Mary Emma Allen Publishes a Children’s Anthology – Part 2

HomeBizNotes.com

Yesterday, I related how I self-published my children’s anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery. This covered why and how. Today, I’ll discuss illustrations for the book and choosing a cover.

Illustrations

I also realized I needed some illustrations for the book. I do some sketching and painting. I’ve actually sold paintings, posters and greeting cards. But I don’t consider myself predominately an artist.

However, when I looked into the cost of hiring an illustrator or finding a print program that allowed me to use the work for a book, I decided to do the illustrations myself. If I’d had more time, I would have done more of them. However, I’ve received compliments on those I did and eventually made a coloring book from them.
Cover Design

The one aspect I was dissatisfied with was the original cover design. I didn’t have time to do something myself similar to the type of illustrations I had in the book. So I sketched something abstract and slightly mysterious.

Because of budget restrictions, I had to go with a blue, black and gray cover. Anything more colorful was going to cost $1000 more.

When I saw my book displayed at the workshop, I realized my cover didn’t stand out and call attention to the book or give the idea it was a children’s book. Eventually, my husband and I designed a cover utilizing my illustrations in a collage effect and replaced the initial cover ourselves.

Then I had 500 books to promote and sell. I still have some of them but that fits into my plans. I don’t sell them through Amazon or the big name bookstores. I have done some book signings in local stores. But most of these have been sold on my web site (when I had one) and at workshops and school visits.

I have been pleased with this self-publishing experience and the results.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comments.

(Amazon image)

(c) 2008 Mary Emma Allen