With the help she got from faculty at the University of Windsor, she didn’t need an editor to ready her first book for publication, says Marnie Lamb.

A graduate of the master’s program in creative writing (MA 2000), award-nominated short story writer and freelance editor, she has launched a crowdfunding campaign in support of her debut novel, The History of Hilary Hambrushina.

The story—based on characters she first started writing about as a 12-year-old—originated as her master’s thesis project, Lamb says.

“At the end of my year-long creative writing seminar, each student had to write a statement explaining why they chose their particular thesis project,” she says. “I remember writing that this was a story I needed to tell.”

The story revolves around Hilary, who sets out to become popular in her first year of junior high. Things don’t turn out the way she hoped, and she is plagued by bullying, self-doubt, and a troubled relationship with her mother.

“As someone who was bullied as a teenager, I feel both humbled and energized to be able to bring to light a story about girls whom you might meet in your daily lives,” says Lamb. “I hope that this book will make all its readers, especially those currently experiencing bullying, feel less alone.”

She says that members of her faculty review panel helped to nurture her work: “They really acted as developmental editors…. Windsor gave me the time to focus solely on my writing and helped me rediscover the joy of writing.”

After years of sending her manuscript to traditional publishing houses, she lit upon Iguana Books, a Toronto-based hybrid publisher. Iguana publishes a wide array of books, with quality being the number one criterion for the acceptance of a manuscript. But the company also asks authors to help defray production and distribution costs, including cover design and layout, before a book is published.

Although Lamb was prepared to shoulder those expenses, company representatives suggested she consider crowdfunding.

“I am excited to be undertaking this campaign not only to raise the money, but also to get the word out,” she says. “People can be my partners in helping to get the book produced.”

The campaign offers rewards to supporters at varying levels, including signed copies of the finished paperback and hardcover books. Find details, including an excerpt, on the PubLaunch crowdfunding site. The campaign runs until September 14.