This week has been new book week for me. My editor from Globe-Pequot/Twodot Press sent cover designs for my novel series (they’re republishing Cowgirl Dreams and Follow the Dream along with the new novel, Dare to Dream), and we went back and forth on the choices their designer had made. At first I was not happy with the new covers and felt they appeared to be “romances” rather than the “working” west cowgirls I’ve written about. But the publisher’s experience in sales and marketing prevailed, providing a “theme” for my novel trilogy.
I will share the cover for Cowgirl Dreams here. This one I did like from the beginning. The other two have some tweaks to be made yet and I will preview them at a later time.
Today, I also sent my publisher the manuscript for Cowgirl Up!, a non-fiction book about the old-time rodeo cowgirls of Montana. This book tells the story of women’s rodeo, from its heyday in the early 1900s when women competed with men on the same rough stock to its decline due to injuries and deaths, societal pressure, the beginning of the RAA–a men-only organization–and WWII. 
Cowgirl Up! is a departure from my comfort zone in fiction. Even though I began my writing career in journalism, this is my first non-fiction book. As you might imagine, I’m a little nervous to find out if I’ve done the subject justice and if my editor approves of the way I’ve written it.
Wish me luck!
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Heidi M. Thomas 
Talent trumps luck every time and you have talent in spades.
Nice new cover, Heidi–she looks suitably dreamy and professional. Good luck with the new releases and the new book.
Heidi, you have a corner on a fascinating subject and you handle it with perfection. Good luck is surely on the way! Love the cover.
Thank you all! I appreciate your comments and your wonderful support!
Just to clarify, Cowgirl Dreams is not a new book, but is being republished my my new publisher with a new cover, as is the second book in the trilogy, Follow the Dream. The Brand NEW book, Dare to Dream will be available May 6!
Heidi, I think your covers are incredible. I can’t wait for your other two books to come out. I will be getting them! You will have no problem with your non-fiction. Can’t wait. Carmen
Great-looking new cover, Heidi! Gives a new feel to a wonderful story already written by a talented author. I’ll be on the lookout for your new May release!
So proud of you Heidi. All those years with Hettie in critique group. You’re going to reach new audiences.
Great cover! I love it!
Love that new cover!
Wonderful cover, Heidi. It speaks, says a lot. The girl’s expression is both wistful and strong. Very compelling. I definitely wish you luck on the next one too. I saw a documentary–on PBS, I think–about women in the early rodeos. Fascinating and mostly unknown. I’m sure you’ve done a great job on it.
Tremendous news, Heidi! Your talent & hard work are totally deserving of publishing success. A fiction series AND your non-fiction book wending their way to us all. Thrilled for you, and really looking forward to reading the newest.
Congratulations, Heidi! I really like the cover for Cowgirl Dreams.