The books in Paula DePaoli’s Detective Joe Mouse series are easy to love. “But not so easy to publish,” Paula says.
As we talked about the steps it took to transform the colorful, fun books from an idea to the moment they are read to a child, I realized something about creativity: it takes heart, guts, patience, determination, deep love, and, sometimes, money!
The steps to publishing a child’s book, in 25 words or less?
Get an idea and write the masterpiece; hire an editor; rewrite; ponder; rewrite again; hire an illustrator; hire a formatter; (watch for scams) figure out how to publish your book on Amazon; and, finally, create a website for marketing.
Whew! Oh, I almost forgot. It’s a series! Start writing another book! All this to give the world a little detective mouse—and lots of giggling—and to hear, “Read it to me again, Grandma!”
No, Paula, your delightful series is not child’s play. It’s a grown-up challenge and accomplishment, worthy of a glass of wine! Salud!
I can so relate to her story. I love to write, but the publishing part is work. Currently working at marketing, but also making it a priority to spend some time each week to write. Just like Paula (and Susan Osborn, earlier post), I get great joy from writing.
Great and inspiring.
I am one of those “some day” I will rewrite those pesky books.