Your Book Questions, Answered
What’s been the hardest part about writing your book?
Time. Doing this while trying to run my freelance business and co-parent two little kids has been tough. Creating a picture book isn’t as easy as coming up with an idea, writing it, finding an illustrator, and getting it printed (although for some self-publishers, it may be).
And writing is only one part of the equation. Marketing a book is a huge undertaking (that I’ll write about in an upcoming issue). So, yeah — time has been the hardest obstacle to tussle with.
How did you find your illustrator?
I looked through my kids’ books and made a list of the illustrators whose work I liked most. I went online to find their portfolios and added those links to the list.
Then, I used my cheat code. Working with a hybrid publisher means having access to their database of vetted, reliable, talented illustrators. I sent my list to my project manager, along with my budget. I knew the illustrators I’d listed were probably well beyond my price range, so I asked her to find someone whose style was similar.
She sent me a shortlist of three. One of them was Adriana Predoi, the illustrator whose work I’ve previewed in other posts. I couldn’t be happier with how she’s brought Mortimer to life!
Why did you do a Kickstarter if you’re planning to sell the book elsewhere?
If you’re a fan of a particular author and follow them on social media, you’ve probably seen them advertise a pre-order campaign. They’ll usually offer a freebie (a small physical gift, access to a private event, etc.) in exchange for your proof of purchase.
Pre-order campaigns are important because they show that there’s buzz around a book, and that might encourage the author’s publisher to invest more money in marketing the book, which means the book stands to sell more copies.
As a self-publishing author, my Kickstarter kinda did the same thing. Although I don’t have a big publisher ready to invest more money in my marketing campaign (sigh), I do have a bunch of people (like you!) excited to get the book and spread the word about Mortimer the Terrier’s Second Chance.
I missed the Kickstarter! Where can I get my copy?
Once the book is published, it’ll be available here on my website and some other retailers. I’m working on that now and will share more details here and on my Instagram (@kristinhansonwrites) as soon as I have them.
When will the book be available to buy?
Assuming all stays on sale, the book will be on sale in mid-November — just in time for your holiday shopping!
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to email me! I’d love to chat with you.