Psst! Hi, it’s Celeste—author of forthcoming young adult romance Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights – and I’m over the moon that you’ve subscribed to my newsletter!
Thank you for supporting this wild author dream of mine. It’s been years in the making and I’m so happy you’re here to follow my journey from draft manuscript to a physical book at your local bookstore! 💖
For any writer (such as myself) who’s set their sights on getting traditionally published (think Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, or one of the other Big 5 bookish behemoths), answering this seemingly simple question can feel like navigating a minefield—responding casually can feel excruciating as your inside-writer curls up into a ball whispering ‘it’s cool, it’s cool.’
A Handy Analogy (Because Writers Love Those)
Here’s how I like to explain it:
Trying to get traditionally published as a debut author is like being a brand-new actor trying to land your first role in a Marvel movie. You’ve trained. You’ve cried. You’ve monologued into your bathroom mirror. But you’re one of thousands auditioning, and most of the roles are already going to folks with agents, a backlog of IMDb credits, or a famous dog with a TikTok following.
Same with publishing. You can be talented, passionate, and totally ready—but getting that “yes” still takes time, tenacity, and a touch of luck.
So... What Do Writers Do in the Meantime?
We write! At night. On weekends. On lunch breaks. In coffee shops that close too early! We revise. We query. We scream into the void. We get rejected—many times—and then we keep going.
Some writers choose self-publishing, which is an awesome and empowering path (hello, full creative control and faster timelines!). But if an author’s dream is to work with a traditional publisher (which, again was mine) —complete with editorial support and seeing your book on the shelves at Barnes & Noble, your favorite indie shop, or Target’s sacred book aisle—then traditional publishing is the best best. The wait can be long — especially for writers like me who write at night and on the weekends.
There’s no one right way to publish a book—and no perfect timeline. Anyone who tells you otherwise probably also thinks you can “just write when inspiration strikes.”
I’ll dive into my origin story in later issues, but here’s a post I shared on Instagram not long ago about my own timeline —a quick snapshot of my writing journey so far.
The BIG Takeaway: Finally, I have news!!!
I have a book deal with Delacorte Romance, an imprint of Penguin Random House, for my debut young adult novel STARS, STRIPES, & SUMMER NIGHTS, which is scheduled to be released the summer of 2026. The Publishers Weekly announcement follows below.
STARS, STRIPES, & SUMMER NIGHTS is a contemporary romance set in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, where I work and live. I was inspired to write this story after seeing photos of real life First Daughters attending a fancy State Dinner. I wondered what it would be like being a teenager in the most famous house in America — and whether they could do everyday teenage things like ordering a pizza (which is what gets my main character in trouble). The idea of a First Daughter just wanting a regular summer came to mind, and then finding a boy who sees her beyond the spotlight sparked Abby and Gabriel’s story.
If you like royal romances, sweet romantic comedies (think Hallmark Channel meets the West Wing), and are fans of American Royals, Red, White & Royal Blue, and My Date with the President’s Daughter, this book is for you!
Here’s an aesthetic:
Adding my book to your Goodreads Want to Read shelf is one of the best ways to help boost my debut early. Please click on the link below and add my book to your Want to Read shelf. I appreciate it more than you know! 💖✨
Yes, I will add to my Want to Read shelf
👀 Behind-the Scenes Updates:
Draft #3 is in! I’m equal parts thrilled and terrified as I wait for copy edits. 😅
Cover progress! I got a sneak peek of the final cover and it’s absolutely STUNNING. The romance, the fireworks (literal and emotional!) between Abby and Gabriel? Totally bursting off the page. I can’t wait to share it with you soon! 💥💖
As a subscriber to my newsletter, here’s content to expect:
✔️ Sneak peeks & writing progress
🎁 Exclusive goodie for readers
✍️ Craft & publishing content for writers
📅 Upcoming events & giveaways
🌟 Romance rec + reader poll
Frequency? Quarterly to monthly — I’m still figuring this all out 😅 but I promise, no inbox spam 💌.
Thanks a million and one for being here—you already make this adventure so much brighter! 🌟
I’ve got not one, but TWO romance picks this month that I’m so excited to share!
First up: It’s You Every Time by Charlene Thomas — a heartfelt young adult romance about self-discovery, grief, and destiny that begs the question: How do you keep going when your world has stopped spinning? Charlene is my agent sib (yep, we share the same literary agent!) and is truly the best human and author.
Next pick: When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa — a fun and flirty rom-com about a friends’ pact gone sideways when one of them suddenly announces they’re getting married. I had the pleasure of meeting Mia at her recent book launch and am thrilled to recommend both her and her book!
E-mail me 3 emojis that sum up your ideal summer romance.(Example: 🛶🍓💋 = canoe ride, strawberries, first kiss) at celeste@celestedador.com.
Everyone who replies is entered to win!
Winners will be selected and notified by August 25.
Note: I may share your entries anonymously on social media at a future time. 💖
Content for Writers: From blank page to book deal – I’ve got you.
One weekend in May: 80 writers, 5 literary agents, and 4 editors = Editors & Agents Day 2025, hosted by the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Mid-Atlantic region—where yours truly was a volunteer.
What a weekend! It was packed with craft deep-dives, publishing tea, catching up with old writer pals, and meeting some awesome new ones. Bonus points for snacks, drinks, and the fact that volunteers got to enjoy private meals with faculty—yes, actual sit-down meals, not just hovering by the coffee table pretending not to eavesdrop.
Out of respect for those who registered, I won’t share specifics, but sessions covered everything from querying tips and marketing advice to manuscript wishlists and (my personal favorite) how long it actually takes to hear back from agents or editors. Hearing how different imprints handle acquisitions was especially eye-opening—some houses require meetings with multiple departments, while others operate almost the opposite way.
Amid all the industry insight, the most important piece of advice came from the faculty, and it’s worth repeating: Don’t let professional feedback affect your personal confidence. Remember: your self-worth isn’t tied to your book’s success, so keep it separate. Words of wisdom for writers at every stage of the journey.
Curious about the event? Shoot me an email. And hopefully, I’ll see you at the next one!
Faculty Roster for Editors & Agents Day 2025
Editors: Ruqayyah Daud, Little Brown Books for Young Readers; Caitlin Johnson, HarperCollins Children’s Books; Kate Prosswimmer, Margaret K. McElderry Books; Celina Sun, Penguin Workshop
Agents: James Burns, The Bright Agency; Taj McCoy, Laura Dail Literary Agency; Erica McGrath, Writers House; Saribel Pages, Gallt and Zacker; Charlotte Wegner, Prospect Agency
🇺🇸 Firecracker Fizz (Mocktail)
Here’s a Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights-inspired drink I definitely picture my characters Abby and Gabriel sipping between flirty banter and stolen glances. The Firecracker Fizz is red, white, and blue—and just dramatic enough for a summer romance. Perfect for BBQs, fireworks, and pretending your crush isn’t staring at you over the lemonade cooler. 💥💘
Red layer: 1/2 cup cranberry juice or fruit punch (chilled)
White layer: 1/2 cup lemonade or coconut water (chilled)
Blue layer: 1/2 cup blue sports drink or blue raspberry punch (chilled)
Crushed ice
Optional: fresh blueberries & strawberries for garnish
Mini flags or sparkler straws for fun 🎇
Fill a clear glass all the way with crushed ice.
Slowly pour the red juice into the glass—this will be your bottom layer.
Next, gently pour the lemonade over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the red layer.
Repeat with the blue drink on top for that iconic tricolor firework effect.
Garnish with berries, a lemon wedge, or a festive straw.
Pro tip: The layering works because of sugar content—start with the densest (usually red), and end with the lightest (usually blue).
Tastes like summer in a glass—with just the right amount of sparkle.
Keep chasing sunsets, collecting memories, and falling in love under fireworks.
To the Stars!
Celeste Dador 💖
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