INTERVIEW: How to Publish a Picture Book +Bookgiveaway

BLAST Off! Claire Chadwick’s innovative picture book, So Many Sounds EXPLODES with a multitude of noises  to delight young children {4yrs plus}.

WELCOME: Claire Chadwick, an Australian author, teacher and MUM to two young children.

So Many Sounds delivers an interactive experience, teaching children sound awareness through reading, listening, singing So Many Sounds Song and completing engrossing activities.

Claire, I’d like to find out HOW you published your picture book…

Karen: Why did you publish So Many Sounds?

Claire: I published So Many Sounds because I knew would be a great resource for teachers and parents.  A professional editor assessed it and she was just as excited about it as me –boosting my confidence to get this book out into the world.

I had sent off several manuscripts to BIG publishing houses and was exhausted with waiting around to hear back from them. When given the power, opportunity and knowledge to publish So Many Sounds; I was not going to let that chance slip.

Karen: How did your picture book develop?

Claire Chadwick

Claire: This book stemmed from a lovely moment shared with my infant son Ryder. As I was hushing him to sleep, singing a few of his favourite lullabies – the idea of a ‘sounds’ story popped into my mind.

The original manuscript came together very quickly, but then the process of editing, re-writing and improving took a couple of months. Overtime the original story changed and bloomed, taking on a different direction, until I was completely happy with it.

Once the manuscript was complete, I found a local illustrator, Trevor Salter who had a wonderful portfolio. Using his drawing talents, he brought So Many Sounds to life with his loveable characters and colourful scenes.

Karen: How did you know So Many Sounds was ready to publish?

Claire: Anthony Puttee from Book Cover Café opened up my eyes to the many opportunities now available in the publishing industry. Under his guidance and mentoring, I began the publishing process of So Many Sounds.

Once my manuscript had been professionally edited, and I had spent many months working on and refining the story – I knew it was ready to reveal to the world. All artists take pride in their work – but there is a special feeling that comes when you produce something from scratch and fully immerse yourself in the process as it blossoms.

I have spent the last six months working full-time on publishing this book and am buzzing with excitement right now.

Karen: What advice do you give to someone who wants to publish their picture book?

Claire:

• Go for it! If writing is something you are truly passionate about – never give up.

• The publishing industry is a hard one to break into, so research all your options – don’t just wait around for a ‘lucky break’.
• Get a dynamic illustrator! A picture book is nothing without the magic of great illustrations!

Download FREE Parent & Teacher Resource activities and the song. HERE 

You can buy So Many Sounds on Amazon. HERE

WIN!! So Many Sounds Bookgiveaway

Please leave a Comment or QUESTION below to win a FREE e-copy

Two WINNERS will be announced here on July 28  8.00 pm EST
Good luck in the competition!!

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