The Factors Involved in Putting Together a Picture Book: Author Interview with Kelly May Harris

You’ve now published 4 picture books under your name, but your first one was co-published with another author, Linda Goldfarb. What did you learn in working with Linda, that helped you in publishing your next books?
The fast answer, I learned I didn’t have the skill set, patience, or desire to self-publish. I say this in jest but it takes a whole different ability to navigate self-publishing.
 
Truthfully, the power of story has always fascinated me. Not just any story however, a real story, the kind that moves people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Years ago, I began going to a Ladies Bible Study with Linda Goldfarb leading the class. I was drawn to her use of story in her teaching. In time God moved. He opened the door to a mentorship and a friendship which Linda and I still treasure today.

I came alongside Linda in her business and together we published two Lovey Mouse Books. Lovey Mouse in The Night Before Christmas and Lovey Mouse in an Easter Story. Sitting with Linda during the process of publishing Lovey Mouse, I gained insight, information, and familiarity which indeed helps guide my writing today. From the language, to the process, and the follow through, it is safe to say the average person has no idea what all goes into getting the book in their hands onto the shelf.

Most of all though, I believe the biggest thing I learned from Linda Goldfarb is the Holy Spirit uses transparency to transform lives and I was given the blessing to witness her faith in action as she navigated being the author, speaker, and podcaster she is.

Dave O’Connell is the illustrator you've used for your picture books. How did that collaboration occur? What is that process like? Actually Dave O’Connell was presented to me by my publishing company EABooks and it has been a great joy to work with him throughout the process. Dave is a man after God’s own heart and shares the passion for children that I do.

Our initial project was a double book project inspired by the journey I had with my daughter Kayla throughout her medical diagnosis, hospital stay, and ultimately her promotion to Heaven from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. God is Always Chasing After You is a series of letters to the reader that share our journey as we lived out our lives for Christ in that journey. Each letter is accompanied by a Smiles to Share section containing a children’s story or poem along with questions geared to help families going through hard times such as illness or death to simply have something else to talk about. Then there is the Smiles to Share book which is the same stories accompanied by Dave’s colorful illustrations.

Every interaction will vary between author and illustrator. For us, Dave reads the text then he and I chat on the phone. He, “picks my brain” to understand the goal for the project. Sometimes we brainstorm a little, but then he utilizes his God given imagination to sketch out a map of what the illustrations might look like. While I have had a few specific requests, mostly, I ask Dave to let his imagination run free. Once the map is agreed to he begins working on each piece and sends them my way when they are completed for approval. Truth be told, I’ve really enjoyed seeing my stories come to life through his imagination.

You’re an indie author, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. What do you hire others to do?
I purchased a package from EABooks Publishing that included many great services. However, the process began long before submitting the text. Many of my stories had been reviewed by fellow authors from my writers critique group. They are a test audience and helped me iron out any issues they saw with my work. Then before I decided to move forward with the story, I had to decide if the story lined up with my mission as an author. 

Once I've determined a story lines up with my mission, I release it to EABooks who  reviews the story. From there Cheri Cowell, the founder of EABooks, suggests the package she feels best suits my needs for each project. Payment and paperwork are all worked out.

In each case, their editor reviewed my text and sent revisions. I can accept or reject these edits and do any rewriting needed. This was a bit discouraging because often things that made perfect sense to me as I wrote and revised were not as clear to the editor -- who truly acts as a pilot reader for the book.

Once the text is good to go it went to the illustrator. In turn, the illustrator sends his files to the designer who formats the book and fits it together with all of the requirements for publication. Next, author proof copies are ordered and reviewed with revisions submitted. Once approved the designer makes the book go live to publication.

The next step is the marketing journey. The publishing package I purchased included some assistance in learning to navigate the marketing piece. There are many options for marketing from networking, to pitching the book, in person presentations,  social media presence, building a platform and advertising. I will be spending most of 2024 marketing these books and building my platform.

Currently I participate in a monthly market days event. This gives me a way to connect with my community and in essence provides me a store front for word of mouth type advertisement. It also allows me to hear the feedback from parents and readers to possibly inspire the next project.

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
Honestly, I wish I had known sooner to just trust the timing from God. I wanted to push trough years ago and did a great deal of wheel spinning in my own power. But when God’s timing was in place, He opened the doors each step of the way.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Spend time ironing out a mission statement and writing goals. Allow time and prayer to earnestly figure out the mission and audience God has called you to serve in. A mission statement and goals, as it does for any business, will help as you move forward in knowing the best next steps and allow your yes to be yes and your no to be no in each decision you have as an author.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
There is far more to writing than just putting ink to paper! If you’re curious about it, plan to attend a writers conference or workshop just to get a feel for what all is out there.

At the same time if you feel you have a story, go ahead and write it. Draft out the story, just get it out onto the paper. Editing and revising the work can come in time and it is always possible that you are the intended audience for your writing.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details? 
I just released The Skunks Run Amuck this month. Here are the details.

Some people like planning. They like the idea of knowing what's coming and have a clear path ahead. Truth is this world comes up with stinky situations. Thankfully love comes between us and protects us. In this playful story, a boy stands witness to the power of love, but is he aware of all the trouble? As the illustrations add an untold story a boy learns the benefit of listening.

Treasure Hunt will follow in April or May and be a bit of a different vibe. It was written in response to the felt need for books that help families talk about death. Treasure Hunt will face the topic of grief and loss head on as the main character journeys through a family gathering after her sister went home to be with Jesus.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to know more about Kelly's books, here are some links to get you started.

Website: https://kellymayharris.com/ Here you'll find free downloads of coloring pages as well as a matching game that accompanies each of the stories within Smiles to Share. 
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-May-Harris/author/B0CMDJZ79V 

And here's a bonus for my readers... Use this link to get a free eBook of children's short stories to read at bedtime. https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-Adventures-Dreamers-Collection-ebook/dp/B0C6NFP3CK