Tracie is a visual and performing artist and has been throughout the country and overseas working in the arts. She currently lives in New York City and is originally from the small town of Wintersville, Ohio near the border of the state, which she describes as Steeler Country.
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She is a Congressional Arts Caucus Award recipient, and had one of her paintings displayed in the US Capitol Building as part of a one-year collection. She is a graduate of Chatham University, where she studied Arts Management with a concentration in Visual Art and Art History. She is also a veteran of the United States Navy, where she was a mechanic on the flight line based in Northern Japan.
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Her professional visual art credits include murals and décor for many restaurants throughout the country including in Rainforest Cafés, Landry’s, Joes Crab Shack, and along the Keemah Boardwalk near Galveston, Texas. She has been part of the team at Spaeth Design, where she helped create and build the Christmas windows for Macy’s in New York City as well as those for Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. She also worked for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission helping to restore artifacts for the museums of Pennsylvania. As a performer she has appeared on television and the silver screen as well tours entertaining the troops overseas in Korea, Kuwait and Iraq.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is AcuteByDesign?AcuteByDesign is a publishing house committed to creating diverse, multicultural, and socially relevant literature that inspires empathy, equality, and dreaming beyond boundaries.
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What genre does AcuteByDesign publish?We publish children's fiction, young adult novels, historical fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and cultural representation.
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How does AcuteByDesign support diversity?Diversity is at the heart of our mission. We focus on underrepresented voices and publish books celebrating cultural identity, inclusivity, and empathy.
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What type of publisher is AcuteByDesign?AcuteByDesign is a hybrid publisher. This means we cover all costs related to the publishing process, including editing, illustrations, layout, and distribution. However, authors are required to purchase their books at a discounted rate.
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Do you provide royalties to authors?Yes! AcuteByDesign offers higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishers. We value our authors' creative contributions and ensure fair compensation.
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Are authors involved in the marketing process?Yes, we expect our authors to be active participants in promoting their books. However, AcuteByDesign also conducts marketing efforts, including digital campaigns, social media promotions, and event-based outreach to boost visibility and sales.
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Can I submit my manuscript to AcuteByDesign?Absolutely! We welcome submissions from authors passionate about sharing diverse and impactful stories. We are not currently accepting submissions. However, if you'd like to be added to our waitlist for future opportunities, please submit your information by visit our Contact page for guidelines and details.
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Where can I buy AcuteByDesign books?Our books are available in our online store and through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores.
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Do your books include educational resources?Our resources, including lesson plans and activity guides, are currently being updated and will be available by mid-February. If you'd like to be added to the waitlist to access these resources once they're ready, please us our Contact page.
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How can I incorporate your books into my curriculum?Our books are designed to support social-emotional learning and cultural awareness. Updated lesson plans and educator guides will be available by mid-February. To be notified when they are released use our Contact page to be added to the waitlist.
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Do you partner with schools?Absolutely! We collaborate with schools on literacy programs, workshops, and custom curriculum resources. For inquiries, use our Contact page.
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How can I stay updated on new releases and events?Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, interactive content, and announcements. Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive insights and promotions.
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Does AcuteByDesign host virtual or in-person events?Yes! We host author Q&As, virtual read-alouds, and community workshops to connect with readers and educators. Use the Contact page to reach out.