This Author Loves That! : Marketing a Picture Book

 When I first started thinking of writing as a profession, I was unaware how many hats we have to wear. We write, sure. But then we edit, critique, cheerlead, market, sell, teach, and more I can't even think of now.

With my latest picture book, This Cat Loves That! : A Cat Book for Kids, I stepped out of my comfort zone and rhymed and had to work my text around photos rather than having illustrations work around my text. 

This book is geared for preschoolers and young readers. It is full of sight words and cute cats. The best part; when thinking of how to market this book I thought of cats of course!

A fun photo shoot with a local shelter gave me tons of laughs as this little tabby with the cute boots loved riding on my shoulders (I should have gotten a photo of that!) and my shoelaces were attacked frequently by a speedy grey. An older black cat happily followed the kittens and looked for chin scratches as I shot a laser pointer at my book repeatedly.

The great part is cats are curious. All I had to do was set the book down and they all came to sniff, bat, and bite this new toy.

There were so many sweet and affectionate cats it was hard not to bring one home. Though I don't think my cranky old tuxedo cat would have appreciated it very much. At nearly twenty we let him rule the roost.

If you are a writer or illustrator, teacher or librarian, it is great fun to find the subjects of your books in real life if you are able. They really bring the books to life, especially for the readers who are more visual learners. You may realize that you love marketing and photography too.

So enjoy these cute kittens and if you are interested in this fun cat book click here. If you are thinking about a way to help out your community and local animals, please check out your local shelter, SPCA, or rescue groups. A simple donation of trash bags, cat litter, cleaning products, toys made by the kids, and food are a small way you can make a big difference. Who knows, you may even find a furry new family member.

Put cute cats to the test and find out what they love best!―an early-learning book for toddlers and preschoolers

If you’ve been looking for cat books for kids, you’ll love This Cat Loves That!, a fun rhyming story filled with tons of cute and colorful cat photos that will help your little one learn about their feline friends. Your child will delight in discovering what cats love, as well as some stuff they don’t. Of all the cat books for kids, this one is the purr-fect introduction to one of their favorite animals!

This standout among cat books for kids includes:

• Photos of different cat breeds and ages
• A narrative designed to engage toddlers and pre-K kids
• Basic fun facts about cats

When it comes to cat books for kids, this one is the cat’s pajamas!

So You Have a Book Coming Out: Part Four: Taxes and Deductions

Upfront Disclaimer: I'm not a tax pro or lawyer or anything other than a writer trying to stay organized. This way, I have the information to give to my tax professional.

You, as a published author or illustrator, are now a business. That means there is some not-so-fun things we have to deal with so we can keep writing and creating.

Taxes.

Let's face it. Laws change, the forms are about a million words long, and who knows what we may be missing if you don't have a certified accountant in the family.


I have a certified public accountant. I think they are worth the money, not only for the time it saves me, but the relief from stress and anxiety I have that I may mess something up and having the IRS show up Men In Black style.

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Whether you are a do-it-yourself-er, or you use a pro, you need to be organized all year long. Not just those first two weeks of April.

You don't need a fancy or expensive program. I use excel.

First: Do you have a home office that is solely used for your business as a writer or illustrator?
If so, this may be tax deductible. That means this little piece of creative heaven may save you a bit on your dues to Uncle Sam. But you have to keep track of some things:

• Your home's TOTAL square footage and the OFFICE square footage. 
• Electric Bill
• Internet Bill
• Gas Bill
• Phone Bill

Then a percentage of you home's bills are what is actually deductible, based on how much space it takes. You have to have the totals for each month. It is easier to keep track of this monthly, rather than digging through old bills, or hunting for your gas company user name and password right before the tax deadline.


You can also deduct business related expenses. Keep ALL receipts and label and organize them. If you get audited, you want everything available and easy to find. I'm talking file folders or binders as opposed to shoe boxes.


Items to track for possible deductions:

• Copies of your books for sales, promotional giveaways, and donations
• Mileage for School Visits 
• Food and Hotels for out of town School Visits or Presentations
• Writer or Illustrator Organization Annual Dues (i.e. SCBWI)
• Classes for continuing your education
• Promotional materials (stickers, bookmarks, pins)
• Website fees
• Author/Illustrator Professional Photos (again, falls under promotional materials)
• Office Supplies
• Art Supplies (for illustrators)
• Necessary Office Equipment: Computer- yes! That mini golf putter thing and fancy espresso maker-no!
• Donations (if you donate a copy of your book, track what you pay, not the retail value.)

There is probably more that I haven't thought of, but hey, I'm new at this.

I keep everything in an excel spreadsheet in summary as well as a sheet for all I am paid:

• Advances
• School Visit Fees
• Speaking Engagements
• Royalties

Again, this is NOT a comprehensive guide. This is just stuff I've figured out on my own this year as a debut author. If you have any questions about your specific circumstances, I recommend finding a local tax pro. Preferably before next April.

So get organized and then get back to writing.

So You Have a Book Coming Out: Part Three: Author/Illustrator Photos

Some people are naturally photogenic. No matter what they are doing or what they are wearing, every photo comes out like something in a magazine. I am not one of those people. I'm usually caught while talking with one eye half shut.

As a published author or illustrator, you are now a business. Your photo needs to convey a sense of professionalism as well as showing who you are. Writing thrillers? Maybe a dark and broody shot would work. Goofy humor? Colorful and full of light and laughter may portray you best.

If you can, hire a professional photographer. It is a business expense that you can write off at the end of the year. Or tell a loved one, all you want for your birthday is a 30 minute photo shoot.

Amateur Example: I took this photo with my really nice camera I bought on a Black Friday Deal a couple of years ago. We took like 30 shots and this is the only one I didn't hate.

Professional Example:

I paid for a 30 minute session. We met at an old library. She took a bunch of shots, sent me about 15, and I seriously like all of them. With her lighting, superior equipment and artistic eye, she made me look younger and like I'd lost 15 pounds. She gave simple instruction like, "chin out a little more," or, "lean forward slightly," or, "That yellow background is washing you out. Lets move over here."

This looks professional, flattering, and the high resolution means it will maintain its quality even when resized. This is important since you'll be sending this file to interviews and author/illustrator visits.


A few tips: Tiny print on your clothes doesn't always translate well on camera.

Some poses feel awkward but look great on camera.

Stop to relax you face after holding the smile for so long.

Call around to photographers. I don't believe the one I worked with advertised a 30 minute session, but when I explained what I needed she said a full hour session was unnecessary. Although, she started having fun with some shots and we did go a little over our time, but she didn't charge me extra.

Also, HAVE FUN! For that photo session, you are the star.

Publishing: The Good, The Bad, Your Perspective

You have a contract. Yay!

Plans and dates change…Crud.

My debut picture book was scheduled to publish on April 2^nd. Due to some issues with the actual printer (no fault of the publishing house, machinery was being replaced) the date was pushed to the 16^th and now to May 7^th.

Luckily for me, the publisher is on top of things and we’ll still have books for all the events already scheduled.

As I told this news to friends and family, they got loud and frustrated on my behalf. But to all my authors and illustrators out there I have a word of advice.

Chill.

Sure, plans changing stinks, but my book is still coming out. Shaking my fist at the sky and cursing the book gods won’t get it printed any faster. Getting upset doesn’t fix anything (although at times it is easy and even stress relieving to stomp your feet and grumble).

Publishing will be full of delays and changes. At school visits there will be technical difficulties. There may be bookstore visits with only one customer or festivals that get rained out. Things happen and you need to know this going in.

Roll with the changes and mishaps as best you can.

Now I have the opportunity, for all of my April visits, to let people know they are getting an exclusive. They can see and purchase Odd Animal ABC’s a month before anyone else. So those children at the school visits get to feel special. Those bookstore shoppers get the jump on the rest of the world. That is pretty cool.

It is all a matter of perspective.

So, you have a children’s book coming out…Part Two – Scheduling Author Visits

You did the work writing…editing…submitting...contracts…editing… and soon your book will be out in the world.

At less than two months before my book birthday I’m starting to work on visits to bookstores, schools, and libraries. But how do you set them up?

Well, you’ve already set up your online platform (even just a super basic website will do) so people can reach out to you. But you aren’t famous yet, so people probably aren’t knocking on your door.

Your publisher will probably make a flyer and/or give you marketing information or supplies. Those of you who are self-publishing
should make one, or have one made. 

It has all the information:

Who – Wrote and Illustrated – June Smalls and Claire Sedovic

What – Humorous picture book about animals and the alphabet.

When – Publication Date: 4-2-19

Where – Can it be purchased – Blue Manatee Press and IPG.

Don’t forget the cover art!

Publishers may also set up some of your author visits. But don't expect them to do all the work. You can and should help with marketing to make your book as successful as possible.

Start small and start local. Is there a local indie bookstore in your area? Walk in, introduce yourself, show your flyer, and offer to do a signing. Many indie stores even work with local schools and may know who nearby may be interested in visits.

What about your co-workers at your day job? Oh, one of them has a sister who teaches first grade? Sweet – get or give contact info. Networking like this can be organic. Work at your own pace and don’t overbook or overwork yourself.

Do you live near the schools you attended as a child? Do you have a child currently in schools with the right demographic for your book? Reach out, contact their teachers or the librarians. You may want to start with free or discounted rates until you are comfortable with your presentations and their value.

Know before you reach out what exactly you are offering. Are you just doing a reading and signing? Do you have a presentation suitable for a small class or a whole auditorium? Have you practiced and timed your presentation, leaving time for questions? Do you use a PowerPoint or props or have art to share?

We can break down what all your author visit can entail, but that is a post for another day.

Once you start a dialogue with your school or store contact, let them know what you need. Also, be prepared for technology to fail. Stuff happens and you may have to adapt.