A Book Becoming : Second Edition - Seaching for Faerie, Finding me

Three years ago, I completed the first edition of Searching for Faerie, Finding Me. Finishing it was an accomplishment—the moment I fulfilled my dream of self-publishing a book . That first edition gave me the courage to begin the slow process of birthing into the world and eventually growing a book. Time passed that allowed me to zoom out, and now see with better focus. Looking back now, I can see where the writing could be stronger and where the illustrations, though meaningful, limited what I wanted the story to express. The first edition was a necessary first step, so I am not erasing that version. I am honoring what it began by allowing the book to grow. Below the two cover concepts for (in my favorite clue color of course side by side with the original cover).

I am now completing the upcoming second edition, with more emotionally honest writing, refined illustrations, and a new cover that reflects the heart of the story more fully. The short video below traces the evolution from the first-edition cover to the version now taking shape. I’m interested to see what impressions the new cover creates—and whether it carries the feeling of the story more fully. The second edition is coming in mid-October, and I still have not decided which of the two cover options to choose. I find myself leaning toward the image of the girl on the swing, completely immersed in the moment—as though there is no tomorrow, only pure joy in the moment. Perhaps I am drawn to it because it reflects how I feel right now. I am immensely enjoying this season of helping the second edition come into being, watching it take shape and finally prepare to claim its own place in the sun.

https://youtu.be/gUYW2wzsiBU