Why are children’s books important?: As authors, we can contribute to the growth of children, personally and academically, and foster a love of reading. We can leave a lasting impact, emotionally, cognitively, and historically. Silly and entertaining books are great too. Sometimes it can be for the sheer joy of giving a gift to children. To see a child grab a book and not let go is a treasure to behold.
Why should I write a children’s book?: It may be your purpose to write a children’s book. Writing a book is a worthy goal, particularly if you have an impactful or valuable message, story, or lesson or just want to make a difference.
Why are culturally relevant books important?: The current marketplace isn’t as diverse as most parents and educators would like. The demand for diverse high-quality children’s books is growing. Let’s fill the gap! More children have a need for innovative topics and important themes, distinctive characters, and imaginative storytelling.
Where should I begin?: Begin by researching the market for your book idea. If the market is saturated with your concept, brainstorm a few more and select the one you are most interested in and knowledgeable about. Writing about your passion is the easiest book to write. Once you select a topic, determine if your book will be relevant in today’s market, if children will be interested, and how it will impact the lives of your readers.
How can I prepare myself to go on a book journey?: Read published children’s books. Go to your local bookstore to get the full experience. Next, develop a distinctive concept or theme. Consider writing about your experiences, hobbies, work, family heritage, etc. Create characters with whom children can identify.
How do I write?: Write a fascinating plot to keep the attention of the reader…have them wanting more. Sit on your book for a week or two, then go back to improve it…revise, rewrite, or remove. Write what you know, from your experiences, family history, adventures, vacations, etc. Your story can come from any place.
How do I keep my vision?: Your book is your book. The author’s wants and desires are foremost in the process. You may receive advice and ideas, but ultimately the decisions are yours. It’s fine if an author decides not to implement any changes, as they are only recommendations based on experience. The bottom line is that it’s the author’s name on the front cover and the author must be pleased with the finished product.
Should I hire a publishing consultant?: Absolutely! Our team will get you from manuscript to published book, in hand. Our work includes coaching, editing, graphic design, illustrations and more! We will walk you through the entire publishing process, including getting your book identifier numbers and copyright.
Why should I have my children’s book project professionally edited?: Our little ones love stories and are learning to read, so we want to present a flawless book for them. To create an exciting, engrossing, inspiring, and meaningful reading experience, it’s important to have your book edited by a professional to ensure your manuscript…
Why should I hire a professional illustrator?: Illustrations are just as important as the story! In picture books, a professional illustrator can integrate the illustrations with the text to enrich visual storytelling. Inadequate and mediocre illustrations will undermine the overall quality of your book. Your illustrations should impress, capture the attention of young readers, amplify, and strengthen the story.
Where do I find the right illustrator?: We have a team of illustrators to present to you. Once an art style is selected, we will facilitate the process. You will have access to the sketches for change requests and approval prior to color finishing. Once draft-colored artwork is submitted, it will be submitted to you approval.
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You may conduct your own diligent research to find the perfect illustrator for your book. Consider the use of professional networks or associations, social media, and word of mouth. Ask about the illustrators used by other clients, and consider reaching out to local art schools or colleges. Avoid using online marketplaces that connect freelancers with digital services. Once full payment is made, your chances of getting corrections are slim.
Be sure of the following:
Prioritize quality over cost.
Once you are set on a few, communicate exactly what you want in your artwork via an illustration schematic, get pricing structure, timeline, and portfolio examples. Be sure the illustrations are the style you want for your book. Trust your instincts. You MUST get a signed work-for-hire illustration agreement or contract BEFORE work commences. Always have the money upfront and in installments once specific milestones are met.
How will I finance my book?: Avoid starting a project without having the money to see the project through. Know your limits and proceed accordingly. Hire based on what you can afford, however, make the appropriate investment to get a beautifully produced product.
When should I get your book copyrighted?: Copyright protection begins the moment you write your manuscript, even without formal registration. Registering your copyright provides a strong legal standing to pursue action against copyright infringement should someone attempt to plagiarize your work. Formal registration with the U.S. Copyright office is recommended before broadly sharing your work or publishing in print or digital format, usually in the same month or just before.
What expectations should I set?: Reasonable ones. Avoid rushing the process. Expect to make changes to your manuscript based on professional guidance. Be willing to work with your publishing consultant, be open to learning, and willing to listen. Give feedback, especially when you’re not in agreement with what is being presented. Some illustrations can take a few weeks, months, or even a year; it depends on availability. Allow time for an illustrator to complete their work without a lot of interference or changes or you run the risk of increased costs.
How do you get your book printed? Without much hassle, use the printers Karen uses. She has valuable relationships with several high-quality printers. Otherwise, research printing companies. Avoid asking people to print from their work printers. This is a no-no. Conduct research or ask other authors for recommendations. Avoid using hybrid publishing companies, as they upcharge for printing services and you will not know the print quality. Should you use an online retailer or online company that contracts with printing companies or a print-on-demand company, know that you will not know the print quality beforehand and may get a different product with each print run, as they may not use the same printer. If you choose to do so, ALWAYS get a physical, bound book proof to ensure color correctness, binding, and quality of the book is to your standards. Otherwise, go directly to a printer to see and touch books they’ve printed, and the quality of their work.
How do I sell my book?: After the book is complete and published, your work is not done. It’s not wise to sit back, relax, and expect book sales to come to you. It’s time to lean in and get to work. You must put on your entrepreneur hat to promote and sell your book. Set goals and your marketing budget with realistic expectations. What’s your acceptable and unpretentious bar for success? The buyer decision makers of your book are usually parents, teachers, or librarians. Build your brand geared toward them.
Truth be told, most books are sold best during person-to-person interactions. They are buying YOU, especially after telling a brief story behind the book. Most indie authors sell their books in-person. Knowing your audience is key. Avoid setting your book up for sales in places or events where children and parents don’t normally go or aren’t the target audience.
Tell everybody! Globally, you can sell your book online using your own website, social media, or online retailer or marketplace. Locally, you can reach out to bookstores, school system literacy coordinators, small businesses, cafés, boutiques, daycares, business expos, vending events, children’s book festivals, outdoor seasonal markets, etc. As an expert on your topic, you can create your own events or through public speaking engagements, sell your books there. Also, reach out to press outlets to provide stories for them.
How to market? Promote your book via advertising! You get out what you put in. Every act may produce many selling opportunities.