Welcome to Tuesday Debut, Everyone!

I have to start by thanking you all for your support and lovely and kind messages yesterday when I sadly announced I couldn’t run the Halloweensie and Holiday Contests this year. You are all so wonderful. Truly! You filled my heart right up until it was overflowing and reminded me (as if I needed reminding!) of how lucky I am to be part of a community of people like you! Thank you all so much! ❤️ I really will try to make it up to you at Valentiny time!

And now, enough of that mushy stuff 😊 Let’s jump into today’s post, which is FULL of goodies!

We have so many giveaway winners to announce from last week!

Jessica Iwanski offered winner’s choice of a signed copy of her book, STORIES BY THE SEA: A LIGHTHOUSE LIBRARY’S JOURNEY (with some book swag!) OR a PB manuscript critique (non-rhyming, 700 words or less) and the winner is. . .

Susan Schipper!!!

Diane Mittler offered 2 giveaways: first, a signed copy of her book, READY TO RIDE, with swag, AND second, a 30-minute Zoom session, (focus TBD by the winner from these options: a virtual read-aloud and brief discussion with a class or library group, a Q and A with a critique group, or a writing-related AMA with the winner) and the winners are. . .

Judy Bryan (book)

and

DeepFreesStudio (AMA)

and David McMullin offered a 30 minute AMA zoom call that can include industry talk, pitches, or manuscript advice. He is happy to talk with an individual or a group if the winner wants to include others. And the winner is. . .

Kim Larson!!!

Congratulations, Susan, Judy, Nicole, and Kim! Please email me at your earliest convenience so I can get you your prizes!

AND, as if all that weren’t enough, we have a new giveaway for this week! Jan Schwaid is offering winner’s choice of a signed copy of THE SHABBAT FLOOD: A TEXAS_SIZED TALL TALE (with stickers!) OR a PB manuscript critique (up to 1000 words, non-rhyming). To put yourself in the running to be the randomly selected winner of this fabulous giveaway please leave a comment on today’s post by Monday October 12th at 3 PM Eastern!

And now, without further delay, it is my pleasure to introduce you to today’s debut-ess, the wonderful Jan Schwaid, and her delightful-looking book, THE SHABBAT FLOOD: A TEXAS-SIZED TALL TALE!

Title: The Shabbat Flood: A Texas-Sized Tall Tale
Author: Jan Schwaid
Illustrator: Evelline Andrya
Publishing House: Kar-Ben Publishing
Date of Publication: October 6, 2026
ISBN: 979-8765649848
Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction
age range of your book: 4-8 years

From their family’s bakery, young Bubbe and her papa bravely set off in a barrel, rowing through flooded streets to deliver challah to neighbors, patch leaks with dough, and save 126 cats―at least, that’s the way Bubbe tells it! Based on a true story―really!

SUSANNA: Welcome, Jan! We are so delighted to have you here today! I have to say, you had me at “tall tale” and I think I speak for all of us when I say we can’t wait to find out more about this story! Where did the idea for this book come from?

JAN: This book was actually based on a TRUE story! I was writing a podcast called Have I Got a Story for You for PJ Library – each episode was a standalone story, fully scripted and acted out by voice actors. Meredith Lewis, who worked there at the time, had a family story that was begging to be adapted: after an enormous flood in Dallas in the 1930s, the only Jewish baker in town took to canoe to deliver challah to his neighbors in time for Shabbat. The podcast was so much fun to write (produced by the wonderful Alli Thresher and story edited by the amazing, hilarious author/illustrator Alan Silberberg, who I later got to meet!). I figured it would be the perfect thing to adapt into a picture book. I got to interview some of Meredith’s family members to find out more about the story. The only problem was, I’d never written a picture book! My background is in screenwriting.

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

JAN: The first draft was extremely long and wordy – did I mention I’d never written a picture book before? I believe I wrote the first draft in 2020, and I got a contract in January 2024.

SUSANNA: Now you’ve got me interested and I want to know how many words that first draft was! 😊 Did you go through many revisions?

JAN: It went through an incredible number of revisions. I would say my first version was very lyrical, sincere, long, and had entirely too much backstory. I’m used to writing much lengthier stuff, so I didn’t realize how precious words are in a picture book manuscript. I trimmed it down considerably and submitted to PJ Library. They saw potential in the manuscript and asked if I would be interested in rewriting it with their input as well as help from an editor. Of course, I said yes! I essentially won the lottery, because the editor was the amazing picture book expert Heidi Stemple, who gave me a crash course in picture book writing and helped me reshape (and trim!) the story. After many revisions, I sent it back to PJ Library with high hopes – but ultimately, they thought the story just wasn’t believable and offered me another chance to rewrite it. I decided to change tack entirely, start all the way over, and write it as a silly, exaggerated tall tale. And that’s the version they loved!

Jan’s work space

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

JAN: I had amazing critique groups that helped me with the sillier version – I met them at the PJ Library Picture Book Summer Camps in 2022 and 2023. They helped me revise and add humor and revise again. After three years, I felt like I had to send it off and see what happened.

SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?

JAN: I submitted to PJ Library a third time and got their approval a few months later. Because they buy a lot of copies, getting their stamp of approval can mean a lot to publishers. At the time, I was unagented, so I used the language PJ Library provided me to query Jewish publishers myself in late 2023.

Jan’s work buddy, Taco 😊

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”?

JAN: Interestingly, the “yeses” came rather quickly. Within two weeks! I did also have a referral from PJ Library’s wonderful Chris Barash, so I know that helped get the ball rolling.

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 😊)

JAN: I started getting emails a week or so after sending out the manuscript and ultimately got three “yeses.” After working on the manuscript for so long, it truly felt unbelievable, and I had absolutely no idea what to do. I was not expecting to have to make a choice.

SUSANNA: That must have been amazing, though, even if a bit over-whelming! How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?

JAN: I got the offers in mid-December, around the holidays, so I had a little extra time to think and figure things out. I also used the time to find an agent, basically by panic nudging all my outstanding queries to say I had received offers and could they help me? Please?? Once I had spoken to editors from each of the publishing houses (all SO kind and helpful) and secured an agent (the phenomenal Eve Adler at Red Fox Literary), I had to decide which publisher to choose. I went with Kar-Ben and had a contract in late January.

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

JAN: I think so, yes! I was not experienced with this at all so I was so glad to have a smart and savvy agent in my corner to help with the fine print.

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

JAN: Joni Sussman was the editor who acquired the book, and she made very few changes – we discussed this before I signed. There were a few lines from Bubbe that were a little snarky for a picture book, and those were changed, and a few ideas were made clearer. Joni has since retired, and the book has been through two other editors – both wonderful! Leila Sales is the current editorial director-at-large at Kar-Ben. I don’t believe she made any big changes. We did have a discussion of whether the cats should “mew” or “meow.” Momentously, I chose “mew.”

SUSANNA: You make the call! 😊 What was your experience of the illustration process like?

JAN: This was so fun. Initially, I found photos of Jewish communities in Dallas in the 1930s and sent them to Evelline Andrya, the incredibly talented illustrator, for reference. Then some character sketches came! I was nervous to even open the files, because what if it wasn’t what I imagined? But then I took a look and knew Evelline was just so perfect for this book. Her beautiful illustrations add an incredible amount to the manuscript – comedy and life! They look like they are made from paper cuttings or collage, and they just fit the story perfectly. I was later sent digital sketches and drafts – I provided a little input, mostly about Jewish traditions. I love love love the artwork, and I felt like our visions all aligned.

The only illustration notes in the story were that I’d like a frog to appear throughout the book, in both the present-day scenes and flashbacks. I love that there is an interactive element – something for kids to find! I am pretty sure this was a suggestion from Heidi Stemple way back when.

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

JAN: They’ve started to come in! Reading them, I feel like I could cry with relief and joy. Kirkus called the book “altogether delightful,” and the Jewish Book Garden generously said it was “the most fabulous tall tale ever told in the history of Shabbat!” Writing is very subjective, and there is always this little negative voice in the back of my head doubting if something is good. Getting positive reviews is so validating and has helped quiet that voice (for now)! I am so glad people like this book; I worked really hard on it.

SUSANNA: Pat yourself on the back and enjoy the praise! You deserve it! How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?

JAN: The contract was signed in January 2024. I received F&G (folded and gathered) copies in April 2026, and my author copies just got here in August 2026!

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

JAN: The book is on the website banner for Kar-Ben Publishing, and they’ve been posting about it via Instagram and reposting my posts, as well. Plus, they put it up for the awards for which it qualifies, and it was recently named a Best Holiday Book of Fall 2026 by the Association of Jewish Libraries. The publisher has kindly provided digital ARCs for advance reviews, plus they will be sending some early copies so that I will have books available when I am a guest author at the Burbank Book Festival, which is on October 3, just a few days before the book officially comes out.

SUSANNA: Congrats on the recognition! Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.

JAN: I participated in a signed book giveaway with one of my promotion groups, the Jewish Joytellers, via Instagram. I made some really cool stickers – I NEEDED stickers with those cats on them! – to give away with the book at signings and festivals. I may also do bookmarks and coloring sheets. I am excited to attend book festivals and am hoping to do a few book events and story times. I’m lucky that my friend Rinat Hadad Siegal has a challah-themed picture book coming out in November, Mixed-Up Challahs, and since she lives nearby, we are hoping to team up for Shabbat-themed author events, as well!

I’m also in two wonderful promotion groups – the aforementioned Jewish Joytellers, which is a group of picture book authors with Jewish-themed books coming out in 2026, and the Kidlit Foxes, a group of authors represented by Red Fox Literary. Both have been so helpful; it’s incredibly fun to cheer on your fellow writers and illustrators with social media posts and reviews. Every time I see a book by someone in one of my groups – or, for that matter, someone I know through 12×12 or Inked Voices, I get so excited!

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

JAN: I have been writing for a long time, but from the time I started writing picture books to selling the book, it was about three years. This was the first picture book manuscript I ever wrote – but, of course, this is like the 100^th version of it!

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?)

JAN: My advice is to remember that writing is subjective. I used the logline for The Shabbat Flood for LOTS of contests and queries and got many rejections, both by publishers and agents. You just have to find where your story fits, because it probably won’t fit everywhere or resonate with everyone. Believe in your writing, and when you can’t do that, find great critique partners and writing friends who will believe in it for you and encourage you to keep going.

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

JAN: It was quite the ride! I’m greatly indebted to everyone at PJ Library who believed in me and helped this story come to life, as well as to my support system – my husband and 8-year-old daughter, my parents and siblings, my in-laws, and my wonderful friends – for encouraging me to follow my dreams and helping me get here.

SUSANNA: Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us today, Jan! We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn from your knowledge and experience! Wishing you all the best with this and future titles!

Readers, if you have questions for Jan, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond! And remember, your comment below by Monday October 12th at 3 PM Eastern puts you in the running to be the randomly selected winner of winner’s choice of a signed copy of THE SHABBAT FLOOD: A TEXAS-SIZED TALL TALE (with stickers!) OR a PB manuscript critique (up to 1000 words, non-rhyming)

Author Jan Schwaid,
whose favorite writing snacks include:
Cold brew (always with cold foam!)
Prebiotic sodas (I love Wildwonder Guava Rose!) or Trader Joe’s sparkling juices. I like multiple beverage options during the day.
Sprouted almonds.
Cheese!

Social Media Handles:
@Jan_Schwaid_Writing on Instagram
@janalyssa.bsky.social on BlueSky
Website: Janschwaid.com

You may purchase Jan’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!