Children’s Picture Books: How to Self-Publish Your Way to Success!

You must read Shari Faden Donahue’s CHILDREN’S PICTURE

BOOKS: HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS!

if you’ve ever considered writing and/or illustrating such books . . . me

thinks that even published authors in this field will pick up

valuable tips, too.

It is a comprehensive insider’s handbook that contains information

on writing, illustration, design, printing, sales, distribution and

publicity.

One of the things I liked most about it was that it did not talk

down to the potential author . . . that is the feeling I get

when reading some “Idiot’s Guides” on various subjects . . . Donahue,

instead, makes you feel like you are her partner in the process . . . and

she even tells you, “Sure, it’s simple, writing for kids . . . just as simple

as bringing them up.”

Yet don’t let that discourage you . . . she goes on to tell you exactly

what you need to every step along the way . . . in doing so, she

includes both informative examples and colorful illustrations from

one of the other books she has authored: THE ZEBRA-STRIPED WHALE

WITH THE POLKA-DOT TAIL (one of my favorite children’s books, by

the way).

You know that Donahue knows what she is talking about because

she has been there . . . so when she says something, you

should make a mental note to do it–such as when she advises

how to minimize your errors:

* According to Brent Sampson, author of Publishing Gems,

Insider Information for the Self-Publishing Writer, a writer

benefits from reading his/her manuscript aloud–as well as

backward–to find errors. He states, “When you read a manuscript

backward, word for word, misspellings literally jump off the page.”

Also, you’ll find yourself vowing to get out more because

that’s one of the keys to your book’s future success . . . Donahue

says that it is absolutely crucial to:

* Network . . . Network . . . Network

Attend local book signings. Get accustomed to talking to children’s

picture book authors about their unique publishing experiences. I

have discovered that authors who have already succeeded at the

publishing game are among the most willing to assist hopeful writers.

When a local children’s book author is featured in the media, it is

common for him/her to feel like a “king/queen for the day.” Be bold.

Go straight to the source. Make an effort to contact members of the

community, and is likely to feel flattered by your interest in his/her

title. Local author contact information may be obtained by calling

the journalist directly, accessing the author’s Web site, or utilizing

directory assistance. Keep a brief list of relevant questions at your

fingertips. The opportunity to share dialogue with a publicized

children’s picture book author enables you to obtain useful, relevant

“insider information. Stay connected? Publishing information in

abundant. You can learn tricks of the trade at every turn.

And I liked this bit of marketing advice that is applicable to just

about any business:

* The Scoop

Place of bowl of wrapped candy, such as Hershey’s Kisses,

on your exhibit table to attract picture book buyers with a

sweet-tooth!

Several useful appendixes contain additional information for

any would-be author on such topics as book reviewers, industry

vendors and resources, websites, and conferences.

Rating: 5 / 5