I started writing picture books in 2018 for my own kids. At the time, I had a five year old and a one year old. I wanted to make books that I thought they'd enjoy.
Your books are published under your own imprint. What made you choose going that route?
I thoroughly researched both avenues before deciding to be an indie publisher. I liked the idea of having complete control of the process, and I also liked the ability to quickly publish rather than waiting years for a book to come to fruition. The first thing I did was set up my own LLC, Dragonfly Hill Books, LLC, through the Secretary of State. Once I had my business license, it was just a matter of learning the ropes of publishing. In the beginning, I completed all aspects of the process myself, so there was a lot to learn!
I thoroughly researched both avenues before deciding to be an indie publisher. I liked the idea of having complete control of the process, and I also liked the ability to quickly publish rather than waiting years for a book to come to fruition. The first thing I did was set up my own LLC, Dragonfly Hill Books, LLC, through the Secretary of State. Once I had my business license, it was just a matter of learning the ropes of publishing. In the beginning, I completed all aspects of the process myself, so there was a lot to learn!
What was the hardest part of putting together your books?
For my first several books, I did everything myself, including the illustrations. I'm not really an illustrator, so that was a difficult part. But my illustrations made my kids happy, and at the time, that was all I was concerned with. Marketing is also very foreign to me. I'm not a "salesy" person, so it's difficult sharing about my books or thinking about strategies for advertising and marketing my work.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?
I get some of the sweetest reviews about my picture books, and those always warm my heart. I love knowing that kids are enjoying my stories. I've also had kids and parents write blog posts or post video reviews of my books, and those are always fun to run across.
Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
I think it's important to collaborate with other people who write in your genre. Look at fellow writers as assets rather than as competition. Help each other whenever possible, share about each other's work in newsletters and on your website, create free promos together and take advantage of the shared audience reach, etc.
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
Often, it's a long game. You may not (and probably won't) be a breakout success right away, or maybe even never. Would you still continue to write knowing that? Then, you're a writer.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
"Story is king." That's something my writing mentor J. C. Admore stressed again and again. And some may think that that kind of advice only applies to novels, but kids love a good story, too.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Creativity ebbs and flows. Don't try to force it, but you should try to make a habit of writing regularly. Never let too long go before you write something, even if it's only a few sentences.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details?
My next release Homeschool Rocks My Socks is currently being illustrated. I'm excited for this one because it was actually one of the first books I wrote, but I wanted a really good artist for the illustrations. I've found a wonderful Ukrainian artist, Anastasia Yatsunenko, who has illustrated some of my other books, and I'm excited that she's taking on this project. With the war in Ukraine, it's been time-consuming and at times very difficult for her to work on it, so we're taking our time with this release. I know it'll be fantastic once it's finished.
For my first several books, I did everything myself, including the illustrations. I'm not really an illustrator, so that was a difficult part. But my illustrations made my kids happy, and at the time, that was all I was concerned with. Marketing is also very foreign to me. I'm not a "salesy" person, so it's difficult sharing about my books or thinking about strategies for advertising and marketing my work.
I get some of the sweetest reviews about my picture books, and those always warm my heart. I love knowing that kids are enjoying my stories. I've also had kids and parents write blog posts or post video reviews of my books, and those are always fun to run across.
Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
I think it's important to collaborate with other people who write in your genre. Look at fellow writers as assets rather than as competition. Help each other whenever possible, share about each other's work in newsletters and on your website, create free promos together and take advantage of the shared audience reach, etc.
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
Often, it's a long game. You may not (and probably won't) be a breakout success right away, or maybe even never. Would you still continue to write knowing that? Then, you're a writer.
"Story is king." That's something my writing mentor J. C. Admore stressed again and again. And some may think that that kind of advice only applies to novels, but kids love a good story, too.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Creativity ebbs and flows. Don't try to force it, but you should try to make a habit of writing regularly. Never let too long go before you write something, even if it's only a few sentences.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details?
My next release Homeschool Rocks My Socks is currently being illustrated. I'm excited for this one because it was actually one of the first books I wrote, but I wanted a really good artist for the illustrations. I've found a wonderful Ukrainian artist, Anastasia Yatsunenko, who has illustrated some of my other books, and I'm excited that she's taking on this project. With the war in Ukraine, it's been time-consuming and at times very difficult for her to work on it, so we're taking our time with this release. I know it'll be fantastic once it's finished.
That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll check out her books. Here's how to do it.
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Great interview, Chris. I especially like her encouragement to struggling writers such as myself. "Often, it's a long game. You may not (and probably won't) be a breakout success right away, or maybe even never. Would you still continue to write knowing that? Then, you're a writer." My answer is yes. If only my family and close friends read my work, then it's worth it all. I sure hope I win an ebook from Cyrena.
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