Sam Subity's data analysis is always fascinating! I've found myself particularly thinking about how few middle grade books are by and about boys. Don't know what to make of that, but I keep thinking about it!
There are several initiatives to encourage books for boys. Of course, the question is whether we need books for boys that girls can't read; or are all the "girl books" not read by boys? It just gets SO complicated.
Thanks for the information about Ingram Spark. I no longer trust them, though. I've never had trouble until last year when ALL of my proofs, at two different times, came back with pages glued together and faded colors. Many others have also had problems. Any chance you could do an article that addresses that? Thanks.
I think the problem is that ALL the POD companies have occasional glitches. Yes, some more often than others. But until we are willing to pay for offset printing, I'm not sure what can be done. Any ideas?
I ended up publishing with KDP and my books came out great. I also can sell them at book fairs and make more than I do if I sell wholesale to bookstores and don't have to worry about them being returned. I am looking into Book.by but they print in China, and with the new administration and tariffs...well, who knows? Would love if you did a substack about Book.by. Also, wonder if any of your subscribers have had issues this past year with Ingram Spark?
Hi Darcy, thank you for yet another incredibly informative post- yours is the best resource I subscribe to, and I’m so grateful for your generous sharing of your wisdom, insights, and experience!
Darcy, this is such useful information though I'm a writer of (mostly) narrative NF for MG/YS. My first trade PB is coming out next year, but I'm also turning to publishing myself. May I ask: what you think is a reasonable fee for a seasoned illustrator to illustrate and design a 32-page PB?
It's hard to say what is reasonable, and it depend on who is answering. Instead, I set a budget based on how many books I think I can sell, and then find an illustrator who can work with that budget. See the article for more. Or there's a series on Picture Book art for paid subscribers. https://www.indiekidsbooks.com/p/picture-book-art-1-the-imperative
Sam Subity's data analysis is always fascinating! I've found myself particularly thinking about how few middle grade books are by and about boys. Don't know what to make of that, but I keep thinking about it!
There are several initiatives to encourage books for boys. Of course, the question is whether we need books for boys that girls can't read; or are all the "girl books" not read by boys? It just gets SO complicated.
Darcy
Thanks for the information about Ingram Spark. I no longer trust them, though. I've never had trouble until last year when ALL of my proofs, at two different times, came back with pages glued together and faded colors. Many others have also had problems. Any chance you could do an article that addresses that? Thanks.
Hi, Gloria:
I think the problem is that ALL the POD companies have occasional glitches. Yes, some more often than others. But until we are willing to pay for offset printing, I'm not sure what can be done. Any ideas?
Darcy
I ended up publishing with KDP and my books came out great. I also can sell them at book fairs and make more than I do if I sell wholesale to bookstores and don't have to worry about them being returned. I am looking into Book.by but they print in China, and with the new administration and tariffs...well, who knows? Would love if you did a substack about Book.by. Also, wonder if any of your subscribers have had issues this past year with Ingram Spark?
I have never accepted returns. I will look into it.
Hi Darcy, thank you for yet another incredibly informative post- yours is the best resource I subscribe to, and I’m so grateful for your generous sharing of your wisdom, insights, and experience!
Best
Deborah
Hi Darcy,
I am looking for an illustrator for my non-fiction narrative picture book bio for ages 8-12.
I will self-publish this on my Ingram business page.
Do you know illustrators who work with self-published authors? It is 28 pages and includes sidebars with 8 pages of back matter.
I use Illuatrators for Hire and SCBWI Gallery.
Thanks,
Annette
Or, see this series, which is for paid subscribers:
Picture Book Art Series
Picture Book Art #1: The Imperative of Great Art
Picture Book Art #2: Who Will Illustrate Your Book?
Picture Book Art #3: Decisions
Picture Book Art #4: ASK
Picture Book Art #5: Working With an Illustrator
Start here: https://www.indiekidsbooks.com/p/picture-book-art-1-the-imperative
Have you read this post? https://www.indiekidsbooks.com/p/illustrator-finding-and-working-with
Darcy
Darcy, this is such useful information though I'm a writer of (mostly) narrative NF for MG/YS. My first trade PB is coming out next year, but I'm also turning to publishing myself. May I ask: what you think is a reasonable fee for a seasoned illustrator to illustrate and design a 32-page PB?
Have you read this post? https://www.indiekidsbooks.com/p/illustrator-finding-and-working-with
It's hard to say what is reasonable, and it depend on who is answering. Instead, I set a budget based on how many books I think I can sell, and then find an illustrator who can work with that budget. See the article for more. Or there's a series on Picture Book art for paid subscribers. https://www.indiekidsbooks.com/p/picture-book-art-1-the-imperative