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The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.

Breaking into the Educational Market

Feb 9, 2016 | Community Good News

Julia GarsteckiJulia Garstecki (juliagarstecki.com) is a writer, teacher, special education consultant and advocate who attended our Writing for the Educational Market workshop a few years ago. She wrote to thank us for the workshop and to share what it has meant to her career.

I cannot thank the Highlights Foundation Family enough for helping me launch my writing career! I attended the Writing for the Educational Market workshop in 2013. Before attending, my success was limited, but I refused to give up. I came to the Highlights Foundation determined and hopeful. I left with everything I needed to try again.

Jan Fields and Paula Morrow systematically and hilariously laid out the steps it took to become a published author in the education market. In between sessions, Jan answered all of my questions and guided me as I created letters and samples to send prospective publishers. I refused to leave without a plan, and she was patient and stayed as long as I needed. Her support has been ongoing, taking the time to answer all of my emails.

Six years later, I have published over 50 books for libraries and classrooms. My fourth trade book hits stores in August 2019, and I have five books currently under contract. I have developed textbooks, comics, and resources for both teachers and students. I’ve had book signings and had a platform to encourage libraries to reach out to the struggling readers. Equally exciting, I get paid to hang out with students and talk about my books!

There is no doubt the best investment I made was attending this Writing for the Educational Market Workshop. It truly was the beginning of my dream career.