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Self-Publishing:
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Have times changed, or have I?
I think it's the times. Here's what I used to say about self-publishing children's books. (And subsidy publishing too.)
The first-hand self-publishing experiences catalogued below are frequently added to. So check back here regularly for updates, or subscribe to our feed by clicking in the RSS box in the left column.
Almost all of what I said is still true. (And so I really do urge you to read that page.) But what I failed to fully appreciate was that we're living in a new age. There are people who publish themselves and do so successfully. However...
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Those people are still few and far between. And there's one thing they all seem to have in common:
Full realization that it was up to them to market and sell their books. Simply listing it on Amazon will not do the trick.
"Build it and they will come" doesn't work. When you take on the role of your own publisher, finishing the writing of your book is only the beginning.
(A self publisher in Australia makes that fact very clear.)
So what I want to do on this page is expose you to people who have self-published. (To read their experiences, page past the form below.) I want you to learn from their experiences, both positive and negative. Also...
I want you to read the book that inspired me to turn off my negativity about the whole notion of bypassing the traditional children's book publishers.
The Long Tail is about this new marketing age that we live in. Please read what I have to say about it. Then read why a proper website is an essential part of any effort to self publish and sell children's books.
If you have any personal experience with self-publishing or subsidy publishing, I hope you'll share, using the form below.
What Have You Learned First Hand About Self-Publishing?
(Or Subsidy Publishing?)
Have you done it? Have you done the research and decided against it? If you have any unbiased first-hand experience with self-publishing, people are eager to hear it. Please, please share!
(This is not for promotion of your book, though you are free to mention its title, and I will provide a link to it on Amazon.)
Self-Publishing Experiences
Read the SelfPub experiences of other visitors to this site...
The Next Stage 
The next stage: what I learned from my first book and how I'm applying it to my second.
Having already reported on my first book, here are some further …
Publish a Picture Book on Kindle for <$250
How to publish a Children's Picture Book on Kindle for under $250
(My book is not available in print form yet; I'm still working on that aspect of …
Picture book publishing on Kindle Direct and Createspace
My Ebook edition is distributed through Kindle Direct and the physical POD edition through CreateSpace.
It's a long road with many unforeseen tasks …
Chapter Book for Middle Grade
It's all changing, right before our eyes
In February, 2012, I self-published a chapter book for middle grade children called Glass Palace.
Everything …
Is a Book You Publish Yourself "Real"?
"Self-publishers don't write real books." Do you buy that?
I'm always on the lookout for books to help improve my writing. I recently read Writing …
Self-publishing and local investment
How to make a book with people you know and sell it to people nearby.
A quote from Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails: "If they (the music industry) …
How do you market your books?
Books don’t just sell themselves. How are you supposed to sell your book if you know nothing about marketing?
After choosing to go through CreateSpace …
"Look & Say" books for beginning readers
I worked in publishing before becoming a teacher and seeing a need for beginning readers.
Preface: I worked in the children's marketing department …
Sardoodledom! - A Spelling Bee Book
Sardoodledom , definition: a well-made drama with an insignificant or trivial plot.
It's been a roller coaster, with many ups and downs, but it never …
Kids' Golf Book
No One Knows Your Book Better Than You.
I wrote my children's golf book, "The Adventures of Birdie and Bogey: Learning The Game of Golf," two years …
Text in Blurb
I think, in retrospect, Blurb is really meant for photographers to publish their books with small "blurbs" of text describing the details of their pictures. …
Self Publishing in the U.K.
U.K. self publishing:
For years I submitted my manuscripts to traditional publishers and literary agents in the U.K. While some were interested - …
Agent Turned Author
When I retired a couple of years ago to the peaceful mountains of Vermont, from a busy life of being an agent for actors in the TV and Film business in …
Psalms for Kids Books
I didn't sign up for this!
I am a pastor's wife and had been teaching several ladies' bible studies on the Psalms. After one of the studies I thought …
Believe It, Achieve It!
There are pros and cons to self-publishing your own children's picture book. Here's the pro side: YOU are responsible for EVERYTHING. That means you can …
Marketing 24/7
I can't tell you everything that has transpired the past 4 years, but if you decide to self-publish, you must learn 3 words...MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING! …
From Radio to Picture Books
I knew absolutely nothing about publishing a book, especially a children’s picture book.
Most of my writing was part of my career in radio--news copy, …
Publishing a book with my son
Our book is a mother-son creation.
When my son was 10 years old, I noticed that his illustrations had taken on aspects of the bizarre. While gazing …
Xlibris Review
Xlibris review by a three-time client: Don't expect a human to look it over...my VERY costly lesson.
I have published three picture books for children …
Easy to self-publish / hard to market
It's easy to self-publish. It's hard to self-market.
Meet an author who buys search engine ads and even bought ads at the movie theater.
I'm …
Self Published Christmas Book
Publishing by Others, For Hire or by your SELF: either way, it's always up to YOU.
I self published the old fashioned way, 10 years ago, with an …
Learning by Doing
I have no idea what I'm doing. Ain't it great!!
You have to take a course in obnoxious.
Hi, it's me. I would love to be able to sit here and …
Creating a Bedtime Book
Finding comfort in a bedtime book.
I did it. I self published my book, and I have actually sold copies of it. This is a rewarding pursuit, but …
A Honey Hunt Story
Here's how it all started...
I was having a conversation with a four year old student of mine who was learning how to play guitar and write a song. …
Mystery Game Drawing Book
In a mystery, there's always adventure!
What do you do with a first-of-its-kind adventure drawing game book?
That's what I had created, and …
Blurb Review
Pros and Cons of Blurb.com: a review.
Blurb printing helps and hurts self publisher.
I'll start with the down side of this adventure in the life …
CreateSpace with Elance - Fun, Fast Experience!
Combining CreateSpace with Elance contractors got me published quickly and easily.
I started down the path of writing a full color children's book …
Book, Doll, Download and More
Out on a Limb...or Who's the New Doll in Town?
"Most everyone has a dream cradled in their heart that they want to give life to," says Mary Padron, …
Writer with His Own Bookstore
A writer with his own bookstore proves his book has appeal.
Hobo Did Indeed Find a Home.
I love books, and I don't remember not being able …
Book of Poems Finds Common Thread
I began writing poems over 20 years ago. My wife and I were always big fans of Shel Silverstein. My poems for children and adults were a labor of love …
Diversity Publishing
Fu Fu's for President Obama and Diversity Publishing.
Everyone reading this section hopes to have a winner of a book project, or we would not be here …
It's Been Rewarding and Painful
Here’s my story...
I believe I've found a niche that hasn't been published before. (That's what we all hope, anyways.)
Everyone I've talked to …
Building Castles and Books
I self publish as Castle Books publishing, courtesy of my high-speed printer in my basement!
I have been a university professor (of anatomy) for …
A picture book about anger
How I came to write and publish a picture book about anger.
When my daughter, Ellie, was 20 months old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She …
Diamond in the Rough
I have been writing poetry and children's stories since I was young. I tried sending my stories to conventional publishers, only to be rejected many times …
Never Too Young to Publish
Neither too young to write nor too young to publish!
Miles Rabun and William Rabun, the 9 and 7-year-old young authors of the children's picture …
Writing and Publishing as Therapy
My life crashed in ruins about five years ago. It was as though a fire had ravaged me. I was suffering from Fibromyaliga, Chronic Myofascial Pain, Post …
Photojournalist's Picture Book
Out of the drawer and into a book!
Self-publishing is liberation. It has set me free - to see my project finished, to get the book out of my drawer …
Childhood Obesity Book
Independent publishing done right, now on to the marketing!
My website was born from the devastating reality of childhood obesity statistics being …
Turned Down a Book Contract!
When a traditional publisher told this author their contract was non-negotiable, he chose not to sign.
I am a freelance writer who earns his living …
Self Publishing: Not Worth It
Award-winning author and publisher Carol A. Miller is truly self publishing and d/b/a Defiance in Print, which is not an easy task.
Is self publishing …
Publishing a book step by step
Here is how I created and published my picture book, step by step. If you follow these publishing steps you won't have any problem creating your own book …
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
As an author, I give my full, undivided attention to the task of absorbing myself in my "work-of-words." My peers will know the joy, the tears, the frustration, …
A lifetime of self-publishing
Self-publishing since 1974 and now helping other authors.
In 1974 I borrowed $500 to publish my first book, "A Gift Guide for Infants and Toddlers." …
Outgrowing Trafford
From Trafford POD to a 2000 book print run to my own publishing company.
I had been avoiding the self-publishing option for several years because …
Book from a cat's point of view!
I have written & illustrated a series about a black cat named Miss American Bronte.
After spending lots of energy & time writing & illustrating this …
I started writing and publishing as a child!
When I created my first children's books, I was a youngster myself. It was during the summer of 1950, when I was eight years old, living in New York. …
Olive's Self Publishing Journey
Olive Evans is no longer with us to tell her beautiful self publishing story. This piece was written by her husband, David.
When Olive Evans walked …
Book of Cat Sonnets
I had been told and told that I needed to publish my cat sonnets, that I got into the minds of cats, that cat-lovers would see their pets in my work. …
The secret to successful self publishing
Janet on self publishing:
Believe it or not, I do know the secret. I've had my own little publishing company for almost five years, and if I've …
A Landscape Painter Creates a Children's Book
Pastel landscapes are what I generally devote my full attention to, and I am a well known artist in my area.
Writing and illustrating a children's book …
Getting into print
It's time to consider other ways of getting into print.
There is a certain stigma attached to so-called "vanity presses." These are short-run printers …
Traditional vs Independent Publishing
Traditional vs. Independent Publishing: I've tried it both ways...
I'm the author of The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy .
I am also the author …
Self Publishing: Printing Problems!
This author tried self-publishing but found printing was the problem.
I was having trouble finding a traditional publisher for my first children's …
Publishing is NOT Writing
Publishing is NOT writing; work is not play but can be rewarding.
It has taken years and diligence to complete the publishing process to a final, …
Proactive Self Publisher
This proactive self published author has a talent for meeting people who can help.
My story began when I wrote my book, "What's On The Other Side …
A High Energy Endeavor
If a writer enjoys the complex art of publishing their work, I know for sure they must have three basic personal qualities:
attention to …
Is self publishing the way to go?
After doing some research on whether or not self-publishing was the way to go or not, I finally decided self publishing is the way to go. I've spoken …
1st grade teacher self publishes!
Self published teacher uses her classroom experience to write book.
When I retired from 42 years as a teacher, I missed being with little kids. …
Bringing Obara to Life!
Michelle is the author of Obara the Merchant, Obara the Gatekeeper, and Well, My Teacher Said
The two picture books I've written and published are …
Helping kids with books
A mother forced by tragedy to explain death to her children discovers a gift for helping kids heal with books.
As a self-published author, I am …
Easy Writer!
Yes, the inspiration came "easy" after observing for many years the relationship between my husband and his motorcycle, Clyde the Glyde. I was compelled …
Writing and Publishing a Father/Daughter Book
A stay-at-home dad addresses the dearth of daddy-daughter books.
After my little girl was born, I began searching through a local bookstore for …
Publishing Online
L. Lee Lowe self publishes by online serialisation, followed by PDF file, and podcasts.
She is the author of the YA fantasy novel Mortal Ghost , short …
One Pea Who Burst From Her Pod
Nestled tightly in my pod of four, I never thought I'd end up creating, printing, marketing, and peddling my picture book. Maybe it was the turn of the …
How I came to self-publish
I didn't want to be dependent.
From an early age, I had been trying to find my niche. At 27 years I penned my first poem, "Lulu, the Gorgeous Gorilla" …
Lulu review
Lulu review: A good POD spot.
My experience of publishing on demand has been good, but marketing is the issue. With my co-author, who is a photographer, …
Making money on your first book
This kids' musician made money publishing his first book.
I wrote my first book - "Pasta Pazoo: More Better Spaghetti" - in 1995 and made a few …
Seven Stories, But Infinite Lessons!
I may have written a book called, "Seven Stories," but I've learned that there are infinite experiences to learn from as a writer and self-publisher. Most …
Push That Book!
Promotion is key. Making the decision to self-publish really worked for us, since our ultimate goal is to launch Angie the Ant as an entertainment property …
Writing is a Bow-Wow Blast!
How did I combine my love of animals and my appreciation for the true spirit of children? I self-published a children's book about my dog, Riley.
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Tired of waiting for traditional publishers to respond
Tired of waiting for traditional publishers to respond? Life is just too short!
I submitted my children's picture book - Snailsworth, a slow little …
iUniverse Review
An author shares her experience of subsidy publishing with iUniverse...twice!
I never wanted to self-publish. I felt and still feel that I was/am …
Knowing your audience
Testing her manuscript with the students in the middle school library where she worked, this author didn't need a publisher throwing its weight around. …
My Self-Publishing Success
Ed Shankman's self-publishing success was so real that he landed a multi-book publishing contract.
(Ed is the author of I Went to the Party …
Going from big print run to POD 
For first book, author does huge print run; on second, she goes POD.
I published my first book, "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home," with a printer …
One Month to Publish
Eight Years to Write, One Month to Publish!
I am a father of four kids ranging in age from twelve to eighteen. I have a full time job as a software …
Picture book shorties
When I started out to publish my children's book, I knew nothing about the publishing world. I was lucky enough to find a publisher that held my hand …
Chapter book shorties
The author used Barringer Publishing/Lightning Source.
My first book was with a print on demand publisher who was not pleasant to work with and retained …
Dinosaur Adventure Book
Dino-mite Children's Chapter Book, Dinosaur Adventure
My wife and I adopted an 11 mo. girl from China back in 2001, and she has turned into a voracious …
Picture Book About Author's Adoption
A fortysomething author shares the story of her own adoption.
Why should I take NO for an answer?
It all started about 8 years ago, when my …
Publishing a seasonal book
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry.
We must all get fat and furry.
I was taking photographs of my needle felted little fuzzies when I realized that I had …
Using Xulon Press for a picture book
The name of my book is "The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Three Little Souls." I used Xulon Press for this picture book.
My book was released by …
Choosing Createspace over Lulu
Inspiring kids to be better...
I am a self-published writer for children/teens.
I have books at lulu.com and createspace.com .
For …
Want to read many more stories like these? Visit my other site, The Shared Self Publishing Experience.
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Table of Contents
Work on your writing
- Story structure
- Writing exercise
- Creativity help
- Writing in verse
- Writing marketably
- Professional feedback
Trying to get published
Self publishing
Other
