We published a book!

  My mother is a retired public school teacher who has worn many hats in her volunteer efforts and interests. She is also a gifted writer. Two years ago she asked if I would illustrate a children’s book she was going to attempt to publish.  I loved the idea but was very intimidated because I have no education in that area, just a love of creating stuff.

 At the time I was playing around with scrapbooking and paper products, so that’s how I decided to design my illustrations.  There were no sketches. I picked up her manuscript and as I read along I wrote down the scenes I saw in my head.  “Mom and daughter riding in open jeep through jungle road”… etc.   Then I picked up a scissor and started cutting out images, rough-hewn, for lack of a better term.  It was such a fun process because I had no  lines or boundaries I HAD to adhere to….   Always a plus for me….

 Pleased with the results.. we decided to send off the images with the manuscript to various publishing houses, thinking we’d at least get a reply, even if it was a – thanks but no thanks-.  We followed the rules, producing discs with the images in the quality they asked for, (that cost $1,100. alone, just to have my papercut pieces photographed!) and we put the packages together the way the publishing houses want them presented.  This part of the business bugs me… you’d think.. with their strict requirements for submissions and the cost of said submissions to the writer and illustrator.. that they would at least give you a reply at some point, or an acknowledgement of receipt. All it would take is an e-mail.

   I suppose there are so many submissions on any given day that it might be impossible.  Nowadays everyone and their brother and third cousin twice removed by a second marriage wants to write a children’s book.    I’d rather believe in that explanation then one like “they don’t need you, you need them.” That just seems…rude.     Having an agent would help the process along, but most agents don’t want you if you’re a nobody.

  So.. after a year of this struggle, we decided to self-publish with LULU.  I’ve just gotten notice from them that the book will soon be available.  They did some of the cover design work around the image submitted and I won’t say I’m IN LOVE with it, but after weeks of back and forth, the process was tiring and I settled on what their design team came up with.  I just ordered a preliminary copy and I’ll share it with you if I like what I see.  

  Below are a few images from the book. We may not be professionals deserving of a proper agent or a big publishing house, but we sure had fun putting it together.  And to me, that’s what it’s all about –

  

41 thoughts on “We published a book!”

  2. I LOVE it Karen! You are just so multi-talented!!! Seriously, I bow down to you! The illustrations are VERY cute! It'll be great!! And it is especially cool that you and your mom did it together.

  3. Karen,

    You are SO talented! Those pictures are so cute.

    Good luck with your book. What an exciting time for you and your Mom!

  5. I can't wait to own my very own copy! You need to look into the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (scbwi), as well as the CT award for first time authors/illustrators. One more feather in a cap that is full! Congratulations:-)

  6. All I can say is, "WOW!" I think it well deserves to be published. I'm thinking of the wonderful legacy that you and your mom are creating together.

  7. This is so cool!!! You're a real live illustrator … to add to all of the other hats you wear every day. I love the way you did this collage/applique style!

  8. I think your images are great and the fact that you and your mom did this project together is something you will treasure forever. I hope it all goes very well for you.

  9. Huge congrats, Karen 🙂 Like others have said, I can't wait to hear more about it (like the title – all those fab images of the jungle and gorilla are making me wonder).

    Oh, and the book business (publishers/agents)? Very, very difficult business.

  10. Sending congratulations on several blogs this morning, there's good news all around! What an accomplishment, the illustrations are wonderful and I wish your Mother the best with this venture. Good for her, growing and going! People see a brick wall, or they simply hunt for a ladder to scale it!

  12. Very cool! And the pictures are fabulous – I used to make a living as a portrait artist, and I am too intimidated to illustrate my OWN book!

    Would you please share the details of self-publishing? Like, what is the cost, what are the profits, etc?

    Congratulations to you both!

  13. Wow! You really are one talented girl!!! It shows in everything you do from your home to your garden, your chicken coop plans, that amazing Florida house painting, now this book! NICE! xo

  16. Good for you both – the publishing world is hard to break into – and it was good that you took things in your own hands and self-published. The illustrations are wonderful!

    xo
    Claudia

  17. I love the illustrations! Makes me think of Eric Carle and Leo Lionni, but with your own style! Their books were very popular with my boys when they were small. I hope you and your mom have great success! Let us know where to purchase… My guys are grown up, but there may be a birthday or something!

  21. Oh my goodness, are you kidding me???? I'm in awe! Seriously, I can't draw to save my life. Your drawings are amazing, and very, very professional looking to my untrained, yet consumer savvy eye!

    Way cool – congratulations to you both!!

    🙂
    ButterYum

  22. Good for you guys! Thats awesome. Way to stick with it and not give up. I bet you and your Mom are very proud. You should be.

  23. Karen, this is awesome!!! And the fact you and your Mom did it together is wonderful. What other hidden talents have you got girl?

  24. Hip Hip HOORAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    So happy for you both! I love your mom! Can't wait to see her at the library. Congratulations! And I have 2 rugrats I can buy the book for! Love you! ♥♥♥

  27. Congratulations! These illustrations are fantastic! You are an artist! Shame on those publishers for not acknowledging receiving your book!

  30. Love, love, love it!!! Are you familiar with Barefoot Books? They sell lovely, creative books and I certainly think this fits that niche.
    Now I am really curious about the story!

  32. Holy hannah, these are beyond words cool. I love the style they invoke!

    Seriously in love with these.

    Talk about a triple+ threat you are!

  35. Congratulations!!!!! Oh, I loved it the minute I saw it in progress – you and your mom are a force of talent!

    Beautiful work, Karen, and I can't wait to buy a copy!

    H-

  36. So happy for you and your mom. This is simply awesome, Karen!

    Please let us know the moment we can purchase!

  37. Oh Karen, how very exciting! I hate the whole publisher thing, how it has dominated writers for years. That's the way I'd have gone myself!
    Brenda

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