The Sky Belongs to the Dreame… by Jacob Hostetler

Jacob Hostetler

Aachen, Germany

Jake is a U.S. American writer, based in Germany.

An international career takes him around the globe, providing the inspiration for his writings

He wants his writing, if it does anything, to make you look up from the page and see things a little more with your real eyes – to give you, for however long, that freedom to wonder. To remember all those questions to be asked, experiments to be tried, places to be explored, and stories to be told.

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About the author

Jake was raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA among the cornfields and clopping horse hooves of buggies. It is a magical place, a sometimes frustratingly slow-paced kind of endearing, where the seconds drag out just a hair longer than in the rest of the world. It is a place that inspires him and a home he always goes eagerly and willingly back to.

These days, he calls Germany home. If you’ve never experienced the ‘cobblestoned’ charm and humming vibe of a small modern European city, he recommends you get Aachen onto your bucket list.

Jake moved to Europe in 2015 chasing a dream of life abroad.

Soon, after 4 years in Germany, he will move again. This time exploring the far side of the world from Seoul, South Korea.

Jake's writing will make you look up from the page and see things a little more like you did when you were six – to give you, for however long, that freedom to wonder. To remember all those questions to be asked, experiments to be tried, places to be explored, and stories to be told.

He has written for Short Fiction Break and the turnleaf journal.

The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers is his debut children's book.

About the Illustrator

This project would not have been possible without the skills and collaborative support of the very talented Clara Cabrera.

Clara is an artist, illustrator, and writer. She graduated in Fine Arts in 2015 by the Polytechnical University of Valencia. She pursued a postgrad in Professional Illustration by the ESAT, where she fell in love with illustration. She was one of four Europeans selected to exhibit her work in one of Asia's most important illustration fairs, AFCC (Asian Festival of Children's Content) held in Singapore during May 2016. Her work was exhibited in the National Library along with artists from all over the globe.

She has several books published under Chiado Publishing House, such as as her fantasy trilogy, "Baile de Damas," published in 2013, and a children's book, "Corre Thomas!", written and illustrated by her, and published in 2017.

In "The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers," she participates as the illustrator.

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Success! The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers has already sold 107 pre-orders , was pitched to 43 publishers , and will be published by Atmosphere Press .

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$199 Dreamers Who Dare to Imagine

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The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers

Caterpillar dreams of one day soaring through the sky. She doesn't know how or when, but she knows it's coming. That is, if she makes it out of Spider's web.

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	Children Fiction Inspirational
	2,000 words
	100% complete
	7 publishers interested
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Synopsis

Dreams allow us to acheive the impossible. But sometimes, whether because of the pressures from others or doubt in ourselves, we do not trust ourselves to follow those dreams.

As children we are especially impressionable, letting our dreams but also our fears run free. Kids need to know that it's okay to reach for the impossible just as Caterpillar does in the story. They need to know that there are characters like Spider out there in the world who will look to surpress their dreams. And just like in the story, they need to learn that hope does not come from somewhere outside of them, but from within.

This story was born to remind readers of what they already know but are scared to realize. It is to remind them that even in the most dire situations an optimistic outlook and calm mind can set you free.

Due to its fable-like nature, readers will revisit the story often. They will be reminded to stay optimistic when they get down on themselves. They will remember to consider the possibilities of problem-solving before giving up just as Caterpillar had to when she found herself stuck in Spider's web. They will be inspired to dream in spite of their doubts.

The story of The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers resonates with children feeling doubtful of themselves and of their dreams. Whether it be the dream to better themselves, strive to become something they currently are not, or maybe just the discovery of a hope that things will get better if they believe in themselves, this story serves as a universal grounding for us all.

Outline

Caterpillar dreams of one day flying through the sky. She doesn't know how or when but hope, something inside of her, tells her it's possible.

During her day-dreaming and leaf eating, she stumbles into a mysterious white stuff (spider's web) and becomes trapped.

Spider is ruler of his web. A fact which he asserts by telling Caterpillar that her destiny now belongs to him and he wishes to eat her. Caterpillar is scared but thinks fast, telling Spider that if he brings her more leaves, she will become fatter and juicier for his delight.

Spider agrees and goes to find leaves, leaving Caterpillar to consider her situation.

Three times Caterpillar convinces Spider to bring her more leaves until finally, Spider is tired of waiting, and resolves to eat Caterpillar.

With her final stroke of charm and wit, Caterpillar convinces Spider to let her rest and digest the green leaves she has eaten into juicy meat. Spider agrees to his final act.

Caterpillar makes her bed (spins her cocoon), and goes to sleep.

Upon awakening, Caterpillar feels new strength, emerging from her chamber while Spider, still waiting on the outside, believes he has been tricked. He can only watch in amazement as not Caterpillar, but something much bigger and more beautiful (Butterfly) emerges.

Butterfly, climbing on top of her cocoon and freeing herself of the web, scolds Spider for trying to control anyone's destiny but his own, and tells him he should cling to his web and what he knows.

In the final lines she tells him that she is of the sky and that, no matter whether she was a Caterpillar or Butterfly, she has always been. Before she departs, she shares with Spider that the sky belongs to the dreamers; to those who dare to imagine.

Audience

The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers is a children's book targeting children aged 6-10. Within this target group it acheives three major objectives.

1) Combating Self-doubt

Census estimates suggest that in 2019 the United States alone will have roughly 25 million children between the ages of 6-11. Further counts estimate that between 20-30% of children will suffer from self-doubt before the age of 12.

Self-doubt is ever present in our societies (all across the globe) and a constant threat to our youth. Why? Doubt is normal. It's human. But when it starts from such an early age to manifest itself in the minds of young people, it can grow with them as they grow, creating doubtful adults who ultimately do not follow their dreams.

The Sky Belongs take these challenges head on by providing young people with the chance to find their courage using the strongest assets available to us: storytelling and our imagination.

2) Connecting with Nature

Connection and interest in the natural world is under threat in the face of increased "screen time" and dependency on technology. Technology in and of itself isn't bad but a loss of connection with the natural world is unhealthy.

The story of The Sky Belongs is embedded in nature. Indeed, it is nature taking the form of a struggle with which everyone, especially children, can identify.

3) Conversations between Parent and Child

Though this children's story is heavily literary, the goal is to bring back the feeling of fables such as Grimm's fairytales, and imbue universal lessons and observations into characters and scenes children will understand.

This is intended to be a book read from parent to child, and it will be marketed as such. A chance, not only for parents to spend time with their children, but also a chance for them to talk to their children about big topics such as hope, believing in yourself, and seeing the bright side of dark situations.

Promotion

Email List Size: 300+
Social Media Following (FaceBook/Instagram): 3000+
Website Monthly Sessions: 1000+
Blog Monthly Views: 1000+

Using the above base, a content calendar will be created whereby the parts and lessons from The Sky Belongs will be shared across the varying platforms. This will encourage readers to engage with the story beyond only reading it.

Competition

Title: Giraffes Can't Dance | By: Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees | Publisher: Cartwheel Books | Year: 2012
1. Description:
  1. A tale of Gerald the giraffe, who has a dream of dancing. Unfortunately Gerald has crooked knees and thin legs making it hard for a Giraffe like him to have such a dream. He learns however through the story to, through the words of an encouraging friend, that he can dance despite his challenges.
2. How is The Sky Belongs different?
  1. Both stories share a similarity in striving towards a dream. However, The Sky Belongs differs in that Caterpillar's journey is a solitary one whereby she must find the courage within herself to perservere. Gerald receives the support of an unlikely friend.
Title: The Wonderful Things You Will Be | By: Emily Winfield Martin | Publisher: Random House | Year: 2015
1. Description:
  1. A story of love and growing. It a story that parents can read to their children over and over, always finding new meaning and depth in the words.
2. How is The Sky Belongs different?
  1. The Sky Belongs is also a story which will be read over and over again between parent and child, differing only in that in The Sky Belongs, we see this growth and connection reflected in Caterpillar's own journey.
Title: I Like Myself! | By: Karen Beaumont & David Catrow | Publisher: Harcourt Inc. | Year: 2016
1. Description:
  1. This is story all about being okay with yourself just the way you are. Whether it be physical or something inside, we should all be proud of what we are and embrace our uniqueness.
2. How is The Sky Belongs different?
  1. While The Sky Belongs shares similarities with this story, it also talks of the larger theme of destiny and how, beyond simply being ourselves, each of us plays a part in deciding our destiny.
Grimm's Fairytales | By: Brother's Grimm | Publisher: Brother's Grimm | Year: 1857
1. Description:
  1. These fairytales and fables have been read throughout homes in the world for over 150 years. The reason they have lasted so long is because of their uniqueness in capturing the imaginative nature of the human spirit. Both in the things we fear and in the things that help us grow.
2. How is The Sky Belongs different?
  1. The Sky Belongs emulates these fairytales in it's fable-like prose and intertwined lessons. It is however, fundamentally different in that it's a story of encouragement which inspires through making children aware of their fears and how to combat them, rather them only making them have fear for certain things.

7 publishers interested

	Mascot Books Mascot Books is a full-service hybrid publisher dedicated to helping authors at all stages of their publishing journey create a high-quality printed or digital book that matches their vision. With comprehensive editorial, design, marketing, production, and distribution services, our authors have the support of an experienced publishing team while still retaining one of the highest royalty percentages in the business. Hybrid publisher All categories
	Prensa Press Looking for cookbooks, design, craft books, art, non-fiction and photography. Prensa Press a boutique publishing house and creative studio with a mission of working with passionate writers, chefs, artists, architects, designers and dreamers to help craft their stories and bring them to print. We are a small team located between Mexico City and Chicago that is selective in the projects that we take on to ensure each client has our entire focus. We are flexible in our approach to each individual project and like to take risks, experiment in new mediums and techniques and tell each story in its own unique fashion. Hybrid publisher Children Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Art & Photography, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Creativity, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Illustrated Books, Journalism, Nature & Environment, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel, YA Non-Fiction United States, Illinois, Mexico
	1106 Design, LLC Dear Author, You worked hard to write your manuscript; finally, it's ready to release. You know that expert assistance is needed, but perhaps you didn’t realize that working with a publisher is no longer necessary—especially publishers who charge fees to produce your book upfront and "share" more of your revenue whenever a book is sold. 1106 Design is an author services company. We offer all the editorial and design services you’d expect from a publisher, transforming your manuscript into a market-ready book. But here's the difference: we help you secure print-on-demand printing and worldwide distribution in your name. This means you earn several dollars more for every book sold instead of a meager “royalty.” We understand that your book is not just a passion project but also a potential source of income. That's why we offer a range of services tailored to your needs at affordable prices. Depending on your manuscript's word count and complexity, our packages range from $4,000 to $10,000. And here's the best part: after this one-time investment, every penny of net revenue from book sales goes directly to you, never to us. If this sounds like a better way to publish your book, I invite you to browse our services, design samples, no-surprises pricing, outstanding customer reviews, and educational articles at https://1106design.com. You can download a free PDF of my book, "Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing and an Insider's Look at a Misunderstood Industry," and request a free, no-obligation consultation. 1106 Design has been in business since 2001 and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We are a “Highly Recommended Expert” at IngramSpark.com and rated "Excellent" at Alli, The Alliance for Independent Authors, at SelfPublishingAdvice.org, where you can find a "watchdog list" of the best and worst publishing services companies. How can we serve you today? Sincerely, Michele DeFilippo, owner Service publisher Children Fiction, Christian Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Essay, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Mythology & Folk Tales, Poetry, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Women's Fiction, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Children Non-Fiction, Christian Non-Fiction, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Communication Skills, Corporate Culture, Current Affairs, Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Humor & Entertainment, Journalism, Management & Leadership, Marketing & Sales, Mindfulness & Happiness, Money & Investment, Motivation & Inspiration, Nature & Environment, Parenting, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Philosophy, Politics & Social Sciences, Popular Science, Productivity & Time Management, Psychology, Reference, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Sex & Relationships, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel, YA Non-Fiction, Science Fiction & Humour Worldwide
	Atmosphere Press 250 copies • Partial manuscript. Atmosphere Press is an independent publisher dedicated to author rights. We publish in all genres and have an exceptional editorial, design, and promotional staff. We stand for Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, and Kindness. We want our authors and their readers to be blown away when they first hold that book in their hands. It needs to look good inside and out, and feel good to the touch. And, of course, the words need to be top-notch, and our editors are devoted to making that the case. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide
	Bookmobile 100 copies • Partial manuscript. Bookmobile provides book printing, graphic design, and other resources to support book publishers in an ever-changing environment. Superior quality, excellent customer service, flexibility, and timely turnarounds have attracted nearly 1,000 satisfied clients to Bookmobile, including trade houses, university presses, independent publishers, museums, galleries, artists, and more. In addition, we manage eBook conversions and produce galleys, and regularly provide short-run reprints of 750 copies or fewer for major publishers such as Graywolf Press. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide
	eBooks2go 100 copies • Completed manuscript. eBooks2go, Inc. was founded in 2011 to provide the missing link for all your publishing needs. Our end-to-end solutions provide the guidance and support that enable publishers and independent authors to pursue their passions. To date, we have helped more than 750 authors and 100 publishers worldwide. We offer an array of simple and affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the book publishing process. Our comprehensive service offering includes editing, print and eBook production, book marketing, cover designs, ISBN registration, and even website designs. We are a single source for all of your publishing needs. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide
	Happy Self Publishing 100 copies • Completed manuscript. Happy Self Publishing has helped 500+ authors to get their books self-published, hit the #1 position in the Amazon bestseller charts, and also establish their author website & brand to grow their business. And the best thing is, we do all this without taking away your rights and royalties. Let's schedule a call to discuss the next steps in your book project: www.meetme.so/jyotsnaramachandran Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide

The valley breathed in gentle rhythm. Flowers gossiped across the fields and nearby ferns fraternized in the shade. Trees whispered ancient secrets while eavesdropping vines raced along their riddled trunks.

Caterpillar squinted up as bright raylets of sunlight peeked down through the clouds. She dreamed of herself as a beautiful angel of the sky soaring and gliding among the clouds, beholding the world below in all its intertwined beauty. To look up and dream of these things was her first favorite thing to do and though she didn’t know where these day dreams came from, she didn’t care; they were wonderful.

She brought her head back down to ground level. For now, she would resolve herself to doing her second favorite thing, eating.

She had just bitten into a particularly moist leaflet of bashberries when she saw it. The most perfect leaf she’d ever seen. It waved to her in the breeze inviting her over.

She wriggled in excitement allowing her feet to carry her towards it.

The white happened slowly and all at once. In her eagerness to get to the leaf, Caterpillar did not notice it clinging to her until she felt its gentle tug. She turned around to see what had taken hold. “Oh Mr. White Stuff, you tickle my feet but I really can’t be staying around.”

“Ah, but you can,” came a voice like a whisper from above. Caterpillar looked up to see a stranger floating down towards her. He was hairy and had deep black eyes, though she didn’t know which to look at.

“Oh hello, I believe I’ve stumbled onto your playful white stuff here and for that I’m truly sorry. If you could just help me free, I’ll be on my way.” The hairy stranger grinned showing his large teeth.

“I am afraid I will not help you,” he said clicking his teeth together in an odd fashion. “You see, I am Spider, he who sees all, and it is my intention that you stay here with me in my beautiful web.”

“Stay here with you,” Caterpillar asked, “and do what?” Spider glided to a stop in front of her setting himself down gracefully on the white stuff which rippled outwards like a raindrop falling on water.

“I do not eat green stuff like you,” he said motioning to a nearby leaf. “I eat juicy, delicious, fatty meat.”

“Oh, well that sounds very good,” concluded Caterpillar nodding her head thoughtfully. “I wonder if I would like meat.” This made Spider laugh almost uncontrollably. As he laughed Caterpillar felt the white stuff all around them vibrate and laugh with him. Seeing this made her smile and start to giggle. Soon both Caterpillar and Spider were laughing together as the white stuff danced around them.

“Wah,” said Spider finally calming down. “I’ve not laughed like that in a long time.”

“Pity,” said Caterpillar, still giggling, “Everyone should laugh every day.”

Spider looked at her with all his black eyes. “Perhaps, however now you must know, your landing in my web is no coincidence. It was as destined as the rising sun or the coming night. You have entered my web and therefore my world. You and your destiny now belong to me. This is the wish of the world. And as for my wish,” he paused, “I wish to eat you.”

“Eat me?” Caterpillar said shocked. Suddenly the playful white stuff was no longer playful. “But how can that be my destiny when I dream of flying through the sky?”

Spider sneered, “Don’t be stupid fat Caterpillar, dreams are foolish. I do not waste my time on such things. I have my web and of it I am ruler. Cling to what you know, that is your destiny. And destiny demands sacrifice.” He clicked his two big front teeth together noisily moving closer to her. Caterpillar could see their razor sharpness and the hunger in his eyes...

Update #2 - Update on The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers! Feb. 21, 2019

Hi Everyone,

Firstly I would like to say thank you so much for your support ( & patience) with me. I realize it has been a long time since …
Update #1 - First Update!! We're on our way!! Nov. 15, 2018

Hi Everyone,

So we are already one day into the campaign!

For those of you who have already supported The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers …

Miguel Angel Vico Moya
on Nov. 14, 2018, 5:06 p.m.

reply

Amazing job! I wish I had half of your motivation to work my own projects and drive them to completion like you did. I hope you get all the support you need to make this an even bigger success!

Leslie Siron
on Nov. 14, 2018, 5:44 p.m.

reply

So great to see this story coming to life!

Alex Koerver
on Nov. 14, 2018, 10:15 p.m.

reply

I am looking forward to read it to my son with my German accent... :-/

Doras Ladd
on Nov. 14, 2018, 11:22 p.m.

reply

Congratulations, Jake - this is SO exciting!!!

Martin Karlowitsch
on Nov. 15, 2018, 9:55 a.m.

reply

I am excited to see this project being realized by two amazing talents and personalities. Good luck with it!

Ignacio Cabrera
on Nov. 15, 2018, 3:46 p.m.

reply

Hi Jacob, I really like your book approach for children and I am looking forward reading it with my kids and young relatives. Hope it will be a success !

Shepherd Waldenberger
on Nov. 16, 2018, 7:22 p.m.

reply

Keep on following your dreams, Jake! You're an inspiration! Sending love and well-wishes!

Guy Vincent
on Nov. 19, 2018, 4:20 a.m.

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Go Jacob! This story sounds awesome

Clara Cabrera
on Nov. 23, 2018, 8:28 a.m.

reply

Can't wait for this adventure to materialize into a physical book!

sung kim
on Nov. 23, 2018, 3:30 p.m.

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Thank you for writing this Jake. Cant' wait to read it. Keep writing and keep dreaming dude... I will do the same! :)

Douglas Hostetler
on Nov. 24, 2018, 10:13 p.m.

reply

Hey! A big congratulations on this project! We hope it’s the first of many!!!!!

Patricia Donnelly
on Nov. 28, 2018, 10:14 p.m.

reply

Hello Jake! It’s Pat Donnelly, your former dental hygienist at Carano Dental Grouo. I’m so thrilled about this book you have authored and look forward to it being published! Wishing you well. It’s always fun to get an update from your mom/dad about your fun life journey.

Fondly,

Pat

Joe Wertz
on Nov. 29, 2018, 2:33 a.m.

reply

Congrats on the book, Jake.

Bradley Boehringer
on Nov. 30, 2018, 10:30 p.m.

reply

You have not a clue how much your writing will surely inspire people... like me, thanks hermano

Brian Hostetler
on Dec. 1, 2018, 9:45 p.m.

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Wishing you lots of luck on your writing ventures! Uncle Brian and Aunt Carol

Antonio Bua
on Dec. 6, 2018, 2:33 p.m.

reply

Keep doing you brother !

Sascha Hermann
on Dec. 7, 2018, 7:53 p.m.

reply

Looking forward to hold it in my own hands and also keeping it as a reminder of a special time. Wishing you all the best for your further and ongoing journey through life. :-)

Markus Dobusch
on Dec. 18, 2018, 1:14 p.m.

reply

thank you for everything bro!

Weizhao Zhu
on Jan. 2, 2019, 12:50 p.m.

reply

Good lucky, Jake!!! Wei :-)

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Jacob Hostetler

About the author

The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers

Synopsis

Outline

Audience

Promotion

Competition