Sisters

You know the saying, “It takes a village…”, well, it’s more like “it takes a sisterhood” for me. Saturday’s ‘Time To Celebrate!’ post, was the Cliff Notes version of getting a book deal. The road to getting a book published, especially by such an esteemed publishing house as Vendome Press, has taken a lot of hard work and perseverance. But most of all it’s taken a network, a true sisterhood, of amazing, hardworking, and accomplished women. (There have been, and still are, a few wonderful men involved, but that’s a post for another day!)

The Book

The sisterhood of “the book” kicked off a few years ago with a dear friend I re-connected with, Roxanne Khazarian. Roxanne and I had together worked at Ethan Allen over 10 years ago. She is a brilliant attorney – passionate and big-hearted – and was instrumental with her advice and the contractual part of the process. Roxanne introduced me to her best friend Caroline Galloway (a.k.a. Super Genius), the powerhouse and incredibly personable (I love her sense of humor!) public relations expert behind M2M PR. Caroline advised and guided me through the proposal process and gave me the green light when it was in good shape to go. Both Roxanne and Caroline are true believers in my vision for NMCH. The sisterhood continued with the seasoned literary agent, Dana Newman, whom Caroline introduced me to, and whom Caroline had worked with on a Michael Jackson book. These 3 accomplished women really liked what NMCH was all about. A written book proposal and 150-page comp (ultimately both revised twice) was written, compiled and laid out by the 3 musketeers: my beautifully gifted Art Director, Carol Hubner, incredibly talented writer Deb Golden (who captures my voice so perfectly), and me.

The Beginning

Way back, before the book was a twinkle in my eye, the NMCH sisterhood started with dear friends Carolyn Jennings (manager and cheerleader), Maria McLennan (gifted stylist) and Maria’s sister, Sister Linda Boccia of the Sisters of St. Paul (expert proofer and editor), Duanne Simon (beautiful lifestyle photographer), Judith Balogh and Aida Kiernan (both amazing can-do women!). We worked tirelessly together day and night to create and launch the very first NMCH website and emagazine. It was quite the feat! Looking back, if I would have had any inkling to what that undertaking would involve, I don’t know if I would have jumped right in!

Soon thereafter, November Rawlings with her social media and editorial savvy (also the originator of #yearofthebook), Diana LeRoi-Schmidt my very patient webmaster, and Robyn Szarka Roos, my stylist, baker, and witty blog producer joined us. Steph Fuda, Tara Kortze, Lucy Kortze, Karen Pease Marino, Marta Eriquez, and Janet Morganti all contributed their wit, wisdom, and talent along the way. (I wish I could mention all my dear women friends and family who have always been by my side. I love you.)

Probably my biggest supporter, my mom Charlotte. At 89 years young, she has been my inspiration. Her saying of “She who dares wins.” lives everyday in my NMCH life.

Thank you my beautiful sisters for everything. xo

Love, Nora