Description:
Traditional publication is not the only road to finding your story on a shelf or, better yet, in the hands of a child who needs it. An alternative to traditional publishing is self-publishing. Self-publishing is not for the faint of heart but it’s a powerful and accessible alternative to traditional publishing (which also, isn’t for the faint of heart.) Dive in with industry expert, award-winning children’s book author, publisher, and attorney, Michele McAvoy, to learn the nuts and bolts of self-publishing and assess if it’s the right road for you. Bonus! - All participants will be given an opportunity to submit to The Little Press, an independent children's books publisher.
Skill Level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced):
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (for all levels in the kidlit industry- anyone who wants to learn how to publish their own stories.)
This lab is best for participants…
Who have a draft or completed children’s book manuscript (any category) and who is considering self-publishing in lieu of the traditional route.
Prerequisites and Advanced Preparation:
A desire to become a published author. General knowledge of the industry and the category/genre in which you write.
Schedule:
PART ONE: Ruby Slippers - Dorothy (Manuscript) (30 minutes)
Topics covered:
- Know your category and genre
- Follow the rules. (Good Witch) - Page count/ Word count
- Developmental editing (critiques)
- Copy editing
- Illustrations. You are the art director!
- Cover Art
- Budget/Cost
- Resources
PART TWO: If I Only Had a Brain - The Scarecrow (Logistics) (45 minutes)
Topics covered:
- LLC v d/b/a
- Bank account
- Business Name/ Trademark
- ISBN
- LCCN
- Copyright filing
- Formats - Print (hardcover paperback), Ebook, Audiobook.
- Trim Size (Recommendations)
- Metadata
- BISAC
- Resources
PART THREE: The Heart of it all - The Tinman (Distribution) (60 minutes)
Topics covered:
- KDP (Amazon) v Ingram Spark v Alternatives
- Margins and Prints Costs
- Pricing
- POD limitations. (Pros and Cons)
- Off-Set Printing v POD
- Setting up Accounts
- KDP Walk Through
- IngramSpark Walk through
- Distribution v. Wholesale
- Resources
PART FOUR: Be Brave - The Lion (Marketing) (35 minutes)
Topics covered:
- Marketing & Promotion
- Amazon Author Central
- Goodreads
- Social Media
- Website
- Podcasts/Blogs
- Trade reviewers for Self Published Books
- Book Awards (Do’s & Don’ts)
- Swag/Assets
- Bookstores & Book Festivals
- School Visits
- Resources
PART FIVE: Pulling Back the Curtain - The Wizard (Your Choice) (10 mins,)
Topics covered:
- Is it the right road for you?
- Alternatives to Self Publishing.
- Independent publishing
- Traditional publishing
- Hybrid publishing v Vanity Publishing
- Resources
Objectives:
Participants will:
- Learn the various and numerous steps to successfully self-publish a book that can compete in the marketplace with its traditional counterparts.
- Learn the logistics of book publication, like purchasing an ISBN, copyright filing
- LCCN numbers, barcodes, prices
- Understand trim size, pricing, costs
- Understand the difference between print on demand and off-set printing and why it matters.
- Gain insight into the primary platforms for self-publication and distribution
- Understand the difference between distribution and wholesale
- Understand how to use KDP and IngramSpark for self-publishing
- Be equipped with all the necessary information to move forward with self-publication
- Feel versed in the business of publication
- Gain insight into marketing titles and pitfalls to avoid
- Get the nuts and bolts of self-publishing to know if it’s the right path for them.
- Discuss areas of concern, and have an opportunity to ask questions from an industry expert
- Become equipped to move forward with self-publishing their story
- Bonus! Have an opportunity to submit a completed manuscript for consideration to The Little Press- an independent childrens’ book publisher. www.littlepresspublishing.com
