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Kelly Perrin
Hi, I'm Kelly. I’m a twin mum, a designer, photographer and an author. I have self published 2 children's books and I'm super excited to give you an insight into how I write and self published my books. I have been self employed for 15 years and I know how scary it can be to take that first step when starting something new; So huge congratulations for starting your journey already.
Read more
Hi, I'm Kelly. I’m a twin mum, a designer, photographer and an author. I have self published 2 children's books and I'm super excited to give you an insight into how I write and self published my books. I have been self employed for 15 years and I know how scary it can be to take that first step when starting something new; So huge congratulations for starting your journey already.
Read more
Hi, I'm Kelly. I’m a twin mum, a designer, photographer and an author. I have self published 2 children's books and I'm super excited to give you an insight into how I write and self published my books. I have been self employed for 15 years and I know how scary it can be to take that first step when starting something new; So huge congratulations for starting your journey already.
When I started my journey I spent hours researching the steps I needed to take to published on my own and understand what was needed to self publish.In this course I will take you through the steps I took to write, illustrate, design, publish and sell my books online and in person.
You will learn how to start your writing process, what you need to consider when writing for children. How and where to find good illustrators. What to think about when it comes to the look and feel of your books. The requirements that go along with self publishing. How to find a good quality printer and my entire selling and marketing strategy. This is a no fuss guide to creating your book from start to finish. Including all the complicated bits like ISBN's.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/c8rt84/how
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
An introduction to your course, what you can expect to learn and achieve by the end.
Course Content
Write, Illustrate & Design
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
An introduction to your course, what you can expect to learn and achieve by the end.
Course Content
Write, Illustrate & Design
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the self-publishing process, which includes writing, illustrating, designing, and selling children's books, offering a practical guide for beginners
Covers essential aspects like ISBN numbers and finding quality printers, which are crucial for navigating the self-publishing landscape and ensuring a professional product
Shares selling and marketing strategies, which are valuable for authors looking to promote their books effectively both online and in person and reach a wider audience
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Reviews summary
Complete guide to self-publishing children's books
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to writing, illustrating, publishing, and selling children's books. Students praise the instructor, Kelly, for her inspiring and easy-to-follow approach, sharing her personal experience and practical tips. The course is particularly valued for demystifying the publishing process, including complexities like ISBNs and finding printers, and offering valuable selling and marketing strategies. While some feel certain areas, like illustration, could be more detailed, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the course as a highly recommended resource for anyone looking to self-publish their first children's book.
Perfect for those new to writing or publishing.
"As a complete beginner, I found this course incredibly helpful."
"Great for someone just starting their journey."
"Perfect for someone who has never published before."
"Provides a solid foundation for beginners."
Includes useful strategies for selling your book.
"I loved the selling and marketing strategy section, which was invaluable."
"The part on selling your book was particularly useful."
"Practical tips on how to actually sell the book after publishing."
"Covers everything from writing to how to sell it."
"Good advice on marketing and getting your book out there."
Demystifies ISBNs, printing, and technical requirements.
"I was concerned about the technical aspects like ISBN's and printing, and she made it very clear."
"Covered the complicated parts like ISBNs and printing, which I really needed."
"All the details needed to get started. Especially useful for navigating ISBNs."
"Provided practical information needed to self publish."
"Great course - covers all the basics including ISBN, printing, etc."
Instructor is inspiring, knowledgeable, and easy to follow.
"Kelly shares her experience and gives valuable and practical tips in an inspiring and easy to follow way."
"Kelly breaks down the process, makes it easy to understand and provides you with so much confidence that you can actually do this!"
"The teacher is very inspiring and makes the information easy to digest."
"Kelly is inspiring and provides practical advice from her own experience."
"Really inspiring teacher, very engaging, and shares practical, actionable advice."
Offers a clear, comprehensive guide from start to finish.
"It is a step-by-step guide with the details I needed to complete the publishing and selling of my book."
"Very well explained from A to Z. This gives the essential information to jump in and self-publish a children's book."
"This course gives a good overview of all steps you have to take to get your book published."
"From writing your book through to how to sell it - it's all covered."
"It takes you through the process one step at a time."
Some feel illustration section could be more detailed.
"I was hoping for more information on how to find illustrators and the process with them."
"The section on illustration was a bit brief."
"Wish there was more detail on finding and working with illustrators."
"Covers illustration but could go deeper into the process."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in How to Write, Self Publish & Sell Children's Books with these
activities:
Review Children's Literature
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with current trends and popular titles in children's literature to gain inspiration and understand the market.
Browse courses on
Children's Literature
Show steps
-
Visit a library or bookstore.
-
Browse the children's section.
-
Read a variety of recently published books.
Review 'Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the craft of writing picture books by studying a dedicated guide.
View
Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book carefully.
-
Take notes on key concepts.
-
Apply the techniques to your own writing.
Create a Storyboard for Your Book
Show steps
Visualize your story and plan the layout of your book by creating a storyboard.
Show steps
-
Divide your story into scenes.
-
Sketch out each scene.
-
Add brief descriptions to each sketch.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the illustration process and how to effectively collaborate with illustrators.
View
Children's Picturebooks: The Art of Visual...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book carefully.
-
Analyze the different illustration styles.
-
Consider how illustrations can enhance your story.
Develop a Marketing Plan
Show steps
Prepare to sell your book by creating a comprehensive marketing plan.
Show steps
-
Identify your target audience.
-
Research marketing channels.
-
Create a budget.
-
Schedule marketing activities.
Create a Book Mockup
Show steps
Visualize your finished product by creating a mockup of your book.
Show steps
-
Design a cover.
-
Lay out a few sample pages.
-
Assemble the mockup.
Attend a Local Author Event
Show steps
Connect with other authors and learn from their experiences in the publishing industry.
Show steps
-
Find a local author event.
-
Prepare questions to ask.
-
Network with other attendees.
Review Children's Literature
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with current trends and popular titles in children's literature to gain inspiration and understand the market.
Browse courses on
Children's Literature
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit a library or bookstore.
- Browse the children's section.
- Read a variety of recently published books.
Review 'Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the craft of writing picture books by studying a dedicated guide.
View
Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book carefully.
- Take notes on key concepts.
- Apply the techniques to your own writing.
Create a Storyboard for Your Book
Show steps
Visualize your story and plan the layout of your book by creating a storyboard.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Divide your story into scenes.
- Sketch out each scene.
- Add brief descriptions to each sketch.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the illustration process and how to effectively collaborate with illustrators.
View
Children's Picturebooks: The Art of Visual...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book carefully.
- Analyze the different illustration styles.
- Consider how illustrations can enhance your story.
Develop a Marketing Plan
Show steps
Prepare to sell your book by creating a comprehensive marketing plan.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your target audience.
- Research marketing channels.
- Create a budget.
- Schedule marketing activities.
Create a Book Mockup
Show steps
Visualize your finished product by creating a mockup of your book.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design a cover.
- Lay out a few sample pages.
- Assemble the mockup.
Attend a Local Author Event
Show steps
Connect with other authors and learn from their experiences in the publishing industry.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local author event.
- Prepare questions to ask.
- Network with other attendees.
Career center
Learners who complete How to Write, Self Publish & Sell Children's Books will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Children's Book Author
Children's Book Author
The role of a Children's Book Author involves crafting engaging stories tailored for young audiences. This individual is responsible for developing plots, creating characters, and writing narratives that resonate with children. This course provides insights into the writing process for children's books, including considerations specific to this demographic. By covering illustration, design, and self publishing, the course helps aspiring authors understand the entire lifecycle of creating a children's book, from initial concept to final product. Aspiring Children's Book Authors should take this course as it guides them through the practical steps of writing, illustrating, designing, publishing, and selling their own books.
Self Publishing Consultant
Self Publishing Consultant
A Self Publishing Consultant guides authors through the process of independently publishing their books. They offer advice on various aspects, including editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and distribution. This course offers a practical understanding of self publishing, covering essential elements like ISBNs, printer selection, and marketing strategies. It may be useful for anyone aiming to establish a consulting practice in self publishing. The course helps build a consultant's knowledge base by showing the processes involved in creating and selling books. Given the course's focus on practical steps and strategies, aspiring consultants may find it especially helpful.
Small Business Owner
Small Business Owner
Small Business Owners manage and operate their own businesses. For authors, this often involves self publishing and marketing their books. This course helps Small Business Owners in the writing and publishing space understand all aspects of self publishing, from writing to selling. The course covers the complicated aspects of self publishing, such as ISBNs. This course helps authors function as successful small business owners.
Book Designer
Book Designer
A Book Designer is responsible for the visual layout and appearance of a book, including the cover, typography, and interior design. They ensure that the book is aesthetically pleasing and effectively communicates its message. This course helps Book Designers understand the specific considerations for designing children's books, which often require bright colors, playful fonts, and engaging layouts. With its focus on the look and feel of books, the course may be helpful for Book Designers seeking to expand their skills in this niche. The course helps designers understand the overall publishing process, ensuring that the design is effective and aligned with the book's content and target audience.
Illustrator
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates visual content for various media, including books, magazines, and websites. In the context of children's books, an illustrator brings the author's stories to life through vivid and engaging images. The course may be useful for illustrators who want to understand how to create artwork within the context of self publishing. Illustrators can benefit from the course's approach of discussing the overall look and feel of a book. The course helps illustrators contextualize their work within the publishing process.
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist
A Marketing Specialist develops and executes marketing strategies to promote products or services. For authors, a marketing specialist helps them reach their target audience and increase book sales. The course may be useful for marketing specialists looking to specialize in book marketing, particularly for self published children's books. The course helps marketing specialists understand the marketing landscape for self published authors. Given the course's coverage of selling and marketing strategies, aspiring marketing specialists may find it useful.
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writers create content for a variety of clients, including articles, blog posts, and marketing materials. Some freelance writers specialize in children's content. This course may be useful for freelance writers interested in writing children's books. The course helps freelance writers understand the nuances of writing for a younger audience, which requires a different style and tone than writing for adults. The course's insight into writing processes can help freelance writers develop their skills.
Editor
Editor
An Editor reviews and revises written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. In the context of children's books, an editor ensures that the language is appropriate for the target age group and that the story is engaging and age appropriate. As this course focuses on the writing process and self publishing for children's books, it may be useful for editors hoping to work in this area. The course may help editors have a greater appreciation of the author's writing process.
Content Creator
Content Creator
Content Creators develop engaging material for various platforms, including social media, websites, and blogs. A content creator focusing on children's literature might create book reviews, author interviews, or educational content related to reading. The course helps content creators understand the landscape of children's book publishing. The course, with its focus on writing, illustrating, designing, publishing, and marketing, can help content creators produce well informed materials.
Print Production Manager
Print Production Manager
A Print Production Manager oversees the printing process, ensuring that materials are produced to the required specifications and quality standards. This course helps Print Production Managers understand the unique requirements for printing children's books. By covering printer selection and quality control, the course may be useful for Print Production Managers. The course helps them make informed decisions. Given the course's practical guidance on printing, it's particularly relevant for those in this role.
Creative Director
Creative Director
A Creative Director oversees the creative output of a team or project, ensuring that it aligns with the overall vision and brand. In the context of children's books, a creative director might guide the design, illustration, and marketing efforts to create a cohesive and appealing product. The course may be useful for Creative Directors seeking a deeper understanding of self publishing children's books. The course helps Creative Directors understand the publishing requirements.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs educational materials and programs. Those interested in creating reading programs or developing literacy resources for children may be interested in this course. The course may be useful due to its focus on the writing and publishing process for children's books. The curriculum developer can use the knowledge to develop new and interesting content for children. The course's focus on writing for children may be particularly helpful.
Education Consultant
Education Consultant
An Education Consultant provides advice and guidance to schools, organizations, or individuals on educational matters. This course may be useful for Education Consultants looking to specialize in children's literacy or self publishing education programs, as it focuses on writing and publishing processes. The course may help consultants advise authors and educators. With the course's focus on self publishing, aspiring consultants may find it particularly valuable.
Librarian
Librarian
A Librarian manages library resources and assists patrons in finding information. Understanding the processes involved in creating and publishing books may assist librarians in their role. The course may be useful for librarians. The course helps librarians understand the nuances of self publishing. The course's focus on writing, design, and publishing is useful to librarians.
Literacy Specialist
Literacy Specialist
Literacy Specialists work to improve reading and writing skills in individuals and communities. An understanding of children's book publishing can help this expert to be more effective. This course discusses the unique qualities of this medium. They may be useful for Literacy Specialists by providing insight into the development of age appropriate content. The course helps this role better develop engaging, impactful strategies.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c8rt84/how
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
How to Write, Self Publish & Sell Children's Books.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing picture books, covering everything from generating ideas to crafting compelling narratives. It offers practical advice on structure, character development, and pacing, essential for aspiring children's book authors. The book also delves into the publication process, offering insights into working with illustrators and navigating the publishing industry. It valuable resource for understanding the nuances of the children's book market.
Explores the art of illustrating children's books, providing insights into different styles, techniques, and approaches. It showcases the work of various illustrators and offers guidance on creating visually appealing and engaging illustrations. While the course touches on finding illustrators, this book provides a deeper understanding of the illustration process. It is more valuable as additional reading to broaden your understanding of visual storytelling.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c8rt84/how
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