When I first tiptoed into the book publishing industry I was as green as a four-leaf clover. I discovered writers’ workshops charge hopeful authors hundreds of dollars with the promise of turning their book into a bestseller but the information was often unhelpful. The information was too broad and didn’t address the unique needs of children’s literature, which prompted me to write my own book.  This is what prompted me to write my own book. What began as a simple guide on grammar and market trends grew into a comprehensive 460-page resource covering every aspect of becoming a successful children’s author. In fact, it was said in the end that this is the “perfect roadmap” offering “critical insights” and “powerful insight” into the industry.

I’ve been writing since I was eight years old. Since publishing my first book in 2000, I have authored over 40 books across various genres. My award-winning children’s series, that launched in 2012, marked a significant milestone. Although I never intended to write a “how-to” book, it became necessary to share my extensive knowledge. This book aims to provide an exhaustive roadmap for aspiring children’s authors, offering critical insights and practical advice for navigating the industry.

The Writing Process

The writing process section is essential for all genres. It includes advice on developing your story, creating outlines, and overcoming writer’s block. It also covers the choice of document programs and techniques for enhancing your narrative, ensuring that all necessary information is accessible in one place.

Children’s Picture Books

This section focuses on the specifics of picture books, including choosing the point of view, crafting engaging page-turners, and integrating illustrations. It provides guidance on vocabulary and the challenges of writing rhyming stories, which are beloved but difficult to translate. One of the key points in this section is regarding rhyming stories, how to write them, what to take into account, how loved and cherished they are, and how they cannot be successfully translated into other languages.

Children’s Chapter Books

Chapter books cater to various age groups, each with distinct reading levels. This section helps determine the appropriate content, illustration needs, and how these factors influence pricing. It also covers whether illustrations should be in color or black and white and why that decision will affect your retail price.

The Editing Process

Reading through the story once is not good enough. Effective editing is crucial. This section emphasizes the importance of multiple reviews from both critique groups and individual readers, including both adults and children. It details different types of editors and self-editing techniques that I have found useful over the years.

The Traditional Publishing Option

Exploring traditional publishing is a vital step. Everyone should explore this route first! This section covers finding a publisher, writing query letters, and understanding industry terms. Even if you face rejections, this process is valuable for learning how to present your work professionally and gaining insight into the publishing world.

Self-Publish, Hybrid or Vanity Press?

If traditional publishing isn’t an option, you must decide between self-publishing or using a hybrid publisher. This section discusses the pros and cons of each, including what to expect from hybrid publishers and the key questions to ask. It’s important to evaluate each option carefully, as price does not always equate to quality. It also details the pitfalls of the vanity press and how to spot them.

Formatting Your Book

Self-publishing requires mastering formatting, including book size, layout, and the various components like front and back matter. Choosing to self-publish 100% on your own is an excellent choice because everything you learn during this process can be applied to your future books. This section offers tips on using Microsoft and other applications to ensure a professional presentation.  

Designing Your Book Cover

While hiring a professional is ideal, especially since most people judge a book by its cover, designing your own cover is also an option. This section provides guidance on using tools like Canva and Amazon’s cover creator, ensuring that the cover is eye-catching and suitable for its intended audience. One major tip, is how does it look as a 2” thumbnail, can you read the title still?

Finding an Illustrator

Finding the right illustrator involves more than a simple request. This section explains how to choose an artist who can consistently render characters and how to decide on the artistic style that best suits your book. As well as details on how to turn your picture book into a coloring book for upsells. Plus, how to be on the lookout for AI art and whether you want to use it or not.

The Pre-Marketing Process

Publishing a book is starting a small business. You become an authorpreneur. To make your business successful you need to get the word out about your product. Marketing is essential for success. This section outlines the steps to promote your book, including creating a business plan, developing marketing materials, and setting up a website or social media presence, along with how SEO works. It emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to build momentum and drive sales.

The Review Process

Prior to the book release, gathering reviews is crucial. This section discusses how to use beta readers and ARC reviewers, and platforms like NetGalley. After the release, you need to double down on the review process and boost your exposure. The more reviews you get the better, but this is NOT easy to do for children’s books and this book tells you why and how to circumnavigate it.

The Post Marketing process

Once your book is published, your brand becomes central. Did you know that your Brand is not your book cover? This section advises on maintaining and expanding your brand, purchasing inventory, and setting up book signings and author events. Connecting with schools is a must but don’t forget private schools, home school groups and local bookstores. It also covers strategies for social media marketing and engaging with book blogs and influencers.

Public Sales & Etiquettes

The most important marketing you can do as a children’s author is public sales. Not just bookstores, libraries and book festivals, I highlight various venues beyond those where you can promote your book. This section covers proper sales etiquette, including presentation, payment methods, and customer interactions.

Write Another Book

The process for subsequent books becomes easier once you’re familiar with formatting, illustration, and marketing. This section reassures authors that if you’re writing a series or a book for a different age group, the skills you’ve acquired will make the process smoother.

Books to Movie

Seeing your book turned into a movie is a common goal. This section explores the steps involved, including writing a screen treatment and finding producers. It acknowledges that while book-to-movie adaptations may not always live up to the book, seeing your work on screen is a significant achievement. This section discusses how to write a screen treatment, find movie producers, the process, the timeline and the dream.

The Dark Side of Publishing

Throughout all of this; the dream, the work, the effort, the time, the talent, the money, this is the section other authors and publishers will NOT tell you. There is a dark side to publishing that quite possibly could deter you from ever starting your journey. This section addresses the less glamorous aspects of publishing, such as scams, rejection, and the pressures of AI competition. It provides advice on how to navigate these challenges and maintain your passion for writing, despite the obstacles.

Don’t Ever Give Up is a section as well because this is your calling, your God-given talent, your legacy and you deserve to see it come to fruition, no matter what!