When Writers Become Publishers
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Launching an imprint can be a heavy lift, even during an economical era that is becoming increasingly advantageous for independent creators. Self-publishing allows a writer to retain primary control of how, when, and to whom her/his/their work is distributed. The trade-off is an author will be paying out of pocket from day one to reach potential readers. So how does one decide if taking on the role of publisher is a smart call in terms of career goals and book sales?
Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison has published dozens of books under her own imprint, plus a few traditional publishing houses. Carving out a niche for her own work eventually catapulted Pattison to bestseller status. Read on to glean a few more gems behind her ongoing success.
What was the allure of independently publishing your books?
I decided to indie publish to give myself the best scope for my creative life. I've taught writing in many venues for many years, and I knew my writing was quality. But nothing was selling. Could I trust my own opinions of the value of my work? My first book, WISDOM, THE MIDWAY ALBATROSS received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, and I've never looked back.
Do you have any advice for writers who are hesitant to pursue self-publishing because they're anxious about if/where their books will ever be sold?
Good books find a market. My job isn't to stock the shelves of a bookstore. Instead, I try to reach the right readers with the right book at the right time. That attitude means I explore many and various opportunities to sell books. I'm looking for readers, not the validation of seeing my book in a bookstore. I sell online on all the major distributors plus on my own website. Look at children's book apps, and you'll see my books. I've sold five Korean translations and four Chinese translations. With five National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Outstanding Science Book awards, the books find a ready home in elementary science classrooms. Anywhere children's books are sold is fair game for my publishing program to contact then try to work together to put books in the hands of readers.
What are two to three marketing tips you think everyone should try at least once?
First, get your metadata right. All the information about your book should be accurate and up-to-date with all your partners. It sounds boring and possibly unhelpful. But correct information is crucial to sales.
Second, look for the widest distribution possible. Educational distributors, apps for children's book reading, teacher organizations, novelty or gift shops—there are many places that stock and sell children's books. My goal is to add a couple new distributors every year.
How have you cultivated community with other authors?
I participate in the writers’ community by teaching classes at Highlights Foundation and the Storyteller's Academy. I'm on several Facebook groups—including being the admin for the WideForTheWinKids, an online group for indie kidlit authors and publishers. In addition, I blog for IndieKidsBooks.com.
Any advice for writers who haven't been published yet who feel overwhelmed or extremely unsure about how to navigate the publishing industry?
First and foremost, learn to write a great story. Take classes, join critique groups, and—write, write, write. The basis of a career in children's books is your writing skill. Spend the time and money to learn to write for this unique audience. Once you have a great story, evaluate your options for publishing. Many prefer the traditional world, but increasingly indie publishing is an option. Many resources exist for either option.
Pattison writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, a Notable Social Studies Trade Books, and the Susannah DeBlack Arkansas Children’s History Book award. A list of titles written by Pattison can be accessed here.
*One last note for authors looking to increase visibility in tangent with sales—digital platforms that helped generate higher revenue in 2021 (according to the Alliance for Independent Authors) were: