“So cuddle close and dream away…”
-Carley Cook
Current Progress Status of the Once Upon a Princess Series
September 1st, 2024
Hello there! My apologies for the delayed update. With returning to work from my maternity leave, and my oldest starting Kindergarten and football- it has been crazy at my house, to say the least. However! I am excited to announce that all 14 princesses have been illustrated AND approved by my lawyer. Sadly, there are two stories that I will most likely need to drop from what I’ve found so far… they are Disney originals (Brave & Frozen). I need to do more digging on them before completely letting those stories go, but if that’s what I need to do, then that’s what I’ll do! Who knows, maybe I’ll introduce a new princess to the collection… any guesses on who?
On a happier note, my books are being edited as we speak! I can’t wait to receive feedback on how to improve my writing and the storyline. I specifically asked for help with rhyme and meter, and I’m looking forward to the suggestions that will be made.
That’s all I have for you for now! Toodles!
-Carley Cook
July 29th, 2024
Drafts of all 13 books have been completed and will be sent to BYU. A professor will be using my manuscripts for her editing class for her students to practice with. I’m looking forward to receiving any and all feedback- specifically in regards to rhyme and meter. In the meantime, I’ll be working on illustrations. I’m starting with basic sketches of each princess and will be sending them over to a lawyer to ensure I’m not infringing on Disney’s intellectual property before moving onto more detailed art.
*As an FYI- I reached out to Disney back in February for permission to use their exact princesses within my own books and was kindly denied. I’ve removed all references within my written work that falls under Disney’s trademark. The artwork will be an interesting hurdle, but one I plan to take my time with to ensure it’s exactly right.
The current goal is to have the books edited and the artwork completed by the end of the year. From there, formatting will take place and books will be ordered. Once I have the books in hand, I’ll schedule a book launch (hopeful for spring time 2025).
I’m also responsible for my own marketing, so feel free to check out my social media as well! I try to post three times a week, if not more, within Instagram and TikTok. Facebook will more so become a weekly update and activities. I will also start a weekly newsletter email that you’re welcome to sign up for so you don’t miss anything!
Thanks for following along; I’ll see you next week!
-Carley Cook