MYTH versus REALITY (part two)
Amy Sparkes busts some common preconceptions about the life of a children’s writer
It’s easier to prepare for a career when you have inside information about it. So, what’s the truth of being a children’s author? And what are merely myths? The second part of this mini-series helps to manage your expectations and work out how to invest your time and energy to achieve the result you want in the world of children’s fiction.
Myth 6: My selfpublished children’s book will help me get a publisher/agent
Sometimes a self-published book takes Amazon by storm and earns the author thousands of pounds. Yes, this does happen, but please be aware it is rare. Agents and publishers do sometimes keep an eye on self-published material, in case something awesome is out there. It’s possible – but unlikely to be picked up. Once the book has been in the public sphere, many publishers would prefer to work on new material instead. However, a self-published book can offer other opportunities. You could send copies to an agent or publisher as a sample of the work you can produce (NB they won’t get posted back). It will demonstrate that you have creativity, discipline and enthusiasm to complete a story and see a project through. It can also open doors to schools and local festivals.
What you can do:
Employ the services of a professional editor when you are producing your book and think carefully about illustrations. If you’re illustrating yourself, can you do the book justice? Or could you employ a professional illustrator? Thinking about these things will help make the book the best it can be – crucial if you intend to showcase your book to publishers and agents as well as for placing it in shops. Most importantly, enjoy the satisfaction of your completed book for its own sake.