Navigating the World of Self-Publishing

Welcome to the adventures and misadventures of a modern day children’s author. This blog will attempt to spare others some of the heartache, frustration, cost, doubt and most importantly, the loss of their precious dream of getting published.  When I decided in 2010 to self-publish after 12 years of being turned down by traditional publishers, there was no one I could turn to for guidance.  I had to figure so many things out on my own and it cost me dearly in time, money and confidence. One can only take so much rejection before they either capitulate and quit or take the bull by the horns and decide to make it happen themselves.

Along the way, I began to meet so many other aspiring authors and illustrators.  It amazed that so many people shared my dreams but didn’t know where to start either.  I shared the stumbling blocks and hurdles I had to conquer, but it always left me wanting to share more.  As a baby boomer, I was aware of the concept of blogging, but didn’t understand it.  I never dreamed I would have anything of significance to share with anyone.  I mean, why should anyone want to listen to the ramblings of a self-employed grandma with a book she wrote about kitty cats?

Once I did start reading some blogs, the negativity of some simply astounded me.  It brought me back to 6th grade (way before even the concept of a personal computer had even been formed when people actually wrote things down on paper) and the “Slam” books that kids passed around.  It seemed and felt so mean.  As a very shy, sensitive, overweight and fumbling child, I took it all so personally.  Some of the blogs made me think that those same people were still at it.  Did they not grow up and have kids who struggled through school?  Did they raise their children to treat people as poorly as they did?  Why would a person place themselves in a blog situation and make themselves a target for others like that?

It wasn’t until the current launch of my second book, My Peekaboo Moon that I slowly began to realize the need to reach out anyway.  My desire to help people who were intimidated, struggling and somewhat lost in this torrent of computer information outweighed the possibility of maligned by some faceless, nameless malcontent spewing venom.  At this point in my life, I realize that there are some people in this world who have nothing better to do than put people down in an effort to make themselves feel important.  The newspapers, radio and television are full of talking heads who have an opinion about everything.

It seemed that the beauty of a blog is the selective nature it assumes.  If I don’t like the tone, content or nature of a blog, I simply don’t read it.  A simple concept, I know, but a valid one.  What possible purpose is served by me signing on and turning the blog into the virtual version of the bathroom wall?  How does it help anyone?  The blogger doesn’t care what I think.  If I am “slamming” them, I obviously don’t care what they think.  Why waste my time contributing to growing negative climate of the world?

I write books for little people learning to read who want bright pictures, nice words and someone to read to them.  If that offends someone, so be it!  Being offended seems to be a career path for some.  If that is what a person chooses to do, then have at it.  Enjoy it if you can. 

I am just a grandma living in a little beach town in southern California.  I love kids and people in general.  I know there are thousands of prospective authors and illustrators just like me who simply want to have a voice in this world of anonymity.  If that is you, let us take this journey together.  This week, I crossed paths with two amazing artists.  There was such hope in their eyes.  They simply want to use their gifts in a productive way and make the world a little bit better place.  As I traveled the country marketing my book, I encountered authors like me who have a story to tell but don’t have the talent to put pictures to their words. 

As I shared earlier, the purpose of this blog and my company, Cat Tails and Friends, is to help bring these people together to make quality children’s books.  The world can be such a scary place for little kids.  Let’s just try to create some books that put a smile on their little faces.  Let them feel the love in a parent’s voice as they cuddle up and read together.  Even if it is only for a little while.  I know there is “bad” stuff swirling all around us.  I just want to give kids and their families a “safe” place to enjoy some time and strengthen the bonds between them.  Books can be such amazing things.  They can stir the budding imaginations of these little ones and put light and joy into their eyes. 

So, after researching form, length, format and content proprieties of blogging, I just decided to share my heart.  If this doesn’t agree with your way of thinking, then do us both a favor and simply close the screen.  No need to let me know just how much you dislike it.  It won’t change the purpose me writing it.  I want to help people realize their dreams of being published authors and illustrators.  If, on the other hand, my message does stir your heart and tug at those dreams of long ago deep inside you, then let us travel this journey together.