Over the last decade, our children’s publishing company has grown in ways I’m incredibly proud of. We’ve produced more than two dozen picture books centered on children’s mental wellness—stories rooted in empathy, resilience, emotional awareness, and hope. These books have found homes in schools, libraries, and families across the country, and we’ve enjoyed consistent, successful sales year after year.

Historically, we’ve published four to six new titles annually. That pace has served us well. But in 2026, we’ve made the intentional decision to pause manuscript submissions for the year.

I want to be very clear about one thing first: this pause is not because we are going out of business. Quite the opposite. This is a thoughtful, strategic decision rooted in sustainability, clarity, and long-term health—for both the company and myself.

The publishing industry has been unpredictable over the last several years. Shifting buying patterns, rising production costs, and inconsistent sales cycles make it challenging for a small business to confidently invest when the return on investment is uncertain. In times like these, smart businesses don’t overextend—they pause, assess, and adapt.

Reducing expenses and reevaluating our business plan allows us the space to take an honest look at what’s working, what’s not, and where we want to go next. This kind of reflection isn’t reactive; it’s responsible. It gives us time to strengthen our foundation so we can continue publishing meaningful, impactful books well into the future.

And yes—I’ll say this plainly—I am a female business owner doing what is best for my company right now.

There’s also a very human reason behind this decision. My number one job is my family. At this stage of life, my afternoons look different than they did years ago. Around 2:00 PM each day, I shift gears and start driving kids to activities, practices, and events. That rhythm matters to me.

The good news is that I can continue selling and supporting our strong backlist while working fewer hours. What wasn’t working for me—at least in this season—was overseeing the major production of several new titles each year while maintaining a full team. It was too much, and something had to give.

Our oldest child is halfway through her junior year of high school. In just over a year, she’ll be out of our house. Time is moving fast—faster than I ever imagined—and I’m choosing to be present for it.

This pause doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from our mission. Our books are still here. Our messages still matter. Our commitment to children’s mental wellness remains unchanged. We are still translating our titles into other languages. We’re also exploring expanded book access through our sister nonprofit, Making Spirits Bright, continuing our mission in new and impactful ways.

For now, we’re simply honoring the reality that businesses, like people, go through seasons—and this one calls for reflection, focus, and balance.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to what’s ahead—when the time is right.