In the 25 years that I have been a newspaper reporter and magazine feature writer, I have had the honor of meeting and writing about more truly amazing women than I can count. I was always the staff member at the editorial meeting saying, “There are too many guys in this issue. Why can’t we write about more women?” In many instances, my editors were open to my suggestions, and I am eternally grateful for that.

The idea to turn some of those profiles into a book came to me when my daughter, Anna, was born in 1995. I wanted to expose her to as many fabulous gals as I could in hopes that she’d see what is possible for girls. Short of introducing her to them personally, I was determined to find a way to do that. (In the years since, she actually has come with me on countless interviews, as has my son Dylan. I am thankful to all the people I interviewed with a child in tow for their patience and support. My kids are the better for meeting you!)

About the Web site: Although the book is limited to 100 women, this Web site has broader shoulders. On it you’ll find hundreds of savvy, innovative, courageous women from around the world. Please do submit a proposal so you can be part of the fun.

Photos: The book will feature great photos of the women profiled, for once the 100 women are juried in, we’ll be sending award-winning photographers from around the U.S. to them for a photo session.

Illustrations: Illustrator Michael Gibbs will be painting fabulous images to represent each industry. In the coming months, those illustrations will be posted on the site — and will also be available as posters and greeting cards.

Publication date: The goal is for it to hit bookstores before Christmas 2010. Wouldn’t this make the best gift for all the truly amazing women in your life?

A movie is also in the works: This is an unexpected opportunity. A filmmaker found me on Facebook last year when she heard about the book. She began talking to me about the possibility of turning it into a documentary. We are currently raising funds for the film, so stay tuned for more details!

For more information: contact me through my PR firm, www.inkandescentpr.com and by email at hope@inkandescentpr.com. Feel free to browse my journalism clips, too: www.hopegibbs.com.

A note of thanks to the two Truly Amazing Men who made this website possible: Illustrator, designer, and my husband Michael Gibbs, www.michaelgibbs.com and the fabulous Web developer Max Kukoy: www.maxwebworks.com.