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Listen "14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison"
Episode Synopsis
Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books.
What You'll Learn:
When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing
How to develop your art directing skills for picture books
Essential business skills every indie author needs
Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books
How to get your books into schools and libraries
The truth about making money in self-publishing
Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders
Key Takeaways:
Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"
The importance of building a backlist for long-term success
How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)
Metadata that boost discoverability
Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)
📖 About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book."
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com
Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com
Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison
01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey
05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator
08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control
11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist
14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing
18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director
22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries
26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy
32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books
Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing
What You'll Learn:
When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing
How to develop your art directing skills for picture books
Essential business skills every indie author needs
Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books
How to get your books into schools and libraries
The truth about making money in self-publishing
Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders
Key Takeaways:
Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"
The importance of building a backlist for long-term success
How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)
Metadata that boost discoverability
Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)
📖 About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book."
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Mim's House Books: mimshousebooks.com
Indie Kids Books blog: indiekidsbooks.com
Darcy's Kickstarter (launches Sept 15): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darcypattison/publish?ref=profile_created&category_id=48
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison
01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey
05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator
08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control
11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist
14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing
18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director
22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries
26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy
32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books
Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing
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