incredible experience to go from words on a page, to seeing the story take shape visually, through illustrations. I really enjoyed watching the process unfold. I am so grateful for the way that the incredibly talented illustrator, Vu Thuy Ngoc Ha, brought the words to life–the illustrations are stunning!
text copyright Hilary Echols 2026, illustration copyright u Thuy Ngoc Ha 2026, Tommy Nelson/HarperCollins
text copyright Hilary Echols 2026, illustration copyright u Thuy Ngoc Ha 2026, Tommy Nelson/HarperCollins
SUSANNA: Did you get to see advance reviews from Kirkus, etc…?
HILARY: I haven’t seen any trade reviews at this point, but I have been so encouraged by the feedback I’ve received from readers, reviewers, and other authors.
SUSANNA: How long from the time of offer to getting your first copy?
HILARY: It was a little less than two years from the time I received the initial offer until I held the first copy.
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done?
HILARY: The publisher has done a lot to promote this book including offering preorder incentives, providing digital copies for reviews, and extensive social media marketing.
SUSANNA: What kind of marketing have you done?
HILARY: I did a cover reveal around Valentine’s Day, contacted blogs for a blog tour, explored local book festivals, and created a one sheet. I’m in the process of reaching out to podcasts and laying the groundwork for a newsletter that is forthcoming.
SUSANNA: How long was it from the time you started writing seriously until the time you sold your first book?
HILARY: I started writing seriously in the fall of 2018. It has been (and continues to be) an ongoing process of learning the industry, honing my craft, and engaging with the writing community. In all, it was about six-and-a-half years from the time I got serious about writing, until I sold my first book.
SUSANNA: What is the most important thing you learned along the way?
HILARY: Like most authors, I’ve received a lot of rejections, but I try to see them as signs of progress. I remind myself often, “Every ‘no’ is a chance to grow!” While passes were often painful and disheartening in the moment, I’ve found that reminding myself of the truth and looking for growth opportunities is very helpful.
SUSANNA: Anything else you’d like to share?
HILARY: I’m struck by the importance of community in the writing journey. Family that cultivates dreams and offers support and encouragement. Friends who ask how things are going and cheer on the progress. Critique partners who bring a different perspective and offer creative ideas. Mentors who are patient with questions and help guide the way. Agents and editors who see what is possible and take steps to make it happen. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the idea for this book and the ability to bring it to fruition, and for my family, friends, critique partners, mentors, agent, and editorial team for all they’ve done to encourage and support me during this process.
SUSANNA: Thank you so much for taking the time to join us today and pay it forward to other writers, Hilary. We so appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. Wishing you all the best with this and future titles!
Readers, if you have questions for Hilary, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond! And remember, your comment on today’s post by Monday June 8th at 3 PM Eastern puts you in the running to be the randomly selected winner of Hilary’s generous giveaway of winner’s choice of a copy of WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER, OR a PB critique (up to 800 words), OR a query letter critique!
Hilary Echols writes nonfiction and fiction for children. As a parent and former educator, she is passionate about inspiring confidence, compassion and hope. She is the recipient of the SCBWI/Ann Whitford Paul Award, and her debut chapter book, War of 1812: Flames in the Sky (Core Knowledge) was released in September 2025. WHAT IF THE WORLD IS A LETTER? (Tommy Nelson) hits shelves June 9, 2026.
Hilary doesn’t snack a lot while she writes, but she does drink hot chocolate. It helps the words come out a little sweeter! 😊
www.hilaryechols.com (website)
@hilary.echols (IG)
@hilary.echols (FB)
You may purchase Hilary’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 
Congratulations on a beautiful book. The title makes me want to read further and the illustrations are beautiful. Congratulations! What is your querying process? Do you have any special tips you can share? Thank you.
Are you asking specifically about querying religious fiction, Robin? Or just querying in general? Just clarifying in case Hilary has time to stop by and answer 🙂
Not sure if this is what you’re asking, but in terms of querying for an agent, my process involved lots of research and honing in on who might be the best fit. I tried to listen to agent interviews and webinars whenever possible. I also found it helpful to identify other authors who have a similar writing style to mine, and figure out who they are represented by, to see if there might be possible inroads there. Having other writing friends or critique group partners to hold me accountable for weekly or monthly querying goals was invaluable. Hope this helps! Best wishes as you query!
Thank you for your tips. It is something I need to do. I like how you broke it down into Different take can fit into my schedule. 🩷
Hilary – Congratulations on your book! The text and pictures in the blog are beautiful and your mantra “every no is a chance to grow” is inspiring!
Best of Luck!
I agree, Jen! I love that mantra, too!
I’m excited for you! Thank you for sharing the journey to get a Christian PB published. I haven’t previously seen that, so it’s very helpful.
There are a few others in the archives if that would be helpful to you! If you look on the Tuesday Debut page of my website, they are labeled as religious, and in the round up they are listed together under Religious Market (categories are alphabetical.) There may be a couple more recent ones that I haven’t added to the list yet, written by Laura Sassi and published by Paraclete Press, and one by Glenys Nellist also published by Paraclete. https://susannahill.com/2025/02/11/a-little-tuesday-debut-round-up/
Thank you, Susanna! That is great information to have.
I realized Laura and Glenys were on Perfect Picture Books, not Tuesday Debut, but Paraclete is a good press for religious manuscripts.
Congratulations Hilary! I love how the idea for this story appeared “written” on your heart. And it flowed so beautifully from there. Thank you for honoring those nudges … and creating such a lovely book and way to share the joy of God’s love!
The way the story came together so well in one sitting does seem like it was divinely inspired, Sharon!
Congratulations! You have inspired me to look again at the letters of wonder that surround me, if I am willing to read them. I look forward to sharing this lovely book.
Such a lovely way to be inspired, Kathryn. I hope you enjoy the book – it will be out next week, and it looks absolutely beautiful.
Congratulations, Hilary! This sounds amazing! It’s good to hear that Christian books are getting published! Can’t wait to read it!
They certainly are, Angie. Laura Sassi has had several books reviewed here from Paraclete Press if you want to look at some older Tuesday Debut posts, and check out smaller publishers like IVP kids, too!
I’ve not heard of IVP Kids. But I do know Paraclete Press and Laura’s books. Thanks, Susanna!
Correction – Laura’s books are on Perfect Picture Books, not Tuesday Debut – sorry about that!
Congratulations Hilary! What a beautiful topic. Looking forward to reading it!
Me, too, Stacy! It looks like a lovely book!
I enjoyed this interview very much. Thanks Susannah and Hilary. Love hearing about beautiful religious books being published, we need them! Hilary, when and how did you get your agent? Do you write mostly religious themed pieces or a little of everything? Thank you for this! I cannot wait to get this book in my house.
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I write a little of everything, and I especially enjoy nonfiction. I found my agent, Lori Steel, through The Writing Barn’s Courage to Create–I believe it was an “Ask an Agent” session, and I queried her as a result. Best wishes to you, Susana, if you are in the querying trenches!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Hilary’s interview, Susana!
this book looks so magical!
Doesn’t it, though, Kass? It’s really gorgeous, and the text (what I have seen so far! 🙂 ) looks to by lyrical and lovely!
Thank you for sharing about your beautiful book today! The idea/thought you had that started you thinking about making this into a book, is heartwarming and profound. Congratulations! I always enjoy nature and thank God for his amazing work.
It truly is, Danielle. And I think the book will give kids that heartwarming, profound feeling, too.
Congratulations, Hilary! What a special book (and topic), and I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy the book when you get to read it, Kim. I am very much looking forward to seeing the whole thing!
Congrats, Hilary. What a joy to have this book come together so quickly. A beautiful sentiment, beautifully written and illustrated. Look forward to reading it.
I know, Marty. Isn’t it wonderful when you have ideas that just seem to flow? It doesn’t happen often (at least, not to me!) but when it does, it’s the best!
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful to accompany the text…what an appealing glow. Excited to read this!
It truly does look beautiful, doesn’t it, Kate?!
Congratulations on your wonderful book and thank you for sharing your publishing journey. You only need one “yes.”
So true!
The illustrations are simply dreamy. I love books that practically write themselves. It was meant to be!! Congratulations Hilary!
It truly does seem that way, doesn’t it, Sue? And I agree – it’s great when books practically write themselves!
Congratulations! What an inspiring story about how your book came together. It is beautiful!
So glad you like it, Christy!
This sounds like a lovely PB! Thanks for sharing your journey! Illustrations are gorgeous as well!
It looks like a beautiful book in every way, Susan!
Congratulations!! The book looks and sounds beautiful! I cannot wait to read!
I hope you get the chance to read it soon! Only a few more days before it will be out!
Susanna, thank you for featuring Hilary’s beautiful debut picture book and the story of her writing journey. Hilary’s entire process sounds like it was a uniquely personal and spiritual experience highlighted by the illustrator’s tender, inviting artwork. A perfect book for bedtime reading or taking along to stop and read during a nature hike!
My pleasure, Charlotte! And I agree with everything you said!
Thank you so much for sharing about your inspiring journey to publication! This sounds like a beautiful book with a special message. Congratulations!
Thanks for stopping by to read and say nice things, Karan! 🙂
requesting materials from my library! Such a beautiful concept. Can’t wait to read it with my kiddos. Illustrations are gorgeous and I loved how this came to you almost entirely intact. That’s so special. Thanks for sharing ❤️
So kind of you to request from your library, Kate! That is so helpful to authors and illustrators!
I do wonder if they are going to cut me off at some point 🤣 I don’t get an alert if they end up purchasing so I’ve started keeping better track so I can circle back to check.
Hahaha! Hopefully they can’t do that! But good of you to keep track so you know when they come in!
Thank you so much, Kate, for your encouragement, and your willingness to request from your library! That is such a huge help, and I’m grateful!
I love the concept of this book. I can’t wait to read it.
Me, too, Teresa, on both counts!
Congratulations! So cool the inspiration just hit you!
I know, Shuba. Isn’t that wonderful? It doesn’t happen often like that, but when it does it’s amazing!
I can’t wait to read this book! It’s exciting to see a few spreads – I’ve only seen the cover so far. The art is gorgeous, and what a beautiful message. I think I need a copy for my grandchildren.
It does look like a beautiful book!
What an absolutely gorgeous book and message! Congratulations, Hilary.
It’s lovely, isn’t it, Jodie? The kind of book that helps kids appreciate their world.