Years ago, pre-pandemic dark years, I’d written these drafts of stories interconnecting in a world that told me it was the world of the 27 Kingdoms. I’d been working with a midsize publisher, had three middle grade novels out, and ushered in close to a hundred other books as an acquiring editor and project manager. I was learning publishing from the inside out, and “indie publishing” was just starting to be considered a “valid” form of publishing. Authors were self-publishing on their own, not scammed or taken advantage of by vanity presses and other such predators, and making money!
At this time, many series were being dropped by traditional publishers—sometimes even mid-storyline, leaving readers hanging and authors reeling.
I knew 27 Kingdoms was going to be a sprawling landscape of many, many stories, so I’d thought, at the time, I’d dip my toe into the self-publishing world so that I could ensure the whole story got told.
I also know that, despite oft’ quoted adage, people judged books by their covers.
My first item to make this world “real” was to get art.
Dante Saunders
Dante Saunders is an American illustrator, with a special interest in prehistoric creatures and fantasy stories. Creating paleoart in his free time and bringing the world before our own back to life. In his personal time, he’s an avid equestrian and enjoys spending time in nature, in the company of his animal friends. Find him online at his Bluesky.
I met Dante through his sister, Kendra (my new social media faerie), who I’d worked with at aforementioned publisher and I knew through Broad Universe. He’d already fixed and then illustrated two of my covers, we’d started a short-lived (but gorgeous) comic together, and we’d become friends. He’d also moved to the next town over, and I’d introduced him to my horse, Calico, who also loved him… and thus began a barter for leasing horse time for art.
And I love his art! The current two covers are versions of his original art, which you can see here…
He also found me the series font and created the logo!
There’s a few more surprises coming from Dante that I look forward to sharing with you later, but since he started with me on this journey, I wanted to introduce him first.
Angi Shearstone
Angi Shearstone is an award-winning professional artist with an MFA in comics, two orange cats, unapologetic geek tendencies, and a great love of ska-core and punk rock. Her work can be seen at www.angishearstone.com, and she currently resides in New England.
When I was ready to relaunch 27 Kingdoms, Dante’s schedule was full up. (Not surprising now that you’ve seen his art, right?) I’d also just finished working with another long-time friend, Angi Shearstone on “birthing” a parenting book for our our friend, Dr. Patti Giuliano. It was my first time working that closely with Angi, and it had been a blast. She was also in a transition period, had time to work with me, and was able to use Dante’s art, as well as maps by another friend, Cat Scully (who I’ll introduce later!) to continue what I’d already started to build seamlessly.
Just look at this gorgeous banner of the two final covers and the world map!
When we finally share the Kickstarter pre-launch page, you’ll see all the item pictures, banners, and more that she worked her ass off to create!
And that doesn’t even include future surprises and reveals, and Angi’s work on the interior layout and the ebook layout.
For now, though, I just have to share that Angi has some very cute (and very orange) help while making the art that you’ll soon see…
