As usual, you keep me going. I've published 20 books in 9 months. Not quite all up yet. I listened to you about niche marketing and now have a series I think might be a good one. But I'm piling up books and still not getting noticed too much. I remember you saying that you have each of your books reviewed by Kirkus. That's a lot of money. But it looks like it has been worth the investment for you.
The broader the base, the higher the pyramid, I keep this in mind. Risk: Form an LLC & publish 3 books/year for the next 10 years. I must recalibrate my retirement since my husband died. The IRS w/view this LLC as a hobby unless I produce sales! Challenges: #1 Time Mgt. I will recertify my teacher license in 2023, and still sub in the high schools next 2-3 years (don’t quit your day job! 😊). #2 Money: I paid $450 for a trademark. It failed because words like learners and cat were too common. I did get a Visual Arts copyright on the logo through the U.S. Copyright Office. I stretch money out like a rubber band & am on target to get the 1st book published (Sept. 2024 Darcy’s 6-Month Countdown = March 2024), then 3 books per year thereafter. Focus is schools & libraries (w/Library Marketing Plan). Successes: Jeniffer Thompson/IBPA says the best way to sell your 1st book is thru your 3rd book because you’ve had time to build your brand & following. I gave 300 bookmarks w/my logo to my Chamber of Commerce’s for their Classic Car Show goodie bags in Aug. (local support) I gave 450 bookmarks to my state childcare org. for their Family Network goodie bags in Oct/NAEYC (branding). Next year, I’ll give the same w/1st book cover reveal including www & available on amazon. I have 6 books professionally edited & 4 illustrated. Since my audiences are schools & libraries, I’ll have Kirkus & PW reviews; Lexile reading levels; BISAC codes; Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH); & Library of Congress Control numbers (LCC done by hired professional) for each book. Contests: I’ve entered unpublished ones like Late Bloomer/SCBWI (over age 50) & others. I’ve joined organizations to help me learn & to expand my skill- set. This July, ACFW had a KidLit Group approved: 4th Tues/month-zoom. Although I don’t write exclusively for the Christian market, it’s a good group to build relationships with for a newbie. It’s fun! Appreciate all you do!
Darcy, I signed up but I didn’t see how I could let them know I can’t physically attend. Maybe I can attend another one you do. I’m very glad and excited I will be able to watch it. Thanks.
Your success stories are a motivator and a blessing. I struggle to find the time to really work on my books because I have a full time job/mom and two very needy dogs. One day.
Hi Darcy, I can’t attend the webinar but I would like access to the recordings. Can I sign up and be able to look at the recordings for the limited time?
Indie Kids Books - Lessons From 2023
As usual, you keep me going. I've published 20 books in 9 months. Not quite all up yet. I listened to you about niche marketing and now have a series I think might be a good one. But I'm piling up books and still not getting noticed too much. I remember you saying that you have each of your books reviewed by Kirkus. That's a lot of money. But it looks like it has been worth the investment for you.
The broader the base, the higher the pyramid, I keep this in mind. Risk: Form an LLC & publish 3 books/year for the next 10 years. I must recalibrate my retirement since my husband died. The IRS w/view this LLC as a hobby unless I produce sales! Challenges: #1 Time Mgt. I will recertify my teacher license in 2023, and still sub in the high schools next 2-3 years (don’t quit your day job! 😊). #2 Money: I paid $450 for a trademark. It failed because words like learners and cat were too common. I did get a Visual Arts copyright on the logo through the U.S. Copyright Office. I stretch money out like a rubber band & am on target to get the 1st book published (Sept. 2024 Darcy’s 6-Month Countdown = March 2024), then 3 books per year thereafter. Focus is schools & libraries (w/Library Marketing Plan). Successes: Jeniffer Thompson/IBPA says the best way to sell your 1st book is thru your 3rd book because you’ve had time to build your brand & following. I gave 300 bookmarks w/my logo to my Chamber of Commerce’s for their Classic Car Show goodie bags in Aug. (local support) I gave 450 bookmarks to my state childcare org. for their Family Network goodie bags in Oct/NAEYC (branding). Next year, I’ll give the same w/1st book cover reveal including www & available on amazon. I have 6 books professionally edited & 4 illustrated. Since my audiences are schools & libraries, I’ll have Kirkus & PW reviews; Lexile reading levels; BISAC codes; Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH); & Library of Congress Control numbers (LCC done by hired professional) for each book. Contests: I’ve entered unpublished ones like Late Bloomer/SCBWI (over age 50) & others. I’ve joined organizations to help me learn & to expand my skill- set. This July, ACFW had a KidLit Group approved: 4th Tues/month-zoom. Although I don’t write exclusively for the Christian market, it’s a good group to build relationships with for a newbie. It’s fun! Appreciate all you do!
Darcy, I signed up but I didn’t see how I could let them know I can’t physically attend. Maybe I can attend another one you do. I’m very glad and excited I will be able to watch it. Thanks.
I looked at the bottom of the e-mail and I can do just as I asked. Thanks.
Your success stories are a motivator and a blessing. I struggle to find the time to really work on my books because I have a full time job/mom and two very needy dogs. One day.
Ok, thanks.
Hi Darcy, I can’t attend the webinar but I would like access to the recordings. Can I sign up and be able to look at the recordings for the limited time?