Blogger Notes

This has to have been my greatest idea thus far. It sprung from an inside joke between EZE and I that began when we first began dating. Between his encouragement and B’s natural baby cuteness (which I, as a creative writer, interpreted as inspiration), this inside joke became a children’s storyline. Based on my story, EZE – a talented graphic artist – began some sketches. Fast forward to present day and we have one fully illustrated, semi-educational children’s story, a corresponding activity/coloring book, business cards, a website… and absolutely no idea how to go about promoting and selling the book.

All of the research I have done states that a children’s book writer may submit a manuscript to certain publishing companies if said companies accept unsolicited work. Great! I’ve also found that most publishers do not want illustrated work and prefer to match your writing with a illustrator that follows the publisher’s style. Not so great. EZE and I are a team… we developed this project together. His pictures were drawn for my story and parts of my story were inspired by him and his drawings. Without one, the other would be nonexistent.

I’ve also read recommendations about self-publishing. I’ve found a company that does print-on-demand copies of the book online. In fact, this is how we’ve sold the few copies that we have (to friends and family members). We’ve printed flyers and posted a few around town in hopes of selling to the public. We’ve developed bookmarks that match the book’s theme and have been distributing them wherever we can. I’ve thought of purchasing several copies of the book and trying to sell them at Arts and Crafts festivals, the local Flea Market and other places. The problem is that this requires money to order the books up front, to cover the cost of ISBN numbers and copyright fees and money to rent a booth or space at the festival – money I just don’t have.

The final solution I’ve researched is hiring an agent to sell and promote the book for me. I don’t know where to begin with the issues on this one! How do I know whom I can trust? Isn’t that going to cost me a lot of money? Copyrights and ISBNs alone are several hundred dollars! Won’t the publishers still want to break EZE and I apart, as far as the book is concerned? What happens to the book if no one wants to publish it? Will I have to give up my rights to the agent, even if the book is not published? How do contracts and royalties work? I intend to make this a series – is that my call still if someone else publishes it? What about the website? I have TONS of ideas for the website! So far there are games, a section for parents, coloring pages, ideas, contests kids can enter for real prizes… can I still do all that if my book is published?

I guess I’ve been hoping that someone would see my book and contact me about publishing it but I know this is far-fetched, especially with such limited promotion. Personally, I think I would do the self-publishing if I could generate enough money. I know it would be a lot more work on my part, but I’m not afraid of work. I could ensure that EZE is the illustrator and I could move forward with all the ideas I have for the future of this story. I’m open to suggestions on this one!