The Creative Composition Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing Children’s Books is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the entire process of self-publishing a children’s book. What inspired you to write this book?

I began my career as an illustrator, initially focused solely on drawing, but I soon found myself diving headfirst into other aspects of the book world—marketing, fundraising, developing supplemental resources, and booking events. Along the way, I had to learn about contracts, distribution platforms, print guidelines, and so much more. Supporting new authors over the years, I committed to learning as much as possible to provide them with holistic guidance.

I offered experiential advice in various online groups, and the most common question that came up was “I’ve written my children’s book, so now what?”. It hadn’t occurred to me at the time, but that would ultimately be the golden question to guide my writing process. It wasn’t until I booked my first multi-school, book tour and parent-teacher night when I thought to myself “There might be some educators and parents who may want to self-publish their own books … and I can help them.” From that realization, I began working on a 10 point 1-pager which quickly turned into a 10-page e-book, and gradually blossomed into the 10 chapters of The Creative Composition Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing Children’s Books: A 3-in-1 Reference Guide for New and Aspiring Authors.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

One of the most important concepts I share in The Creative Composition Guide is preparing your mind for the expansive path of becoming a children’s book creator. It’s far more than just writing a book and putting it out there. As an independent publisher, you have complete control over how your book will be presented to the world. I cover this in Chapter 0: “Nurturing a CREATOR’s Mindset,” which I lovingly refer to as the “seed” of your creative expansion. Another concept I emphasize is the importance of doing extensive research before committing to hiring any contractor to support your project. Your creative team can either enhance and expand your publishing experience or diminish and delay it. Taking the time to understand their interests and experience with your topic and genre is crucial.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out as a writer?

Throughout my writing journey, I did my best to be as informed as possible by attending writers’ conferences, hiring a business coach, and conducting extensive market research. However, one piece of advice I wish I had embraced earlier and with more consistency is outlining and committing to a strategic marketing plan. Writing and publishing a book are only small parts of the bigger picture. Building and expanding your community of fellow writers and aligned readers makes the process much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?

I’m always pleasantly surprised when people comment on how much they enjoy the design of The Creative Composition Guide. As publishing day approached, I was hesitant to commit to the interior design, but I had a very specific creative vision. I’m grateful that I was able to see that vision manifest in its full form, and I’m thrilled that readers have responded so positively to it.

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“I’ve written my children’s book. Now what!?” First, celebrate yourself! Translating your bright ideas into the written word is a great accomplishment! Now, it’s time to transform your words into a published book. Not just any book, but a treasure that children and families will love and grow with! And How? Clarity, connection, consistency, and a sincere trust in your creative ability! Many writers with captivating stories often struggle to get their work published due to a lack of clarity throughout the publishing process. They may lack confidence in choosing the right professionals and tools to work with and may even have doubts about the success of their children’s book… Some get to publishing day and have no idea how to connect with families who will read or buy their book, so they give up, and their stories collect dust, either in their minds or on the mantle. The Creative Composition Guide to Self-publishing and Marketing Children’s Books is a practical and expansive 3-in-1 book, journal, and evergreen reference guide that, through reflection and direct action, supports new and aspiring authors throughout their publishing and marketing journey.

From my experience working behind the scenes as the contributing illustrator of 5 published books, attending and speaking at self-publishing conferences, plus supporting and learning from award-winning best-selling authors and illustrators in both traditional and self-publishing. With this guide, future authors will learn the essentials to take their book from rough draft to publication day and beyond by:

1. Researching and revising with your specific audience in mind

2. Establishing your author identity and brand 3. Connecting with your book buddies

4. Acquiring your dream team, editor, illustrator, and designer

5. Knowing your Publishing and Distribution Options

6. Booking Engagements and so much more

With invaluable insight from award-winning and bestselling children’s book creators and access to an online library, The Creative Composition Guide outlines how to plan, fund, and launch a meaningful and memorable children’s book that children and families will love and treasure for generations.