Highlights

Hi All!!

Today, you should have recieved the remaining print-on-demand key messages, and I can happily say that StoryGuider is a closed project!

The proofs for the last books came in a bit early and checked out, so I was able to finish distribution.

Thank you all for supporting StoryGuider and helping make this series what it is today with art by a whole group of talented artists and having it in print!  It is a great feeling knowing these books are out there and already being enjoyed (a couple folks have shared how they've enjoyed them with their families already).  I'm happy to share this project with you all, and I hope you enjoy these stories with your family, classroom, library, and/or friends!

COMPLETED:

Thank you!  And happy gaming!
Steph
TTRPGkids.com

Hi All!

We've hit another big milestone with Crystals, Carrots & Cosmic Clues!

The manuscript is written, edited, and proofread! 🎉

Since my last update, I've finished working through the editorial process, including proofreading. I've also sent the manuscript to beta readers for one last fresh perspective before finalizing the book.

And I've been busy in Vellum!

Both the paperback and hardcover interiors are formatted. There may be a few final adjustments after beta feedback, but it's exciting to see everything coming together as actual books.

What's happening next?
I've been coordinating with both cover artists to get everything ready for printing. I've already sent the paperback artist the printer's template, book dimensions, and current page count. Once the interior files are finalized, we'll be able to confirm the exact spine measurements and finish preparing the print-ready covers.

Then I'll order physical proofs so I can check how everything actually looks in book form before approving printing.

I'm also working through the remaining reward details, including the stickers, BackerKit surveys, and shipping arrangements.

Speaking of surveys: You don't need to do anything yet! I'll send a separate announcement when the surveys are ready so you know exactly what information I need from you.

I know this project is taking longer than originally planned, and I really appreciate your patience.

I'd previously estimated November–December for rewards to reach you. With final cover preparation, physical proofs, and printing still ahead, that timeline may shift. I'll share a more reliable shipping estimate once I have the production and shipping details confirmed.

The good news is that we've moved out of the big manuscript-development stage and into the final steps of turning this story into actual books.

I can't wait for you to meet Ana, the residents of Foxglove Crossing, and a certain demanding rabbit.

Thank you for sticking with me through all the magical chaos!

❤️

Claudia Belle

Hi All!

CC&C is officially back from the editor and sitting in my hands again.

Well. Digitally in my hands. You know what I mean.

This is one of those milestones that somehow feels both huge and like it should come with a dramatic trumpet fanfare.

That means Ana, Moonstone & Mischief, the rabbits, the magical oddities, and all the other inhabitants of Foxglove Crossing have survived another round of professional scrutiny. 😂

I’m working through the edits and getting everything incorporated into the final manuscript. Once I finish that pass, the book heads to the proofreader for its last typo-hunting adventure.

My goal is to have the proofreading underway and the physical proof copies ordered by the end of September.

After proofreading is complete, the digital edition can head your way fairly quickly. For those of you getting physical books, I’ll be ordering proof copies first so I can check the actual printed books before I approve the final run. Because discovering something wonky after a pile of books has been printed is not an adventure I need. 😆

So, at the moment, our production path looks like this:

There is something especially satisfying about reaching this point because this is where the story starts feeling less like the giant pile of words living in my head and more like an actual book that you are going to get to read.

And I am really excited for you to read this one.

Thank you, as always, for helping make this ridiculous, cozy little corner of the universe real. Every time we hit another production milestone, I get to remember that there are actual people waiting on the other side of this process.

Which is both wonderful and only slightly terrifying. 😆

More soon as I work my way through the edits!

❤️
Claudia

Crystals, Carrots & Cosmic Clues went to my editor today (8/18! 🎉

It is out of my hands and in someone else's, which is exactly where it belongs and also a bit like handing over your car keys and watching them drive away.

Here's what got handed over: 67,239 words. 52 chapters. One burned-out therapist, one shop that made its own decision about who should own it, one ghost-fish familiar, and a rabbit with a pocket watch and a deadline who has been the most demanding coworker I've ever had.

The last few months were the unglamorous part — the pass where you fix the week that happens out of order, and the scene that referenced a conversation that hadn't happened yet, and the four separate places where a mug was in two rooms at once. Nobody will ever notice that work, which is the point of it. 

Bunzila signed off. He returned the manuscript with no notes, which from him is a standing ovation.

My editor has it until roughly mid-September. Then I do the revision pass, it goes to the proofreader, and after that comes formatting and final files. My current estimate for rewards reaching you is November-December.

What you need to do right now: nothing. No survey yet, no address needed, no action. When the BackerKit survey goes out, I'll send a separate update so it doesn't get lost. That's the one where I'll ask for your shipping address and personalization.

Thank you for being patient with a pace that is ridiculous and personal in roughly equal measure. You backed a book that didn't exist yet, and it exists now, and someone qualified is currently telling me what's wrong with it. That's a good day.

Carrot cake when we get there.

With carrots, Claudia Belle