Getting excited yet?
Here’s Laura with much more about becoming a published Kindle Picture eBook author….
Enter your comments or questions below. And be sure to check your email tomorrow for the link to the next video!
Getting excited yet?
Here’s Laura with much more about becoming a published Kindle Picture eBook author….
Enter your comments or questions below. And be sure to check your email tomorrow for the link to the next video!
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How about getting my grandchildren to help with the illustrations?
I actually have my granddaughter working on illustrations for me for one of my stories; she’s 11 and incredibly talented as an artist. It’s been a joy to work with her on this project, especially since her ideas are right on in terms of what should appear on each page. I can’t wait until all is done so we can get it printed and online.
Thank you for the advice and instructions. I am hopfull that the things that you’re teaching me will be most beneficial. I look forward to the next video!
Sorry Rebecca! That last comment wasn’t for you, but I did have a comment that I wanted to leave you. I have asked my oldest grandchild to illustrate a series of books for me and we were both excited when he said that he would. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to want to make the time to actually do it. That is frustrating. I know he could do a fantastic job, but the waiting is killing me! I hope that you have more success than I’ve had with that sort of endeavor. Good luck!
I am a professional illustrator, but I am a bit slow, trying to get everything right. I lost the front cover of a friend’s book, because the marketer wanted a digital version of the YA book cover, and I’ve never had the money to take those art courses or get the software. So they they used my ideas, and created something a little off-base from what the writer chose. Fortunately for me, he still bought a couple of the illustrations, to put inside. But it taught me to be prepared for this and that is hard to come by. Katie Davis referred to some websites that may help. Does Kindle help with this?
You are so inspiring! Thank you for the exciting information.
Some really great tips in this video too and the encouragement is appreciated. I have my content written by my late mother, a haiku and senryu poet, and her best work hits all the key attributes you described! And I’m a PR professional — for many years — so marketing and promotion are like second nature to me (although I’m an old school PR/media relations pro — I dislike Twitter intensely though I know Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and others are important; I’m good on FB though!). There was a bit of a disconnect in your video when you said that content needs to be literal for young readers and at the same time let your imagination run free for them, but I think these two points can be reconciled! (Smile). Thanks for these videos … they are very enjoyable.
Good point Amy! A terrific example of the “literal yet imaginative” approach is the picture book Wildred Gordon MacDonald Partridge, by Mem Fox. In this story, Wilfred is a young boy who has befriended elderly Miss Nancy, who has lost her memory. Wilfred wants to help her find her memory (that’s part of the “literal” interpretation young children have). When Wilfred asks several other elderly adults what a memory is, they tell him it’s warm, it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it’s as precious as gold. Wilfred then collects objects of his own that have all these qualities to him (again, the literal interpretation of the abstract qualities of memory), and gives them to Miss Nancy. They do indeed trigger her memory, but in ways that are her own. All in all, this book is a very imaginative way to explain the concept of memory to young children, as well as introduce them to the effects of Alzheimer’s.
I hope that helps!
Thank you! This is all very exciting and inspiring! I’m revisiting this after giving up on the waiting game many years ago. It’s great news!
I find these videos encouraging. While I’ve been writing since I was 5, most of what I’ve done is highly “untechnical”. Video courses such as these therefore are quite helpful. I’m looking forward to Days 3 & 4. Thanks!
This is a great series. Thank you for doing these! I am a bit put off by the idea of marketing my work. One thing I worry about is my illustrations. I am really struggling with them and fear that they will not do justice to my story, which I am really excited about. I would love to work with a professional illustrator, but have fears that I won’t like the outcome or that I’ll spend way too much money. In the end, I think the illustrations may be my downfall.
The Picture eBook Mastery course, which you’ll learn about on Day 4, has an extensive section about how to get illustrations to fit any budget. We’ve got all kinds of cool tricks up our sleeves on that subject! 🙂
Thanks again for sharing the interesting tips…
This is great practical advice. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for presenting these videos. Your presentation style is clear and concise. I am working with a friend who is illustrating for me. Do you have any suggestions about splitting profits, etc?
Your format is excellent! Just too short! I hope you’ll give is some hint of the hardware we may need to get the book on Kindle. (Scanner? Electronic Pads? Special Software?}
Thanks for your help!
Mary
Your are inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for the video. Loved it.
Thank you so much. I was having a problem with my email, but think I got it now. One question: is it pretty necessary to have twitter or facebook to do this self publishing.
I’m starting to get excited about the possibilities–can’t wait for tomorrow!
I have looked a little on the kindle book creator, but have not seen much on the book rights. Am I surrendering my rights to use it elsewhere if I find a publishing house that wants to print paper books? It was mentioned that we always have the ability to self publish hard copies, but are we limited to that?
Thanks
Hi Sarah. When you sell an ebook on Amazon you maintain all rights. The only limitation that may arise is if you choose to be part of the KDP Select promotional program (which is optional). In that case, Amazon gets 90 days of exclusivity. But, beyond that, the book remains yours to do with what you wish.
This program is giving me the encouragement to go ahead with my ideas. Hopefully my grandsons will like my effort. Thank you for your information.
These videos are so helpful and encouraging. Thank you!
It would be nice to find someone who can do illustrations with me or for me like two people on the same boat if I can’t do it myself. Maybe a library will be a good place to find that person or maybe my daughter could help me do it. She can draw. I cannot imagine the many books I will be publishing if this turns out successful for me.
Today’s video has inspired me. I think I want to jump in and simply have fun with this. Get the story down on paper, and start illustrating.
= as an author/illustrator very concerned with the art presentation of the book =
questions =
are these books printable or only for kindles?
what format is required for picture books. I read they do not handle double page art spreads
Color control? layouts?
Please tell me about kindle do we need an isbn number for our ebooks which can also be printed for local sale. Also please tell me the cost of the kindle course now to me as a member of CBI
Thank you for this course. It is extremely inspiring
I love the inspiration
Thank-you so much for providing us with such interesting and helpful material.i really enjoyed viewing both of your videos.
I share a lot of the concerns of those commenting above. #1 where do I find an illustrator and how does that relationship work?
I definitely see myself in 5 years as an ebook picture book writer for children up to age 8.
So excited for #3 video.
Thanks again.
Thank You. I truly appreciate your taking the time to educate and inspire all of us.
This is great advice and it is great to hear someone say, “Don’t be afraid of self-publishing.” I welcome it, not just because we do business with self-publishing authors, but because as a new author, this opens all kinds of doors. I am working on my first children’s book (I am mostly a romance reader), so this is s new experience for me. Thank you.
Eish…like we say it here in S.A.! I’m getting self-confidence. Thanks Laura. Thank you very much for the fact that your videos are in such a way we can go back to listen to the information you give over and over again. It is rather a lot. Especially for me that only wants to put her nose near a piece of paper and run a guided pen over it. Creating and dreaming. Far, far away in my own world. I can actually move on from now on. Thank you again.
I too am worried about the whole single page vs. double page layout for picture ebooks. Does Kindle allow for double-page layouts like an iPad does? I would be curious to hear more. Thank you for these awesome videos and your ongoing encouragement!!! I think it’s a terribly exciting time in the industry. 🙂
Rachael:
Yes, the Kindle software allows for a two-page layout in the landscape mode. In my Picture eBook Mastery course, I show you how to mix full-screen illustrations with two page layouts, so you can have some of each in your book.
Rachel,
I am trying to write a book with an iPad. What software or app are you using? I can’t figure out how to change the layout using the Pages app. I guess I need to move it into something better with more formatting options, but don’t know where to go.
I’d appreciate any help you can offer.
Hi Jen … I am still in early stages myself. Working with my brother who is a graphic designer. So he is handling more of the technical side of things. I would love to compare notes as we navigate this process! I can certainly ask him any questions you might have. 🙂
My (mental) wheels are turning.
I love the authenticity of this course. You know what you are talking about, and it come through with your passion. Even considering this route is so new for me, and the learning curve so great. I know several authors who have published many e-books, but spend tons of time marketing, promoting, etc., and perhaps the writing takes a back seat. Thanks for tips to make this easier and more time-effective.
Dear Laura,
I’m a traditionally published children’s author, and realized it quite late in the day that I do have to do most of the promotions myself. I’ve always been literally ‘scared’ of promoting ans marketing my books, because I’m never sure how people will react to it and really, how much promotion is too much? Will I be spamming my friends, family and readers with a mail or tweet too many? I’m still not sure, but your video has helped ease things a bit. So thanks a ton for that 🙂
Getting psyched! Look forward to each day’s video!!
I already bought Kindle Picture ebook course. But the first two videos got me hyped up again to continue my writing and use the course more. Thank you for the information-again- I will look forward to publishing my children’s books. Thanks again
Laura,
So excited to have seen the second video! Thank your for your concise presentation and as always, encouragement to keep on! You and John are definitely trusted sources.
One question popped into my head when you mentioned ” there are no rules” and one was about word counts. When I first attempted my picture book about 6 years ago, all my writing sources said to keep the word count low. But you say it doesn’t matter. And that feels freeing and scary at the same time. Does that mean that a traditional pub house has dropped that rule as well?
One more thing: when I closed my eyes, pictured 5 years from now and felt that reaction, it was pure joy! Thanks.
Looking forward to video 3 🙂
Maureen:
The “no rules” comment really applies to traditionally published books. Ebooks have far fewer restrictions. But you should still use common sense. A three-year-old probably can’t sit still for a 1500 word picture book. However, you can create illustrated stories for an older child (say, ages 6-9) and make it longer than the standard picture book. The bottom line is to make your story as long as it needs to be, but no longer.
Glad your vision of where you’d like to be in 5 years was so inspiring!
illustrations…. what is the ratio of ONE writer/illustrator campared to the team of a WRITER and ILLUSTRATOR working together. I illustrate on a very simplistic level, not the beauty of a book like WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE and I just wonder if i should get a local illustrator to work with? and if so. do they retain the rights to the illustrations or can I just buy them outright and own the rights when I selll the picture book?
thanks.
Hi Joy:
You can work out whatever deal you want with your illustrator. Many authors buy the illustrations outright to keep it simple. Some pay a small fee up front and then give the illustrator a portion of the profits on the book. Whatever you decide, be sure to put the agreement in writing and have both of you sign it so there are no surprises down the road.
thank you for these videos. I am excited and inspired.
Great inspiring video. Encourages one to be a lot more confident and can’t wait for next video
Loved this one and would like to go deeper.
Thanks
this second video has great tips and is very encouraging; I look forward to video # 3
Thanks Laura
Once again…most encouraging and inspiring, Laura. Thank you. Thank you. Diane
Another great video!!! You are reeling me into another hemisphere that will encourage me to do something else with my books so more people will know about them. I can’t wait for the next video I will receive tomorrow
Thanks for the great advice. And particularly for putting such a nice spin on ‘marketing’. It doesn’t sound too dreadful, the way you put it!
Very glad that I am following these videos, thank you. The marketing tips are encouraging, doesn’t feel like self-promotion at all, it’s a business thing right. Looking forward to tomorrow’s video.
Thanks again Laura. Your expertise is persuading this writer that publishing is actually possible. Hopeful!
Hi Laura;
Thank you for putting the Marketing Gremlin into a less daunting, intimidating, impossible, ‘hell no I can’t do that’ perspective. That is by FAR my biggest writing stumbling block.
Now… onward to the next great video!!!!!!!
Great tips
Great tips, thanks so very much!
I don’t understand. This website is valid on Google but not on Yahoo. This site is an inspiration. I have a series that I long to get published. This seems to be the way.
My imagination is racing and my pencil itchin’ to go! Thank you so much for the wonderful videos Laura. Your knowledge, passion, and genuine love of picture books is apparent. The videos are easy to follow, concise, and cover many of the questions beginning e-book writers may have. Let the games begin!