Reaching out for endorsements might be the most intimidating part of my publishing journey to date. But when I remembered the review I’d already received, I found the courage to stick my neck out and ask the big deal authors to read my book.
Last summer, I learned that the author—that’s me—is the one who reaches out to other, more established, completely awesome, more than a little intimidating authors to ask for endorsements. (Those blurbs you see in ads and on the back of the book.)
As a debut author, the idea of emailing people I admire and asking them to give up hours of their time to read my book based on nothing but a short description and my promise it isn’t awful…yeah. You get the idea.
I decided to go for it. All in. Every author I could think of who writes in the genre (Christian YA, faith-based scifi/fantasy, etc.) got an email. I figured if I asked 28 people, one or two were bound to say yes. Right?
I received several polite “Thank you but he/she is too busy” messages from the agents of the really famous folks on the list. That’s fine. Expected even.
Several writers were too busy with their own deadlines, but they sent the sweetest notes along with their regrets.
A handful never replied.
But thirteen said yes! Thirteen legitimately awesome authors said they would read Protector and endorse it if they felt it was worthy. In the end, I received TEN endorsements. (And the other three just had scheduling conflicts.)
New, edgy authors. Long-time beloved authors. Award-winners.
Their glowing recommendations blew me away. Their kindness and encouragement lifted me. They all spoke to me as one of them. Like we’re all in this together, bringing the truth of God’s goodness to the world through fiction.
I’ve included several of their quotes below, but here’s my absolute favorite:
“Megan Schaulis is chosen. She is royalty with direct access to the King of kings. She is holy, set apart, sanctified, and beloved. She is unlike any other. She is mine.”
— Jesus, the Christ
See what I did there? Those words did not arrive in an email but you will find a version of them in 1 Peter 2:9. And no matter how many incredible and talented fellow writers sing my praises, this is the only review that matters.
God gave my book a 5-star review before I ever sent it to a publisher. He endorsed my work as I wrote each page. I know this because I invited Him into every word. He’s proud of what I’ve done and is bragging about it to all of heaven. His Word is packed full of the most eloquent and life-changing statements about me—His child, His daughter, His friend and apprentice.
And that’s exactly how He looks at you, too.
“Poetic imagery and characters who leap off the page make this debut from Megan Schaulis impossible to put down. Protector sweeps you away and doesn’t let go. Fans of Candace Kade’s Enhanced and Sara B. Larson’s Defy trilogy will devour this powerful tale about secrets, lies, and what it means to fight for what you believe in—no matter the cost.”
— Sara Ella, award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy
“The moment I heard about Megan Schaulis’s new dystopian retelling of Esther with nanotech and royal romance, I knew I was in for a treat. Schaulis’s glittering debut hooked me from start to finish with a masterfully executed plot, wonderfully compelling characters, dazzling writing, and rich spiritual themes. I need the sequel, and I need it now!”
— J. J. Fischer, award-winning author of The Nightingale trilogy
“Protector is exactly the kind of YA I want to read for myself and pass to my teenager. Schaulis skillfully weaves deep concepts into an exciting plot, keeps her characters relatable yet unpredictable, and nods to Biblical truths without being pushy or off-putting. Protector is Christian YA at its best.”
— Betsy St. Amant, award-winning author of Tacos For Two & The Key To Love
“Wow! What an incredible story of faith, courage, and purpose. From first page to last, I was utterly captivated… Brilliantly written and imagined, Protector is a story that will stay with me a very long time. Can’t wait for book two!”
— Hannah Currie, author of the Crown of Promise series
“Explore a tangible, future world in this beautiful and immersive debut. Protector’s true-to-life characters will sweep you into an exciting, heart-wrenching, and brave coming-of-age adventure.”
— Katherine Briggs, author of The Eternity Gate
“Protector is a magnetic story. Schaulis woos you into her dystopian world and hits all the right marks of an Esther retelling. This story is perfect for the person who enjoys light sci-fi, romance, and a story with an edifying message.”
— Candice Pedraza Yamnitz, author of Unbetrothed
“Brilliant dystopian twist on the Esther story. Protector immerses the reader in the often ignored intrigue, danger, and helplessness of the biblical narrative.”
— Bradley Caffee, author of The Chase Runner series and Sides
“Protector stands out for many reasons, but particularly for taking readers into a meticulously crafted world where the boundaries between reality and speculative fiction blur with expert precision. Schaulis beautifully explores the complexities of the human condition within the realms of fantasy and science fiction.”
— Carmen Schober, author of After She Falls & Pretty Little Pieces
“A fearless heroine risks everything for her people. Immerse yourself in a world of imagination and surprises.”
— Daniel Tweddell, author of Ragabones
“Protector is an adventure with life-threatening stakes. Schaulis artfully blends an unputdownable tale of courage, integrity, and new love in an immersive, futurist setting. I’ll be recommending this series to everyone I know.”
— Tasha Hackett, author of Wildflower on the Prairie
