In 2002, Raven Publishing produced its first two titles, Miranda and Starlight and Starlight's Courage, the first two books of the Starlight Series. The revised/second edition of Miranda and Starlight won the Notable Award, 2004, from Writer's Notes Magazine. Starlight Star Bright, and Starlight's Shooting Star came in 2003, and the fifth book, Starlight Shines for Miranda, awarded Best Book, 2004, by USA Book News in the young adult category, and the sixth book: Starlight Comes Home, first-runner-up for young adult fiction by Writer's Notes Magazine, were published in 2004. This remarkable series addresses contemporary issues that children safely relate and apply to their own situations.

In 2005, Raven published a delightful middle-grade fiction by Dan A. Peterson, Fergus: the Soccer-playing Colt. It was a finalist for the ForeWord Magazine 2006 Book of the Year Award and also was awarded first runner up for the first annual Eric Hoffer Award by Writer’s Notes Magazine. Also in 2005, Absaroka, by Joan Bochmann, a Vietnam era story of a soldier come home, received Honorable Mention for the Ippy Award (Independent Publisher's annual awards) for western fiction. An Inmate's Daughter, by Jan Walker, released in March of 2006, is a juvenile fiction about a girl whose father is in prison. It was a finalist for both the USA Booknews Best Book Award and ForeWord Magazines Book of the Year Award. In June of 2006, Danny's Dragon, a story of wartime loss (ages 10 and up) by Janet Muirhead Hill was released. It was also a finalist for awards. A Horse to Remember, by Juliana Hutchings was released in 2007. Raven continues to publish up to three or four books per year and is contemplating expansion to include both adult titles and picture books within the next few years.

OUR PEOPLE

President: Janet Muirhead Hill, an author of some of our titles, is also founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Raven Publishing, Inc.

Janet grew up on a cattle ranch in Colorado, where her father taught her love and respect for horses. She learned to love books at a very young age as her older sister read to her. She liked to take turns with her older brother and sister to make up impromptu oral stories. The stories usually involved horses.

As an adult, she has worked at many diverse occupations from oil field roustabout, custom haying and ranching to business management, nursing and childcare. She had several short stories published in various children's periodicals when first, her children, and later her grandchildren were growing up. Over a period of six or seven years, beginning when her children were in school, she delved into several courses of study including premed, nursing, human development (with emphasis on child development) public health, and English writing.

Love for children, family, and concern for current issues that directly effect human lives, inspire much of Janet's writing. She cherishes time spent with grandchildren as well as communication with young fans. Besides family activities, Janet divides her time between writing, publishing, and public appearances, including school visits and publishing and writing seminars.

Former Vice-President: Stan Hill, a building contractor is the husband of author and president, Janet Muirhead Hill. He constructed the corporate headquarters for Raven Publishing, Inc. on their rural Montana acreage. Stan, who keeps busy with his full time work as a builder, is a proud supporter and behind-the-scenes promotor of Raven's titles.

Secretary/Treasurer: Tayla Andrews joined the staff in April, 2003. Tayla is the youngest of Janet's four children and moved back to Montana from Texas where she resided for ten years. Busy now with two young boys, occasionally assisting her husband with his computer repair business, and a part time job with the postal service, her work at Raven is only part time and on a contract, as-needed basis.

Acquisition Editor:  Florence Ore, who works from her home to evaluate manuscripts, edit and advise, has a natural eye and ear for narrative, dialogue, and plot, thereby helping us choose the winning manuscripts we accept for publication. With a good understanding of Raven Publishing's goals and a feel for the style and message our audience seeks, she works closely with our authors in making any revisions needed for publication.