The ABCs of Self-Publishing Jobs by SCARY-O-TYPED author, Susan Pless

Introduction

Today I have a special treat for you. My long-time SCBWI-Carolinas friend, Susan Pless, recently self-published her debut picture book. I challenged Susan to create the ABCs of self-publishing and she rose to the task. Here's the book that her illustrator--her daughter Hannah Smith created. It really brings this unique Halloween book to life!

But first, a word about the story:

Scary-O-Typed!  (HOWLO HOUSE, 2023) is a rhyming, spooky story of kindness and friendship for children ages 3 to 8.  This children's picture book follows a brave trick-or-treater on Halloween night through the creaky doors of a house rumored to be haunted by monsters.  After she encounters a ghost, a witch, a vampire, and a mummy, the stereotypes are broken.To her surprise, they are not scary at all but instead, need her help. In a fun twist, at the end of the night, she receives a whole lot more than a SCARE!

Order a copy here for your favorite trick-or-treater.

A to Z Jobs of Self-Publishing: Suggestions for Success

Creating a successful self-publishing venture requires much more than a manuscript and the desire to publish on your own. A traditional publishing company has a dedicated team to cover a wide range of roles. When self-publishing, you make up most if not all of the team. Although I am still new on this self-publishing journey, here is a list of jobs that I have added to my writing resume.

A is for Author

Write, revise, and edit your manuscript and maintain creative control over the work you have crafted.

B is for Business Owner

Start your own publishing company to publish your book. The steps involve choosing a business structure (usually an LLC), registering the business, obtaining an EIN, and setting up a business account. It can add credibility, protect assets, and provide a means to publish books for others as well.

 C is for Copyright Filer

Although authors own the copyright to their work when written, register the copyright to your book in the United States to provide added protection against infringements.

D is for Designer

Before printing, decide what you want for your book: size, look, cover (soft or hard), colors. In a crowded market, you want your book to stand out and flow smoothly from page to page. Each page and spread needs to connect seamlessly to the next and create a sense of coherence. 

E is for Editor

In order to ensure clarity and coherence, refine your manuscript before printing. Beta readers can provide valuable feedback and professional editors are a must.

F is for Formatter

Format your book properly before it goes to print and enlist help if needed. Whether making decisions with the page bleeds, covers, or spine, formatting can be one of the most complicated jobs. I was lucky to have an illustrator who worked closely with me.

G is for Graphic Designer 

Beyond the cover, you will want to design marketing materials such as banners, business cards, social media graphics, and your website.

H is for Head of Editorial 

After all of the edits are done, ensure the quality and integrity of the published book as a whole.

I is for ISBN Purchaser

Purchase an ISBN from the United States ISBN Agency to simplify the distribution of your book to bookstores, online retailers, and libraries.

J is for Juggler

Sharpen your juggling skills. In the realm of your self-publishing journey, you will face multiple tasks and responsibilities while managing time and resources.

K is for Keywords Researcher 

Carefully select keywords. Book discoverability can be improved through search engines and algorithms. Someone at Wix helped me to improve my discoverability.

L is for Layout Designer

In addition to the written story, format interior items such as page breaks, copyright page, author/illustrator page, and end sheets. Again, ask for assistance from your illustrator and/or printer if needed.

M is for Marketing Manager 

Implement marketing strategies to promote your book to your target audience. In addition to your website, this can be done on social media sites, at events, at bookstores, through local newspapers or television, by entering reputable contests, and by writing online or print articles.

N is for Narrator

If you are venturing into storytelling or audiobooks, turn your story into an engaging listening experience as a dynamic narrator.

O is for Outreach Coordinator 

In order to generate buzz and reviews for your book, reach out to book reviewers, bloggers, and influencers. Book reviews prior to publishing can be used on the back cover or dust jacket.

P is for Proofreader

Review and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in your manuscript before publication.

Q is for Quality Assurance Inspector

Before the final print, inspect everything. What costs in time saves in the future.

R is for Researcher

Research all printing options before publishing. There are reputable companies but plenty of scammers. Be cautious of publishers or printing companies who may charge large fees in addition to your printing costs. There are many companies who are ready to take advantage of your desire to publish your book.  The print-on-demand option (such as Lulu, IngramSpark, and BookBaby) can make it easier to get into larger bookstores but may have quality and customer service issues. The printer-only option may limit you in bookstores to consignment but provides higher quality and more freedom with design. In order to make the best decision, request a sample book (if available), decide what is important to you, keep a spreadsheet of all information for comparison, and always read the fine print.

S is for Sales Representative

Be ready to pitch your book to bookstore owners, librarians, and shop owners to secure distribution and sales agreements. 

T is for Trademark Expert

Before publishing your book, make sure that there are no trademark infringements. You can trademark logos or names to prevent future issues. 

U is for Underwriter

Assess the financial viability of publishing your book. You don’t want your dream to turn into a nightmare.

W is for Writer

Write. Write. Write.

 

My alphabet of jobs ends here for now but my work continues, not just with this book but the next. In the world of self-publishing, it takes dedication and hard work. Never hesitate to reach out for help with any job along the way. The true reward is seeing your story in the hands and hearts of the reader.

Susan Pless and Hannah Smith

Check out this article about this mother/daughter team!

GIVEAWAY!

I have an autographed copy of SCARY-O-TYPED for one of you. Leave me a comment (with your email address if you are new to my blog) by September 27. If you share this on social media or sign up for my blog, I'll put your name in twice. U.S. addresses only. 

Congratulations

Danielle Hammelef won a hardcover copy of The Impossible Girl and Emily Weitz won the E-book from last week's giveaway. 

Two Rhyming,Counting, Dancing Picture Book Review + Two Giveaways

 I'm happy to share two more picture book giveaways both courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.

THE SNOWMAN'S WALTZ

This beautiful winter story by Karen Konnerth and illustrated by Emily Neilson, is a unique friendship story between dancing snow people and penguins. Yes. You heard that right. Snowmen, snow women, and even a snow child learn how they can dance with penguins. 

Here's the opening page showing the snowmen enjoying themselves.

Suddenly, they receive a great surprise.

Uniforms that all are matching.

Black and white and looking fine.

Purple sky peeks down to see them.

Penguins tramping in a line.

The snowmen don't quite know what to make of the intruders.

They gather together and try to talk it out. But, the snow people waltz to a beat of one, two, three. And the penguins march with a one, two, three, four rhythm. As the adults wonder how they can get together, they watch as a little penguin and a snow child say hello.

Marching, marching all together,

Penguins step and snowmen glide.

 They figure out that together...

Back and forth they bump and waddle

Having fun they slip and slide.

And finish with,

 

A waltz!

The book ends with "The Snowman Waltz" lyrics and music by Karen Konnerth and a finger dance activity.

BAA, BAA, TAP SHEEP

In a fun adaptation of the Baa, Baa, Black Sheep nursery rhyme, author Kenda Henthorn and illustrator, Lauren Gallegos, have created a lively sheep counting book that may or may not help little ones go to sleep. 

The book opens with the sheep learning to dance behind a sparkly curtain. 

The numbers that are pinned to their chest and their practice moves immediately brought Dancing with the Stars to mind. 

Baa, baa, tap sheep, practicing their moves.

Helping out at bedtime. Count their dancing grooves...

 As the sheep tiptoe twirl, tango, and waltz, the children who are imagining these sheep Rockettes picture, 

...Nine sheep, Ten Sheep

Softly swaying. Still.

 Until...

Goodbye, sleep!

One sheep, two sheep,

jitterbug and jazz.

Three sheep. Four sheep.

Faster! More pizzazz!

But even sheep have to call it quits at some point.

And finally, tired children sleep.

Except...what's going on with rap sheep? 

GIVEAWAY

I predict that children will enjoy counting along with their favorite readers and ask for these books over and over again--and I'm giving away both of them! To get in the running, please leave a comment by December 15 along with your name and email address if you are new to my blog. New giveaway rule this time! If you have at least one snowman inside or outside your house OR a sheep I'll enter your name twice. If you have a snowman AND a sheep, I'll enter your name three times. (pictures, stuffed animals, statues, cards pillows, etc. all count). Tell me in the comments what is decorating your house and which book you want to win.

Added feature: This week Kenda, Lauren, and Karen will share parts of the backstories behind these books on the Talking Story Facebook page. 

Congratulations to Glee Dunbar who was excited to win SHE SANG FOR THE MOUNTAINS last week.

DINO PAJAMA PARTY: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway

It probably comes as no surprise to you, but not only do I enjoy giving books alway--I like winning them too! I was delighted to win Laurie Wallmark's new picture book, DINO PAJAMA PARTY (Running Press Kids, 2021) from Kathy Temean's wonderful blog. I recently featured Laurie with her other new book, Code Breaker, Spy Hunter. Which just goes to show--talented picture book authors can write in a variety of genres!) 

Move over Sandra Boynton (Dinosaur Dance)! DINO PAJAMA PARTY, featuring a cast of rollicking dinosaurs, is sure to be an equally asked for bedtime book. Illustrations by Michael Robertson provide humor which enhances the text. 

REVIEW

This opening stanza sets the stage:

Dinos rock, and dinos roll.

Dinos stomp and dinos stroll.

 

And what else do these pajama-dressed dinosaurs like to do?

They roar, they shriek, they boom, and squeak.

They sing, they dance; they plunk, and strum. "Dinos toot and dinos drum."

They even "come from all around just to play that rocking sound." (Note the band's name!)

Worn out from all that swinging and shaping, 

Dinos yawn,

and dinos drag.

Dinos droop,

and dinos sag.

Dinos toes are getting sore

All the dinos leave the floor.

Finally,

"Fast asleep, 

the dinos snore."

I've tried writing a rhyming picture book and Laurie Wallmark makes it look simple! The text is memorable and incorporates a great beat. Children will develop pre-reading skills as they chime in with the rhymes. 

For more information on the backstory behind this book, please see Laurie's description of her book journey on Kathy Temean's wonderful blog.

GIVEAWAY

To win a copy of this cute bedtime book, leave me a comment (with your email address if you are new to my blog) by noon on December 16th. If you decide to follow my blog or share on social media, I'll enter your name twice.  Continental U.S. addresses only. 

Congratulations to Antoinette Martin who won A FRIEND LIKE YOU from last week's blog. 

The Ghoul's Guide to Grammar and The Lady of the Library: 2 Reviews and 2 Giveaways

It's the time of year when pumpkins, scarecrows, and colorful leaves abound. So, I thought it would be a good time to feature two fall picture books published by Sleeping Bear Press.

THE GHOUL'S GUIDE TO GOOD GRAMMAR

This definitive ghoul's version of Eats, Shoots & Leaves will appeal to first-third grade students and their teachers. Written by Leslie Kimmelman and humorously illustrated by Mary Sullivan, this book is a fun way to reinforce punctuation, spelling, and homophone rules. 

For example, how does adding a period change the meaning of a sentence?

Or, what about changing the placement of a comma? It could be the difference between being eaten or staying alive!

And what about the lowly apostrophe? That little mark means the difference between BEING slime or EATING slime! 

Contractions, possessives, capitalization, tricky words, (then/than who's/whose) a few spelling examples, and homophones get explained and shown:

I think these ghouls will help students remember grammar rules and make teaching more fun for you. 

THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY

When a beloved old library is scheduled for demolition, an unusual "library lady" and a young patron team up to protect their favorite place from being torn down.

The lady sees how books are being packed up and can't believe her eyes. 

The little girl is determined to save the library and together:

They plot 

   and plan, 

       prepare 

         as this crisis is extreme. 

And this their first attempt at a risky rescue scheme. 

First, they create a library train of falling books to raise money--but it's not enough.

Next, they build a slide inside the library to collect MORE money--but it's still not enough.

Finally, in a last ditch effort to save the library, the lady tells stories by flashlight. 

In the end, the mayor pledges his support and the beloved library is saved.

Back matter includes one page devoted to Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana which inspired this imaginary story, and a page about libraries. 

GIVEAWAY

Leave your name (and email address if you are new to my blog) and your book preference (if you have one) in the comments before 6 PM on October 23. Continental U.S. addresses only.

DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE: A Picture Book Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway!

Congratulations to Angela Kunkel who won How to Find A Bird on last week's blog. Kim Doele and Jolene Gutiérrez won Skype visits in their classrooms. 

                                                                                *****

Last month, I announced Laura Sassi's picture book Master Class sponsored by Write2Ignite on April 24. Today I'm featuring her delightful friendship story, Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse. 

REVIEW

The story begins with an introduction of the characters and their "backstories."

Fernando loved chocolate

and cheese on dry toast,

and popcorn and gumdrops,

But what he liked most...

was feasting on Mozart, 

Puccini and Strauss,

and lending a paw

at the Old Opera House.

On the next page, we meet Delores.

Delores loved glamour and

spotlights and praise.

She longed to be showered 

with fragrant bouquets.

Now here was her chance,

after years in the chorus,

to take center stage and be

Diva Delores!

Fernando is ready and willing to help Delores with her debut, but she haughtily determines she has no need of him. Not one to take rebuffs easily, Fernando continues to help her--despite her disdain.  On the day before the opening, Fernando comes to her rescue when Delores finds (ahem) that she has a problem fitting into her gown.

With one day remaining

till opening night

Delores discovered

her gown was too tight!

 

Needless to say, Fernando's efforts aren't appreciated.

Delores FINALLY comes to her senses when she falters during her performance. She needs help from her little friend--but where is he? Has he abandoned her?

Of course not! Fernando pops out of his hiding place inside her wig and saves the show amidst cheers from the crowd.

She sang high, she sang low,

with a voice rich and sweet,

as the Opera House mouse

tapped along to the beat.

And when she forgot 

the last verse of her song,

He said, "I can help!"

Then he tra-la'd along. 

And the audience loved them.

They brought down the house.

"Three cheers for Delores!"

"Three cheers for that mouse!"

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Here is my email interview with Laura about her path to publication. 

Carol: Could you tell me a little about Diva’s publication journey? 

Laura: The journey from spark to publication took seven years. I got the original idea for my story while participating in Tara Lazar’s wonderful STORYSTORM challenge, or Picture Book Idea Month as it was called back in 2011. I worked on the story off and on for five years. I played with plot, rhyme, character development - everything but setting, really - until finally it was ready to sub in 2016. It was acquired by Sterling Children’s Books that spring and took another two years to be published, which is typical for picture books.

Carol: How did you EVER think of this idea?

Laura: The story was prompted by paging through my writing notebook and looking at early notes for a completely different piece called “Mouse House”, a short rebus about a little mouse curling up in his house in the woods to sleep.  Seeing those notes, prompted me to imagine where else a mouse might live - and that imagining led me to the opera house! And once I envisioned that opera house mouse it wasn’t long until Delores was there was there as well, snootily preparing for her opera debut.

Carol: How many drafts?  

Laura: I’ve lost count. YEARS worth!  

Carol: The illustrations match the text so well. Did you supply any illustration notes?   

Laura: Illustrator Rebecca Gerlings did a wonderful job and it was really all her! I saw sketches along the way, which was fun, but the illustrations were her domain.

Out of curiosity, I checked the final version I sent to Sterling and saw that I had only three illustration notes. Two were stage notes explaining, for example, that Fernando hides in Delores’s wig and that his home was in a hole at the Opera House (as opposed to elsewhere).

  

One of Rebecca's original sketches,
"Delores is a hippo."

But there’s a fun story behind the first note which said simply, “Delores is a hippo.”  Obviously that changed. The early sketches of Delores as a hippo were cute, but everyone - Rebecca, me, the art team etc. - all agreed that she wasn’t quite what we envisioned so the art director asked Rebecca to come up with another animal. The result? The wonderfully snooty, yet lovable Delores the seal!  

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

You'll find several activities related to Delores and Fernando here.

VIDEO

And here is a short video that will make you run out and buy this book for your child, classroom, or grandchild:

WRITE2IGNITE MASTER CLASS

Want to know how Laura creates those fun, unqiue rhymes? Want to work on your own picture book ideas? Join her at Write2Ignite's picture book Master class. It's on Zoom and there is room for YOU!

For more information about the class, click here. 

GIVEAWAY

I'll be giving away a copy of Diva Delores in conjunction with an upcoming blogpost on Write2Ignite. If you leave me a comment, I'll add your name to that contest. Make sure you leave your email address if you are new to my blog. U.S. addresses only. 

Will You Be Friends With Me? A Board Book Review and Giveaway

Kathleen Long Bostrom's newest book, Will You Be Friends With Me? (Hachette Book Group) has come out just in time for International Friendship Day. This simple board book with inviting illustrations has a powerful message: children will look different and have different preferences--but they can still be friends. 

REVIEW

From the opening of the book: 

I wake early, you sleep late.
My hair's curly, yours is straight.
I say, "Now!"
You say, "Wait?"
Will you be friends with me?


The book shows children in a variety of play, school, and sports settings. Throughout the text, children point out differences between themselves with the narrator asking the recurring question, "Will you be friends with me?"

In the middle of the book, the narrator observes that working together is better than being alone:

Let's play leapfrog.
Jump up high!
Maybe we will touch the sky.
We can do it if we try!

The theme, "It's okay to be different from one another" is clearly shown:

I like morning.
You like night.
We're just different
That's all right.

The concluding spread celebrates diversity and friendship.

The illustrations by Jo de Ruiter are cheery and friendly. Young readers will see themselves in the activities depicted. 

Will You Be Friends With Me? will be a useful resource in the Pre-K classroom as well as a fun book for families to read together. 

GIVEAWAY

If you are interested in winning this book, leave me a comment by 6 PM on July 10. If you are new to my blog, make sure you leave your email address also.