Elise HaroldsonWhen I finished my first draft in 2020, I knew I had created something special, but it needed a little work. Okay… a lot of work. But if you had told me I’d still be working on this book in 2026, I would have laughed!
I quickly learned that is the nature of the publishing industry. There is so much to learn about the writing craft. Reorganizing, reimagining, and rewriting that long-ago first draft has taken place time and time again.
Throughout my journey, God was gracious and made my path cross with other writers. In 2022, I joined the Storyteller Squad (which is, at it’s heart, a critique group). The “OG” members welcomed me into their fold and have been so encouraging. I’ve learned so much from them. I’m also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Realm Makers, and the Christian Mommy Writers groups. And countless friends and family were alpha and beta readers, providing excellent feedback to help me know what was working and what wasn’t.
I took breaks and wrote two other books, but God kept pulling me back to my first manuscript, which I called Treeple. Over the years, I had a lot of success with writing contests, which boosted my confidence and spurred me on.
Along the way, I also studied the business side of publishing. I reworked my query letter, pitch, back cover blurb, and book proposal over and over until it was just right. I grew my Instagram platform and launched a website.
Then in 2024, I entered the “query trenches.” I emailed countless cold queries and pitched my books to agents and acquisition editors at writing conferences. Along the way, I received a mix of interested parties, but most ended in passes.
When I won the 2025 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis contest in the speculative fiction genre, things started to pick up with promising opportunities.
Then, in March 2026, I received offers of publication from TWO publishing houses!
This was a dream come true! Since I’m unagented, I worked with a lawyer to comb through these contracts. While I have taken classes about publishing contracts, it is a totally different experience to have not only one, but two in hand.
My mantra every step of the way has been, “If God wills it, He will make a way.” God not only opened doors, He gave me choices. It is more than anything I could have asked or imagined.
It is with great joy that I announce WhiteCrown Publishing will publish Book 1 of The Treeple Chronicles in May 2027.
WhiteCrown is an imprint of WhiteFire Publishing, which is owned by David and Roseanna M. White. Some of you may recognize Roseanna’s name, as she is a bestselling and award-winning author. I adore her books, and to hear that she loved my story made me squeal out loud (literally)! She recently published a fabulous speculative fiction series through WhiteCrown, but she is best known for her historical fiction.
WhiteCrown dedicates itself to faith-filled royal fiction, complete with happily-ever-afters. While my young adult fantasy story may not be the typical “prince and princesses in a castle” book, it does have a royal hierarchy, political intrigue, enemies intent on overthrowing their reign, and a secret society dedicated to protecting them at all costs. Add in hints of legends and myths from history, a swoony forbidden love, and a few plot twists along the way. If that sounds like something you would be interested in, then please continue to follow my journey to publication!
Sign up for my newsletter at www.eliseharoldson.com
You can also find me on Instagram @eliseharoldsonwrites
If you would like to learn more about WhiteCrown, please check them out at www.whitecrownpublishing.com
Thank you for being a part of my journey here at the Storyteller Squad blog.
Wishing you all the best,
elise
Misha
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
Add comment