So, back in the fall of 2009, Sarah and I were both brand new graduate students with the Masters of Writing and Book Publishing program at Portland State University. We met in our intro to publishing course, but really started spending time together and working with each other when we joined the Acquisitions department at Ooligan Press, the student-run, not-for-profit trade press associated with our program.

That fall, author Ruth Tenzer Feldman submitted her young adult historical fiction/fantasy novel, Blue Thread, to Ooligan Press. The submission marked the beginning of a wonderful partnership between Ruth and those of us who had the privilege to work on the book through Ooligan, culminating in the publication of one of the most inventive, heartfelt, intelligent, and engrossing pieces of young adult literature I’ve ever come across. Sarah and I worked with Ruth on the developmental editing of the novel, and were integral to the pitch and the eventual acceptance of Blue Thread to the Ooligan Press catalogue. It was an incredibly enriching experience for both of us, and we’re so excited that the book is finally here! Blue Thread hits stores this February, and is available for preorder here.

In the mean time, take a look at this interview that Ruth conducted with me on the acquisitions process and Blue Thread’s editorial journey!

Thanks for reading and make sure to take the time to support your local publishing scene. Extraordinary things are going on all the time in your literary community — all you need to do is reach out!

Sylvia