The Making of the Next Best Seller

Since 2016, The "Don't Be That KID!" Series has helped parents, grandparents and educators teach children core values like honesty, responsibility and respect.

When the books were first published, sales were limited but, I am proud to say, they are now being read all over the world.

So many people have asked me how to self-publish a chidren's book successfully that I have created a power-point presentation. Here is a brief excerpt:

The Book:
1. Determine the theme of your book. My book is character education.
2. Create a list of scenes. The "Don't Be That KID!" Series has 17 scenes. Each one depicts a different character value.
3. Determine if you want it as a narrative or in rhyme.
4. Create the wording to correspond to each scene in the book. For the Resource Guide , I created activities separated into grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5 that correspond to each scene in the book.

The Illustrations:
5. Decide on your characters. Will there be one main character or many? Determine if your characters will be human, animals or objects. I have one main character. All characters are little goats. After all, the book is called "Don't Be That KID!"
6. Interview illustrators and get samples of their work.
7. Determine the type of artwork you want.
8. Don't expect the artist to read your mind by reading your scenes. I provided my ideas of what I envisioned for each scene and then the illustrator took it to the next level. I received a black and white draft of each illustration for my approval and once approved, the illustrator created it for my final approval.

The Publisher:
It is difficult to find a publishing house to publish a first time author. I tried to no avail and decided to self-publish.
9. Investigate self-publishing houses on-line. Please read all information carefully. I wanted a firm that was hands-on. Telemacus Press walked me through each aspect of the publishing process. The publisher will assure your book is on amazon.com and b&n.com, etc.
10. Determine whether you want a hard cover or paperback. My books are in hard cover and e-book. The resource guide is in paperback. Both are in color.

The Website:
11. Obtain a domain name. I went through Go Daddy.
12. Investigate website development companies.
13. Work with the website developer to create a site that meets your needs. Please go to www.dontbethatkid.net to view my site.
14. Consider creating a separate email account for the book. Mine is: lois@dontbethatkid.net

Legal Information:
15. You will need to sign contracts with the illustrator (Make sure you own 100% of all rights, title and interest in the illustrations); the publisher (Make sure the publisher has no rights of ownership to any materials and receives no royalties); the website developer.
16. I hired a trademark attorney and applied for and received a registered trademark and copyright for Don't Be That KID! in print and e-book.
17. I required anyone reading the books and resource guide prior to publication to sign a Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and Protective Agreement.
18. Speak to your accountant about income tax and sales tax implications.

In my January BLOG, I will write about creating a marketing plan, a financial plan and record keeping. Stay tuned!