A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SELF PUBLISHING A SPIRITUAL OR INSPIRATIONAL KIDS' BOOK
STEP ONE: START WRITING
If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely written your book already, but let’s not jump to conclusions. When writing your book, consider the following:
What makes my book different from what is already out there? Do some research and see what is out there in your genre and how well it is selling.
What is unique about your story? Do you have a different take on a subject? Do you have some personal experience or qualification that makes you the best person to tell the story? This will become the basis of your selling point.
Who is your audience? Don’t be tempted to say “everyone”. Be specific about what age group you are aiming at (this will affect the language you use and the length of your story), who your niche target market is (it is much easier, and more affordable, to market to a niche group than to the entire world), and who will actually buy the book (will it be the child, their parents, a gift book?)
Then, of course, you need to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard, whatever your preferred method! Never delay! If you have an idea, even if it is incomplete, write it down. Ideas have a funny way of slipping away from you if you leave them unattended. Keep a pen and paper next to your bed, next to your meditation chair, in your car, next to the loo. The thing about writing is to write – as much as possible, as often as possible. You may not end up using all your ideas, but you can only lose ideas that you haven’t committed to paper.
Don’t judge your writing prematurely. If you’re feeling stuck, put your work aside for a few days or weeks and come back to it with fresh eyes and fresh ideas when you feel ready. It is more important to keep writing than to keep editing.
Join a writing group. There are some existing groups, but you can always create your own. Meet weekly with a friend or two and share your ideas and be open to constructive criticism. Ideas grow well when watered with relevant conversation!
What makes my book different from what is already out there? Do some research and see what is out there in your genre and how well it is selling.
What is unique about your story? Do you have a different take on a subject? Do you have some personal experience or qualification that makes you the best person to tell the story? This will become the basis of your selling point.
Who is your audience? Don’t be tempted to say “everyone”. Be specific about what age group you are aiming at (this will affect the language you use and the length of your story), who your niche target market is (it is much easier, and more affordable, to market to a niche group than to the entire world), and who will actually buy the book (will it be the child, their parents, a gift book?)
Then, of course, you need to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard, whatever your preferred method! Never delay! If you have an idea, even if it is incomplete, write it down. Ideas have a funny way of slipping away from you if you leave them unattended. Keep a pen and paper next to your bed, next to your meditation chair, in your car, next to the loo. The thing about writing is to write – as much as possible, as often as possible. You may not end up using all your ideas, but you can only lose ideas that you haven’t committed to paper.
Don’t judge your writing prematurely. If you’re feeling stuck, put your work aside for a few days or weeks and come back to it with fresh eyes and fresh ideas when you feel ready. It is more important to keep writing than to keep editing.
Join a writing group. There are some existing groups, but you can always create your own. Meet weekly with a friend or two and share your ideas and be open to constructive criticism. Ideas grow well when watered with relevant conversation!