Leaving your heart on the pages.
"No one wants to read a memoir", that's what someone told me when I said I wanted to write a book. It must of hit a nerve if I can still remember what I was wearing the moment he said this to me. But like always, I took it as a challenge and thought, "who do I want to write a book for?" When I asked myself this question, my siblings came to mind. I wanted to leave them something, 10 days and 254 pages later I had content. Back then content had context, today content is the next tending challenge on social media.
Just as the Universe places people in your life depending on the season you're in, I met Patrick Snow. He became my life-coach, mentor and publishing consultant. He walked me through the process, connected me with an editor, publisher and designer to create my cover and interior layout. I authorized the print on my first 100 books and voila! I was a published author by the age of 21.
Nine years later and I've taken over children books. Kids have always been such an important part of my life, I've spent over a decade working with primary and secondary schools. Now I'm on my fourth book and I continue to meet people everyday. At least one new connection is made over the love of reading and aspiring authors.
I figured I'd leave a good amount of what I know right here. I'll run with you as you feed your passion, and when you're ready to drive, I'll hand you the wheel.
Tip #1 - How to Write a Children's Book: An Author's Guide
Come up with a great children's book idea. ...
Thoroughly understand the children's book market. ...
Develop your voice. ...
Create well-rounded and memorable characters. ...
Tell a kid-engaging story. ...
Edit, edit, and edit. ...
Publish your children's book
Tip #2 - Don't do it for the money
As Wallace D Wattles said,
"The value within this book is worth more than the ink and paper."
When you're being creative and not competitive, you allow yourself to reach another level. Your words or illustrations are given a chance to hold emotions versus a price tag.
Tip #3 - Make it personal
My first book was a blueprint I created as a tool for my siblings. I wanted them to see themselves the way I see them, limitless. My first children's book was given as a gift because everyone was home during the pandemic and this was my way of reaching new people. The more relatable you or your book is, the more you connect with your readers.
Tip #4 - Get a mentor
Mentors want to see you doing better than them.
"A mentor is not someone who walks ahead of you to show you how they did it. A mentor walks alongside you to show you what you can do."
If you have a story you want to share, I will help you. Use the tips I wrote above to get you started and when you're ready I can walk you through the process of publishing your book online for $500. This process can take anywhere from six weeks to six months to complete. Leave a comment below and I'll offer a complimentary consultation. If you're an aspiring author who wants to take your books to print, I'm leaving my mentor's information below, just for you.
Patrick Snow
Patrick spent five years and $20k to get his book published 20 years ago. His clients now are investing 3,6,9 months and spending a total of $9-11k.
His focusing fee is $4995, but he offers prepay and flexible payment options. He offers a complimentary consultation, tell him I sent you. (206) 310-1200
Read more...
Books by me here.
Books by Patrick.