#42 in "Letters from Winnie" Series
Winnie Czulinski
Writer ~ Journalist ~ Ghostwriter ~ Editor -> Publishing-PR Pro -> Bringing Your Stories to Life!
In no particular order – the 42nd piece reflecting correspondence-advice I've written to potential book/writing-related clients over the years.
(I have reproduced no clients' emails to me – and have removed all identifying factors from my own letters to them; also, some letters are composites.)
2018
"Hello.........,
"...Well, your response to my ad is definitely one of the most endearing and unusual ones I’ve had! I think it's a lovely idea of helping your young child write a book – that might be read by others!
First, I’m sending you a version of my writing/PR bio - should give you a good idea of my background, skills and diversity. Same with my LinkedIn profile! I’m a longtime ghostwriter, author, editor, researcher, writing coach, publishing consultant, copywriter, media/publicity expert, journalist, short-story writer etc.
I have a lot of experience in diverse related fields that might be of great help to a would-be author – and throughout my life, I’ve spent quite a lot of time with children, caring for them, reading and creating stories (and helping them create their own), etc.
My interest also is professional, in that for many years I've followed the children's book industry, and stories that appeal, from toddlers to teens.
Right now, I'd love some more info – what kind of book does your child want to write? E.g., what is the subject and storyline, etc.? Does your child just want to write a story (as lots of kids do) – or really want to be a published author, and have any idea of what it involves??
A child of that age is quite young to understand…and yet, there are all sorts of ways anyone, of any age, can be easily published today – e.g., with an e-book – or simply to get something done through graphics and publishing software and programs, or at the local print shop, etc.
Please give me some more information – is it your strong wish as well that your child has a book that is published?
We can explore and investigate various forms of subsidy- and self-publishing, and the costs involved. I.e., I can do this kind of research for you, or guide you to do it on your own. And there may be services that specialize in children’s stories…I can explore that, too, and give you info.
For now, a few inspiring articles about parents-and-kids who did a book together!
Recommended by LinkedIn
So, doing a book with your child might provide a real bonding experience, or opp to put a family story or original tale into a format that might interest others...or allow you to give coverage to and create awareness of an important issue.
So many other parents and children out there might be struggling with similar challenges, grief and ideas – and a thoughtful, colourful book written by loving members of two generations might really hit home!
"You are not alone!" can be one of the important messages of your project.
I also can direct you to a few instructional/inspiring books, on how to undertake, create and publish this kind of project with your child.
But for now, if I were you, I might simply consider the idea of you and your child doing a home-project e-book, whether paper, digital or both – and then take it from there. If you do want to invest in doing a hard-copy book, you'll find there's a great variety of publishing and printing companies that can put together a fine- and fun-looking readable picture-product for you.
It can be difficult to get published by a traditional children’s book publisher, and most of those books are published by adult authors for child readers. Still, happy to talk further with you about the realities of this approach! I constantly research book publishers and their lists, upcoming books, media coverage and stories about their authors.
Keep in mind that if you want to have a really nice self-published product to sell, you should get it well-designed, and hire a good children’s-story illustrator/ designer/formatter (unless you have someone in your family or circle of friends etc., with these skills).
Anyway – please give me some more information, about what you and your child would like to do. Are you hoping for this book to be available to the world at large, available online through Amazon, etc.?? – or is it something you will do simply from your own/your child’s website? (and it’s a good idea to start planning one).
Overall, I feel I could be a great combo of mentor, coach, editor and consultant. Please feel free to send me any more questions. Then I'm happy to set up a phone convo :)
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