Hi All,

What you are about to read may seem like a rambling post. I know this. However, I am learning more and more about this self-publishing journey as I go, and I want to share my experience.

First and foremost, I want to say that if you don’t put the work in, your book will go nowhere. It might be easier those who have a socially relevant concept or a really neat idea, but unless you take the time to do the research, plan and execute a marketing plan, your book will be buried. Social media will only take you so far.

However, social media is a great way to network with other authors and get to know the ropes. I personally am a part of multiple Facebook groups for independently published authors and they have been a great resource. I will EMPHATICALLY state though the information from these groups is by no way a replacement for doing your own research. If you haven’t done so already go out and buy Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. (ß Affiliate Link)This book is a great place to start and will give you a great foundation so you know the right questions to ask that will yield better information for you.

In past posts, I spoke about taking myself seriously. I tried. I really reeeeeeeeally did. However, I tend to get discouraged very easily. If this is you, you need to ask yourself some hard questions about getting into this industry. I could take into account that I have 19, five star reviews on Amazon. I have received compliments from tons of people ranging from friends of friends, to old high school class mates, to the people I trust the most. I could take all that good and have it give me the confidence to approach more stores and libraries and to query more publishing companies and agents, but I haven’t.

You know those people on Shark Tank or American Idol who have given all they have to achieve their dreams? The ones who unfortunately have a poor business idea or a less than steller singing voice? THOSE people have family and friends cheering them on. THOSE people look defiantly into the camera and say ‘This isn’t the last you’ve seen of me!’ Well what if I am one of them? Why only 19 reviews when you have way more sales than that? Why did that lady at that book fair pick up my book and then sheepishly put it down? Am I a fool for continuing this journey? What if my next book isn’t as good as my first? Will people buy my next one? I.NEED.TO.STOP.DOING.THIS.TO.MYSELF. I need to. It doesn’t mean that none of those things are untrue and I am going to start believing in myself all of a sudden, it means that I am going to turn down this ‘noise’ that is keeping me from trying.

If you want to give yourself a good kick in the tukas about going for your dreams I highly recommend reading A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life, by Bethany Frankel.(ß Affiliate Link). She talks a lot about the ‘Noise’ in our heads that get in the way. The book is even better in Audio version. She has such a commanding voice it’s like she is telling you what to do. I liked it. Now fair warning, this book was before her divorce and she talks about how happy she is, and so that is a bit sad. HOWEVER, if you’ve seen the way she has bounced back, you know that she is still following the guidelines of this book.

Now that I have spilled my guts out, let’s move on to how I am going to proceed. Step one: Stop the noise – Check. Step two: Go for it – Semi check. Below is the one sheet I created to promote ‘Sam Likes Jam’.(ß affiliate link) I plan to send it out to the local schools and libraries in hopes they will carry my book. I am still working on two more books, I have another one edited and ready to go and a novel in the works. I don’t have the time to participate in NANOWRIMO, but I am wishing all of my fellow writers the best of luck!!

Until Next Time!

-Niki

p.s. I am trying out the Amazon affiliate program. I will be up front and clearly mark any affiliate links accordingly. ❤