Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations

14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison

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Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books.

What You'll Learn:

  • When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing
  • How to develop your art directing skills for picture books
  • Essential business skills every indie author needs
  • Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books
  • How to get your books into schools and libraries
  • The truth about making money in self-publishing
  • Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders

    • Key Takeaways:

    • Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"
    • The importance of building a backlist for long-term success
    • How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)
    • Metadata that boost discoverability
    • Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)

      • đź“– About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book."

      đź”— Resources Mentioned:

      • Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com
      • Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com
      • Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48

        • Timestamps:

        0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison

        01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey

        05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator

        08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control

        11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist

        14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing

        18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director

        22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries

        26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy

        32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books


        Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing

         

         

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        Nonfiction Kidlit Craft ConversationsBy Kirsten W. Larson
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