Self-Publishing – Page 78 – Self Publishing Advisor

How to Write and Publish a Children’s Book

Books for children and young adults are among the hottest selling titles right now, and there are a variety of reasons people want to write books for children. Some writers have a particular lesson or story they want to share with kids. Others simply love children and want to write for them. And then there are those writers who are just children at heart and connect best with a younger audience. Whatever your reasons for wanting to write for children, you can write and publish a children’s book. Here’s how:

1. Learn about the market and your audience.

Writing for children is not the same as writing for adults, and there are different types of children’s books: picture books, easy readers, middle grade novels and young adult novels. Each of these different audiences expect different things from a book. To help you better understand the craft of writing for children, take a class or pick up a few books on the topic. It is also helpful to study your audience. Watch the shows they are interested in. Listen to the music that is popular. Go to a public place and observe how they interact with people. If you want to create believable characters, you need to understand your audience.

2. Figure out your goals.

Once you have a good understanding of the market and your audience, decide what you want to write. What is your mission as a children’s author? What do you want to tell your audience? This is the time to start generating story ideas and creating characters. You can use your own childhood, current events and your imagination to inspire your writing.

3. Write and Rewrite.

Once you know what you want to write, you have to actually put the words on paper. This is often the most difficult part for many writers, but don’t get discouraged. Simply make an effort to consistently work on your story, and remember that a first draft is not a finished product; it doesn’t need to be perfect. Don’t be afraid to rewrite your story several times. Writing for children is not easy, and it can take several attempts to find just the right words.

4. Start the publishing process.

Self publishing is a great option for children’s book authors because it provides complete control over the project. For instance, authors who publish with traditional publishing firms typically have no say in the illustrations that accompany their story. Since the pictures can make or break a children’s book, it is important that the author’s vision is considered during this process. Many self publishing companies offer a variety of illustration services and various publishing packages to accommodate your needs.

I’d love to know, why do you want to write for children?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 1/8/13

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self publishing industry. This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self publishing process, which will lead to a greater self publishing experience. To help you stay current on self publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news in self publishing this week.

TEXAS READS: Self-publishing a way to release the book in you, but do it right

This article for a Texas newspaper shares the columnist’s opinion on and experience with self publishing. As a book reviewer and fellow author, he offers useful and interesting insight on the subject.

Sumner Library hosts event about self publishing

I love to see people besides self publishing companies promoting self publishing. It shows that people are truly interested in the topic and proves that the information out there isn’t just companies marketing themselves to convince you to self publish. Self publishing really is a great option for many authors. If you live in the area, be sure to check out this free event at Sumner Library on January 18.

Self-published book chronicles cancer journey

This is a fascinating story about a cancer survivor who chronicles her journey by writing a book. The book covers the hardships, indignities and triumphs she experienced during her battle with cancer. In the article, she also talks about her experiences during the self publishing process.

Outskirts Press Kicks Off 2013 with Free Social Media Set-Up for Self-Publishing Authors in January

Social media is one of the most powerful, persuasive tools authors can use in their book marketing efforts. During the month of January, Outskirts Press is offering authors free social media set-up services – a savings of up to $499. This is a great deal for self publishing authors!

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

Jodee Speaks

Self Publish a Book in 2013: Step 1 – Set Goals

Last week, I vowed to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution of self publishing a book in 2013 by dedicating this month’s post to helping you stick with your resolution. We are now a week into the new year, and many of you are probably pumped up to get started on your resolutions. The beginning is always filled with excitement and motivation. Take advantage of these emotions by writing down your goals. These will serve as your map throughout the year to remind you what you are trying to accomplish and hold you accountable for your actions. Here are four tips for setting goals that will help you self publish a book in 2013.

1. Be realistic and specific.

Don’t just say I’m going to write every day. How long will you write for? Twenty minutes? An hour? What time of day will you write? In the morning? On your lunch break? How many pages do you want to write each week or month? When will you finish your first draft? When will you start the self publishing process? Be very specific with your goals, but don’t be unrealistic. If you work 60 hours a week and have a family, you probably can’t dedicate 40 hours a week to writing, but you could dedicate twenty minutes a day during your lunch hour.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable.

Goals are useless if you write them down and forget about them. Decide when and how you will measure your achievements. Perhaps you will keep a writing log to record how long you write each day, or maybe you will count page numbers once a week. For each goal, write down how and when you will hold yourself accountable.

3. Don’t be afraid to revise.

The purpose of holding yourself accountable is to determine what is working and what isn’t working. Periodically assess whether or not you need to update your goals. If your goals are unrealistic, break them into smaller, more achievable chunks. If your goals aren’t challenging enough, amp up the pressure. Just because they are written down doesn’t mean they are set in stone.

4. Keep them in sight.

If you want to achieve your goals, you need to constantly remind yourself of what you are trying to achieve. Keep a visual reminder of your goals somewhere you will see it often. You may want to keep your list of goals on your desk, or tape a picture of your main character or setting to your fridge. The key is to frequently remind yourself of your goals.

I’d love to know, what are your favorite goal setting tips?

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

Uncategorized

4 New Year’s Resolutions for Writers

It is that time of year again; as we celebrate the end of 2012 and welcome the new year, many of us are reflecting on the past 12 months and deciding what we want to do differently in the coming months. As writers, many of our resolutions are geared towards improving our work and helping us achieve our writing goals. Don’t just think about your resolutions; make sure you write them down and put them somewhere you will see them often. This will help you stay accountable. Here are four resolutions every writer should have on their list this year.

1. Get healthy.

We all know the things we are supposed to do to stay healthy: get enough sleep, workout daily, eat fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water. But most of us neglect these tasks when we are working on a big project such as writing a book. Your mental and physical health impacts your success as a writer. You can’t do your best work if you aren’t your best self, so make a resolution to take care of yourself this year and you may just be surprised how much more productive and creative you feel.

2. Read more.

The best way to improve your writing and generate ideas is reading. Don’t just read your favorite author or genre. Expand your horizons. Pick out books that are completely different from what you would usually read. Check out a new author or bestselling novel. Read books for children. Read poetry. Reread classic literature. You can never read too many books.

3. Try Something New.

When most writers think about improving their work, they focus on the actual act of writing or editing or brainstorming, but writing is an art that is created by our minds, experiences, and the world around us. You can’t write about life if you don’t live it. This year, make it a point to try new things. Take a class. Make a new friend. Go on a vacation, and watch your stories improve.

4. Write every day.

This is a classic goal for writers, but it works. If you want to be a writer, you must write. You won’t write your best work every day, but you need to write something. You never know where you might be able to use it later.

I’d love to know, what are your New Year’s resolutions?

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 1/1/13

Young Fantasy Authors Enter World of Self-Publishing With Nimpentoad

This article tells the story of a dad who writes and self publishes a book with his two sons, five and seven years old. The children help the author with the characters, plot line, and overall look and feel of the book. The result is a fantasy chapter book for young readers called Nimpentoad. The book is well-reviewed and the boys have been featured at various speaking events and in Young Entrepreneur Magazine. It is truly a fascinating and inspiring story.

Legal Issues in Self-Publishing: What Authors Need to Know

As a self publishing author, it is important that you are aware of the legal issues associated with the publishing industry, and you should always seek professional guidance for any legal issue that you need assistance with. This interview discusses the legal issues that self publishing authors should be aware of, such as copyright laws.

And Then What Happened? More of My Self-Publishing Diaries

Author Julie Gerstenblatt talks about the self-publishing process and preparing her manuscript for publication. My favorite part of the story is about her husband designing the cover of her book. He was originally disappointed when he was told he couldn’t do the cover if her book was picked up by a traditional publishing company, but the couple loves the freedom to use their artistic skills and work together when Gerstenblatt decides to self publish.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: