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!
Comments
-
-
January 19thHow about getting my grandchildren to help with the illustrations?
-
-
January 21stI 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.
-
-
April 27thThank 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!
-
-
April 27thSorry 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!
-
-
January 21stI 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?
-
-
January 21stYou are so inspiring! Thank you for the exciting information.
-
-
January 21stSome 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.
-
-
January 23rdGood 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!
-
-
January 21stThank 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!
-
-
January 21stI 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!
-
-
January 21stThis 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.
-
-
January 21stThe 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! 🙂
-
-
January 22ndThanks again for sharing the interesting tips…
-
-
January 22ndThis is great practical advice. Thanks so much for sharing.
-
-
January 22ndThank 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?
-
-
January 22ndYour 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
-
-
January 22ndYour are inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for the video. Loved it.
-
-
January 22ndThank 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.
-
-
January 22ndI’m starting to get excited about the possibilities–can’t wait for tomorrow!
-
-
January 22ndI 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
-
-
January 22ndHi 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.
-
-
January 22ndThis program is giving me the encouragement to go ahead with my ideas. Hopefully my grandsons will like my effort. Thank you for your information.
-
-
January 22ndThese videos are so helpful and encouraging. Thank you!
-
-
January 22ndIt 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.
-
-
January 22ndToday’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.
-
-
January 23rd= 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?
-
-
January 23rdPlease 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
-
-
January 23rdThank you for this course. It is extremely inspiring
-
-
January 23rdI love the inspiration
-
-
January 23rdThank-you so much for providing us with such interesting and helpful material.i really enjoyed viewing both of your videos.
-
-
January 23rdI 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.
-
-
January 23rdThank You. I truly appreciate your taking the time to educate and inspire all of us.
-
-
January 23rdThis 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.
-
-
January 23rdEish…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.
-
-
January 23rdI 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. 🙂
-
-
January 23rdRachael:
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.
-
-
January 23rdRachel,
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.
-
-
January 24thHi 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. 🙂
-
-
January 24thMy (mental) wheels are turning.
-
-
January 25thI 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.
-
-
January 25thDear 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 🙂
-
-
January 25thGetting psyched! Look forward to each day’s video!!
-
-
January 25thI 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
-
-
January 26thLaura,
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 🙂
-
-
January 26thMaureen:
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!
-
-
January 26thillustrations…. 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.
-
-
January 26thHi 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.
-
-
January 26ththank you for these videos. I am excited and inspired.
-
-
January 27thGreat inspiring video. Encourages one to be a lot more confident and can’t wait for next video
-
-
January 27thLoved this one and would like to go deeper.
Thanks
-
-
January 28ththis second video has great tips and is very encouraging; I look forward to video # 3
Thanks Laura
Catherine recently posted…Do I Need an Agent?
-
-
January 28thOnce again…most encouraging and inspiring, Laura. Thank you. Thank you. Diane
-
-
February 2ndAnother 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
-
-
February 5thThanks 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!
-
-
February 5thVery 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.
-
-
February 7thThanks again Laura. Your expertise is persuading this writer that publishing is actually possible. Hopeful!
-
-
February 7thHi 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!!!!!!!
-
-
February 8thGreat tips
-
-
February 8thGreat tips, thanks so very much!
-
-
February 8thI 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.
-
-
February 10thMy 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!
-
-
February 11thThanks again Laura. Your direction and suggestions are invaluable and keep propelling me forward with renewed excitement and confidence. My books are seedlings and your words are water and nutrients. Thank you…they are growing. I’m looking forward to the balance of your videos in this series. Kudos!
-
-
February 27thI am so glad that I found you. Thank you for your immense help in getting started.
carolee recently posted…PANSY BLOSSOM FLOWER – Yellow and Purple Nature Table Play Doll – Free Shipping Continental United States by NatureTableTreasures
-
-
March 11thLaura, I have learned so much from you over the years. I just wish we had in Canada ( for Canadian writers), a little of the kind of info you give us in the CBI letter monthly and in Workshops like this.
Thanks so much. We still need more limks to Canadian publishers; it’s hard to get in here.
-
-
March 17thThank you Jane! I will start including occasional listings of Canadian publishers. The problem is that most of those publishers only take submissions from Canadian writers, whereas the US publishers tend to take submissions from anyone. So it’s a matter of which information best serves the greatest number of my subscribers.
-
-
March 17thLaura, I’ve been so frustrated for the past year and a half. Just knowing there is so much to learn and feeling bound by circumstances kept me locked up. These videos are so incredibly helpful. I’m excited again and have many ideas rolling around in my noggin! Can you give me your take on ‘modeling’ your books after another’s. I’ve seen a bunch of those “Diary of ” titles, are they pushing the envelope on plagiarism and what makes the difference?
Thank you for making these videos available to those of us who can’t take advantage of the Master class yet. Need to sell some books first – isn’t that like an oxymoron?
Kathleen recently posted…How You Can Know Springtime Has Arrived?
-
-
March 17thKathleen:
Yes, there are a lot of books modeled after a successful format, such as the “Diary of..” books. No one owns a general format or idea. But you do run the risk of your books getting confused with someone else’s, or worse, compared unfavorably. So if there is a format you like, do everything you can to make your books as unique as possible within that general format. Good luck!
-
-
March 18thHi
About the Twitter account you mentioned: Did you mean I could create Twitter accounts for the characters in my book and let readers talk to them and get responses as some kind of continuation of the story? Would that be unethical?
-
-
March 19thThe suggestion (and this was just an off-the-cuff idea) was to create Twitter accounts for your characters, and have them post comments (and comment on each other’s posts) as themselves. It’s the type of marketing that simply creates a buzz for your book. If it’s obvious the comments are in the characters’ voices, and they’re not saying anything crude or mean, it would be fun for readers to follow. Of course, this works best for either characters in young adult books (where the readers themselves would be following Twitter), or picture book characters that are commenting in a way that would appeal to the parents of young children. But this is just one example of how you can use social media for creative marketing. I’ve seen authors create blogs by their characters and post in the characters’ voices there.
-
-
March 18thAgain Laura i wish i had been introduced to you when i was starting out, I’m about 7yrs down the line and carrying some battle wiery scars.
You have such a refreshing attitude to watch on tv, It’s renewed my vigour to write again, and work harder to publish my books. Would you do a guest blog on my site, which is all about helping writers find information and helpful tips. Let me know if you would i would be obliged and i know my visitors would enjoy the prospect.
Best wishes
Chris lakin
-
-
March 18thLoved the second video and trying to get over the idea that self-publishers are not second-class citizens. The technology is there for us to realize our dreams. Thank
you very much for this help.
-
-
March 19thI am really enjoying this clear and concise delivery of yours, Laura. You also manage to inject enthusiasm and confidence into what you are saying. I look forward to the next video. Thank you so much.
-
-
March 19thSecond day,second video! I am very interested in the marketing aspect – do have a web site, a blog and willing to learn more. Thanks for the tips!
Looking forward to your third video.
-
-
March 19thThank you so much, Laura. I have a binder of children’s stories I have written, just waiting to be read by children. To keep myself from complete frustration, I have made Shutterfly books for my grandchildren, neighbor children, etc. I am so ready to try ebooks. You are so inspiring! Thanks so much.
-
-
March 20thI really love the idea of separate twitter accounts for your characters. The sky is not the limit when we have a way to reach people all over the world. Thanks.
kath unsworth recently posted…I Can’t Sleep. (Prompt Me Punk2 picture book draft)
-
-
March 20thI’m enjoying your tips on picture e-books. I thought you went through the marketing part very quickly. I would have liked to have had a sample shown of setting up a twitter account for an e-book or character you’re writing about, I believe that’s what you said. Wasn’t sure what you meant though. Thank you. Giulietta
-
-
March 21stLaura,
I’m afraid I’ve been one of those self-publishing skeptics. However, as you say, EKindle is a game changer. I have one book almost ready to go, and 2-3 more waiting to be taken off of the back burner. Finally I’m excited by the idea that publishing a book may be more reality than fantasy. I look forward to the remaining “lessons”–especially about illustrations (I don’t), technical, and financial aspects. Is there any initial investment I’ll have to make?
Thank you–for the letting the light in!
Nancy
-
-
March 28thLaura,
I thought the idea of Twitter accounts for the protagonist and antagonist was SO clever!!
-
-
March 30thReally great information, thank you! I have the idea in my head, but am extremely curious as to how I would go about getting an illustrator, etc! Is the next video available?
-
-
March 31stLaura, I loved the concept of marketing being something other than “hawking your wares”. I have felt like this and look forward to tips on being creative in giving the world an opportunity to enjoy my works. Thank you.
-
-
April 6thLaura, all I can say is thank you for making an effort to care, share your knowledge and teach us. I’ve done my homework. I looked at Amazon but was wondering….one has to get someone to print the book before one tackles the marketing. How do I do that? Or must I first do the marketing to see if there is any interest in such a book? I am looking forward to video nr.3 !!
-
-
April 7thThat is weird. I sent a comment yesterday and I don’t see it today… Oh! Well! Here it is again…
Thank you for these videos Laura. Looking forward for the next ones 🙂
I have a question… is it true that ~ when we write a series ~ we should have the same illustrator through out? I have 4 books (2 series) ready for publishing in English and in French, but I lost contact with my illustrator so… both volume 1 are delightfully illustrated but not the 2… should I scrap everything and wait many years again to find money for another illustrator or can I go and publish the 2 first volumes and ftry to ind an illustrator who have similar style?
Is it that important for a child? Or would they be happy to discover different angles in the illustrations?
Hope uou will receive this comment and looking forward for your answer.
Again, thank you soooo much for these videos.
-
-
April 17thAmyah:
If you have lost contact with your original illustrator, I think it’s fine to find another illustrator with a similar style for the later books. This happens even with publishing houses when the original illustrator isn’t available. As I child, I found it interesting when the same series changed illustrators. I always noticed, but didn’t mind.
-
-
April 9thThank you for the permission to do the noble thing and let the world know about our creations. 🙂 That was a great angle for changing how I feel about marketing. Also, I really enjoyed the No More Rules concept. I am excited about being on the cutting edge of the publishing industry. Thank you for these videos.
Adriana Zoder recently posted…Izzy Language Series – Bilingual Picture Books
-
-
April 10thThank you again, Laura. I’m getting excited about the possibilities!
-
-
April 10thHi Laura,
Thanks for spending time on marketing. It doesn’t sound like it’s not so much of a chore. It’s only as dull as our imaginations let it be and the possibilities are endless when it comes to this too!
I can’t wait for video #3, when you touch on illustrations. I’ve been wanting to do KKBC for some time now but can’t afford an illustrator. I was discussing this with a friend who had an idea that I’d like to ask you about. She said to ask the art department of our local high school if someone could do it for a salary or payments that’s affordable for me. What do you think? Would that work?
I can’t wait for tomorrow’s video!
-
-
May 6thHi Laura,
Enjoyed your classes and have read about your Picture eBook Mastery course that ‘walks’ an author through the process … sounds great!
Couple of questions:
I have an illustrator from whom I have negotiated the license to the illustrations for all types of media.In signing up for an e book does Amazon have any hold or rights to the illustrations and/or text? Is there a contract to be signed?
What percentage is taken from each sale?
Is there a monthly statement (I pay a percentage to my illustrator)?
Is there a monthly fee for being on Amazon?
Can your picture book be categorized in other ‘slots’ besides children’s picture book? (ie. humorous, pop culture, educational?
Does the software allow for GIF animation?
Thanks so much and I look forward to the next video.
-
-
May 14thIt will be nice if I could find somebody in the neighborhood doing the same thing so we could do it all together learning from and helping each other but there are still two videos to watch so I’ll see if I can do it myself. I am excited. Thanks.
-
-
May 20thI am so very grateful for every bit of information you are sharing with us. Your insight is invaluable. I have a couple of ideas for books. One book idea I am currently working on, editing and incorporating all your expert advice, is about death of a parent or close family member. I want with all my heart to have my book help children learn coping mechanism for this universal occurrence in everyone’s lives. I write from the perspective of the mother who has just died. I believe that children will discover that life will not remain in a constant state of pain. They will slowly change. That is the secondary theme of my story. They will know it is alright to cry; they are hurting of cry. But there will come a time when their pain will lessen, they can and will smile again.
I wish I were able to get some feedback from you about my ideas and my writing ability. I know you can’t be personally involved with everyone; so to be fair, you can’t do it at all.
But I am beside myself with excitement and anticipation for the wonderful gems of writing truths.
Sincerely,
Mary Swingler
-
-
May 21stHi Laura
Thank you so much for these inspiring videos…just a question…I have heard that kindle likes the format that goes with their screen… 8.5 x 11 inches… what do I do with the illustrations that spread over two pages? How do I set that up?
thanx!
-
-
May 23rdJanine: I show a workaround for two page spreads in my Picture eBook Mastery course. This would allow you to have one illustration cover two facing pages in the two-page format.
-
-
June 14thI have thoroughly enjoyed these first two videos. They are filled with real, practical advice. Love it. I am keen to implement them into creating some fabulous children’s stories. I am also looking forward to the next two videos.
-
-
July 22ndVery inspiring! I’m looking forward to the next video.
-
-
August 23rdGreat video – looking forward to tomorrow, thank you!
-
-
August 29thThank you for keeping these supportive, motivational bits to a manageable length. I can keep the panic bottled and get through these without slamming my laptop in despair.
The problem is, the book came from the outside, muse-like. Then, I illustrated it, with full watercolours. In that case, it’s more like a graphic novel, except it’s concise. It’s about 30 pages about the death of a child through the eyes of the family cat. It’s designed for parents who may have lost a child, too. Parents who have not lost children weep when they read it. In this way, it’s not a child’s book but is built like one. The illustrations fill in the gaps in the text, and it’s meant to facilitate discussion with children about grief and dying, with underlying themes of the circle of life. I had NO idea what I was doing, and I didn’t want to. I wanted [I know I sound crazy] to honour the book and let it take the form it wanted, not the form that was marketable. Naive. No one wants to touch it.
It’s a problem book. Would I still want to market it to children and hope that with word of mouth it would reach grieving parents? Could I cross reference it with an adult market?
Deep breath: on to Video 3!
-
-
February 22ndThanks for giving me the “Creative freedom”! It’s not totally my dream to write a book, but since I have a bunch of copyrighted characters that God has blessed me with and I have taken all the writing classes at NCU that I could take, I feel that this could be a great opportunity to use my talents to their best potential and to an audience that might appreciate them.
-
-
March 23rdThank you for inspiring me to look at marketing as FUN.
I’m going to have to learn to Twitter
I have illustrated my own books . I am learning so much. THANK YOU
-
-
July 22ndShould I copyright my book before I create it on KDP? Whats the best way to do that?
-
-
July 22ndIf you copyright your book, do it after the book is complete. An ebook would have a different kind of copyright than a print book. Here’s the Copyright Office that gives the information http://www.copyright.gov/
As you’ll see by reading this site, an official copyright isn’t necessary, but a lot of people feel better having one.