Pug Story is live on Kickstarter!

Hello,

I want to begin by thanking all of you for continuing to read and support this blog.  As many of you may remember from my last post, I was getting ready to launch a new Kickstarter campaign, that if successful, will keep kids smiling across the globe! Well...we are now live and would love for you to take a look at our campaign:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/92291195/pug-storys-chloey-the-pug-plush-toy

While I am no Kickstarter expert, I hope that the success I had regarding crowd funding such as this will be helpful for all of you who may be thinking of starting, growing your product line, or adding                                                                       another book to your series.

And don't forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

It may be time to grow your product line!

Hello,

It has been a long time since my last blog and for that I apologize.  But, it is time to get my fingers typing again so I can share all the neat things I have been doing to grow my children's line beyond books. In 2012, I raised thousands of dollars in order to produce my first Pug Story children's book, "Chloey's BIG Move".  Since hitting the shelves, Pug Story books are now sold in stores across the world.  When people began asking me about the second book coming out it got me thinking.  For as many people who wanted the next book in the series to come out, even more people wanted to know if I carried Pug plush toys to match the book.  And of course, that got me really thinking; what was the best course of action for growing my product line.

Since I was getting more requests for Pug plush toys than another book, I began my research.  I started bringing a few Pug plush toys I had myself to readings. After each reading I was left with less and less plush toys.  The kids loved them and always asked to keep them.  When they look up at me and bat their eyelashes and then say, "pretty please, " it's just too hard to say no. I knew I had to get those toys made. As cute as these kids are, an emotional pull is just one component of this new project. The other aspect of course is the business component, which includes the execution of your plan.  

I have been lucky to work with some wonderful manufacturer's, both stateside and overseas for the better of 12 years.  Because they are trusted resources, I reached out to some of them to begin the process of sourcing a Pug plush toy to add to my line, giving my fans what they really want!

Sample Pug plush toy

Once I contacted my resources, I was able to do the following:

• Pick the exact look, size and color of the plush I wanted
• Decide on the most efficient minimum order quantity (MOQ) for my first run
• Agree to a Free on Board (FOB) price 
• Set up logistics for shipping the product to the states and start getting quotes from my sources
• By adding the above two points I got a good handle on my final cost per piece
• Go through the process of prototyping to get a pre-production item ready
• Make sure my quality control settings are in place
• Determine time lines and delivery dates once order is placed
• Mitigate potential pitfalls by adding on extra time for delivery and money on the back end

NOW......it is time to secure the funding for such a project!  The process is related to an older post talking about crowd funding sites such as; Kickstarter or Indiegogo, reaching out to family and friends or your inner circle.  Don't forget to reach out to groups that mirror what you are trying to do through social media etc.  

*For example; I write a book series called Pug Story for children, so naturally I began working with Non-Profits related to Pugs and dogs, as well as children's charities.  By working with these groups you will gain credibility, extra exposure, and in turn, feel great about being able to help them as well! 

It is truly a Win-Win!  

Pug Story will be launching our newest Kickstarter campaign this Friday, so stay tuned for details and more.

And don't forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

Summertime is sales time!

Hello,

Since you have worked so hard thus far to get your book published and start getting it out into the marketplace, you have earned some fun in the sun...while making money!

Grass roots events are a great way to sell, promote, and build your brand while having some fun.  Until recently you may have been "cooped" up indoors while getting your book to where it is now; in your hands and hopefully in a few customers as well.  When the weather is nice, it is a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to make direct sales, interact with larger groups, build your network, and meet your supporters!

Start by looking up events happening in your neighborhood or even somewhere further away if you are able to travel.  Try contacting your chamber of commerce for dates of events and learn about the steps you will need to take to be a part of them.  Because there so many festivals that occur throughout the summer months you are bound to find the right outdoor venue to set up shop and start selling!  Because my book is a children's book I looked for opportunities where I know families will be attending

Busy marketplaces or festivals are wonderful places to sell your books

      DON'T FORGET TO WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! 

Sell your book direct to consumer

Hello,

Summertime is a great time to get in front of people and sell your book directly to them.  Direct sales offer higher margins and returns, create opportunities to meet your customers, and allow you to personalize books while taking pictures for your social media sites.  No one can talk about your book and the story behind it as well as you can.  After all, your book is the culmination of your hard work and creative ideas.

There are a a multitude of venues, events, and markets where you can set up and sell your book.  Take the appropriate steps to ensure it is ok for you to sell somewhere so you avoid potential problems with the venue.  Make sure you are prepared and ready to go so your sales efforts will be smooth and efficient.  Some things that will be helpful while you are selling your book direct to consumer:

• Appropriate amount of product to sell
• Cash so you can make change if necessary 
• Credit card swiper that attaches to your smart phone--Personally I like Pay Pal but "Square" or something like that is also ok
• Pens for signing books
• Plenty of business cards and some fun marketing cards--Consider adding a QR code on them for your website, facebook, twitter etc.  Someone can scan the code with their smart phone and they will be directed to your pages with ease.  I have used the above card which includes 3 QR codes for my different social media sites.  
• Sign up sheets for you to collect customers information for your database.  This way you can contact them with a newsletter, updates for future events, and fun facts about the business in general.  

It is important to diversify your sales efforts.  Meaning it is good to sell to stores, work with wholesalers and distributors, and also sell direct to consumer.  A major benefit of direct sales is that there is no waiting period to get paid like there is with a wholesaler.  Once you swipe your customers card the revenue will be immediately available to you which can be very helpful for a new business needing to balance their cash flow.  

Pay Pal has helped me simplify the transactional component to my sales efforts.  They offer a reasonable flat fee and take a small percentage of each sale.  There are no hidden fees or surprises with them...which I love.  While looking for a merchant vendor be careful as there can be hidden fees and sometimes delays in receiving payments.  Pay Pal offers a credit card so the minute you swipe and make a sale the money automatically goes on your card.  You can keep it on the card to use for business expenses or you can transfer the money to your bank accounts.  https://www.paypal.com/
                                       
Remember to tap into your existing networks for chances to sell direct to consumer.  For example, I  donated books to The Chicago Firefighter's Widow Fund.  As a result I was invited to their annual family picnic where I set up a table and sold a good amount of books to the families there.  I brought my life sized Chloey the Pug mascot for fun, had a chance to meet the kids, sign their books, take pictures with them, and we had a great time!  It is days like that I realize how lucky I am to be able to say, "This is my job, and I love it!"

If you have any questions or want to know more about choosing the right place to sell your book directly, or the right steps to take please let me know.

And don't forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

The Power of Social Media

Hello,

I never thought I would be so heavily involved in social media.  I have always valued my privacy and the thought of putting myself and business/book out into the world for all to see was definitely scary.  Scary or not....using social media for marketing and selling your book is vital.

While I am no social media pro yet, I have seen my efforts begin to "pay-off" both personally and for my book and business.  I began with  Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/PugStory, then Linkedin, this blog, and I recently joined Twitter; https://twitter.com/jfearheller.  Create profiles that will grab attention and be creative but honest. It requires a lot of work and some trial and error to keep your social media platforms updated, so make sure you have some fun while you are doing it.  If you are unsure about how some of these sites work consider reaching out to some local schools/colleges to find someone who can help you.

For example: On Twitter I began "following" and was then "followed" by some Pug and dog rescue groups who have ordered books from me and even invited me to their events....The Pug Rescue group invited us to sign and sell books at the Milwaukee Pug Festival later this month. Teaming up with the right people and groups will be essential as you share and sell your book.  I quickly learned that my book did not only appeal to parents buying it for their kids but for Pug and dog lovers too.

On Facebook I set up a personal page first.  I thought this would help me connect with people from my past and in my life now, and it did.  I began to re connect with people and let them know about Pug Story etc.  Seek out certain groups and or people that will reciprocate your efforts and help raise awareness about you and your book.

Linkedin is a great networking site.  I have worked with some wonderful people in all facets of my business with whom I connected. You can find just about anyone or anything you might need for your business on this platform and in return the right people can find you and learn more about your book.

Keep your posts, tweets etc. relevant and interesting.  Let people know who you are and what you are all about.  Make sure to use fun and appropriate pictures to illustrate and highlight you and your book.  Offer poignant tips and helpful information as you go so as not to simply promote yourself but truly offer your following something they might not have gotten anywhere else.

Social media can be a lucrative and wonderful sales vehicle if used properly.  The reach, exposure, and rapid sharing of information, for free I might add, far exceeds that of traditional marketing or advertising strategies.  There are webinars, seminars, literature etc. to help us understand how these platforms work and how we can make them work for us as self-published authors.  If you have a website, www.pugstory.com, make sure you link up all of your social media sites with it as one platform should funnel into the next ever so seamlessly.

Hopefully some of this was helpful but if you would like more detailed or specific information please contact me and let me know how I can help.

Dont forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

Be back soon!

Hi All,

I am so very sorry I have not posted new information during the last few weeks.  I am pleased to say it is because Pug Story has been busier than ever at reading, events, and planning for upcoming events.

I so appreciate all of my viewers and promise to offer some helpful tips in my next entry on how to use social media as a cost effective and efficient way to reach your new market and get your book in the pipelines.

Coming soon so make sure to check back in the next few days and keep up the great work!

JACI Don’t forget to WRITE WRITE WRITE!

UPC and ISBN for your book

Hello,

Because this can be such a busy time for a newly self-published author I want to make sure the below details don't slip through the cracks as you begin talking to retailers.

• Obtain ISBN (International Standard Book Number)-- This is how retailers etc. can locate and verify your book. 
• Obtain UPC/bar code--this is how retailers can scan your product easily.
• List price of book

All 3 of these numbers must be combined on the sticker or embedded in the bottom right side of the back of the book or in the dust jacket, particularly for the big box stores.  Below are two great sites for information and obtaining the numbers you need.

http://www.isbnagency.com           Here is an example:
http://www.barcode-us.com

• Secure any appropriate trademarks and copyrights for your book and list them on one of the first interior pages.  Below are two great resources for learning about how to protect your IP (Intellectual Property)

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html
http://www.uspto.gov/

If you have not embedded this info into the book you can still get a sticker from one of the above mentioned companies.  Next time I want to write about continuing to market your book and how to get it out there!  I will be starting another Kickstarter campaign soon to raise funds for book 2 in the Pug Story series, so I will be offering specific do's and don't about that process.  

I hope you all will continue to send me your thoughts, feedback, and stories.  I am here to help you on your journey in any way I can because I know that YOU CAN DO IT!

Don't forget to WRITE,WRITE,WRITE!  

Like I tell my kids at readings etc. 

ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!

JACI

Promote your book readings

Hi there,

Here is an example of a marketing material I am using to promote an upcoming reading.  As I mentioned in my last post make sure to cross promote yourself and the store.  You can send out e-mail blasts, social media alerts, and pass them out in person.

Set up book readings and signings

Hello,

Let's talk a bit about how to begin marketing your book.  Hopefully by now you have made some sales to your close circle of friends, family, and local shops etc.  This will give you some great feedback and the confidence to start setting up readings and signings.  Bonus:  You can sell signed copies when you do readings (unless the place you're reading at sells them).

Remember, when you are reading to kids and trying to keep them engaged you have to be outgoing,  comical, animated and get them involved when possible.  There is nothing more boring then someone who just blandly reads the book.  You can be sure to see some restless audience members.

Create and distribute marketing materials cross-promoting your reading and book title with the place you will be doing the reading.  Create a win-win, meaning your presence and reading will give you and the store more exposure.  Start by searching for places you think would be a good fit do to your reading.  Just pick up the phone or go in person and talk to the decision maker about doing a reading or fun event there.  Let them know you will be marketing on their behalf and that you will provide a unique and fun experience.  

Send the info for reading via your social media platforms, print appropriately sized marketing materials and hand them out, ask local stores to keep them at register etc. Get the word out there.

Get creative with how you read your book to kids. Kids love to laugh and be engaged so try to bring them into the story if you can.  It can be as simple as asking them to make sounds during certain parts of the book, clap their hands, yell whooohoo...anything that makes them feel included.  I promise once you have done your first reading you will never want to stop!

Check back soon for tips on how to get media coverage for your book and how to build a great social media platform.

Don't for to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE

JACI

Your first book sales

Hello,

Let's say you secured the appropriate financing and your book has been printed.  First of all.....I want to congratulate you on this major accomplishment.  I know it has been no easy task to get this far.  So, take a minute and remember that you did it!  Now it is time to sell your book and start making money.

A few entries back I wrote about creating your layers of supporters, backers, family and friends.  It is time to convert those people into your first customers.  I was thrilled to be able to deliver signed books to my backers who in many cases ended up ordering additional copies to give as gifts.  I started getting emails from people all over the country who had received the book as a gift and wanted to let me know they loved it!  I received this picture and a thank you from a family that got the book as a gift from a dear friend and backer of mine.  He even took it to show and tell!

I asked several shops I frequent and store owners I know if they would kindly display my book with cards in front.  I started making sales in places you might never think you would sell your book.  I quickly learned that in those places it is more of an impulse buy than a planned one.  Nonetheless, they are still sales and you are getting your book out there.

Set up a few readings to kick off your sales and overall awareness of you and your book.  This will help generate excitement about buying your book.  If it is interesting and people like it they will definitely tell their friends about you!

While these early and direct sales will hopefully cause a spike in your sales, you should also expect that to plateau.  When this happens you need to have a very definitive plan in place to diversify your sales and distribution channels.  But I will get into that in more detail in my next entries.

Don't forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI
 

Pug Story website is live

Good Morning,

I hope all of you had a great turkey day!  I will be giving some tips an helpful info on marketing your book in my next entry.  Since I have started this blog some of you have contacted me to say that now you too will be writing and self-publishing your own book....YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

I am proud to share our new and updated website with you: www.pugstory.com where you can purchase a copy of "Chloey's BIG Move" and learn more about the series and other fun info.  I am so thankful to those of you who have contacted me and hope you like the site and love the book!

And don't forget to just WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

Pug Story has arrived!

Hi there,

I will keep this short and sweet.  I felt it only appropriate to share with all of you who have continued to read my blog (as some of you have mentioned that you are now starting on your own book) some great news!

My book is out and will be on shelves here in local Chicago stores in the next week or two and by the end of this week our updated website will be live at www.pugstory.com  It is the most amazing feeling to see all of your hard work come to life and hold a beautiful book in your hands that you helped create!  If I can do it.... so can you! People's faces light up when they see it and trust me....there are few better feelings than making someone smile.  Never give up on your dreams!

My next entries will discuss how to market your book and get it out there into the world.

And don't forget to just WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

Bank financing for your book and business part III

Hi there,

Hopefully by now you have reached out to your most inner circle of friends and family for the initial capital to self-publish your book.  Maybe you have even posted your project on a crowd funding site like: www.kickstarter.com, www.indiegogo.com, www.rockethub.com, or www.startupaddict.com (there are many more but those are a few that tend to focus a bit more on creative projects).  The good news is that in doing this you will expand your reach, grow awareness about your book and business, and raise money without giving up too much on your end, like royalties or equity in your business.

Self-publishing, marketing, and selling your book will not be cheap.  Aside from the hard cost of creating and printing your book, the business side of things can get costly.  To market and sell your book you may decide to have your own website with E-commerce capability, optimize your site, create marketing materials, purchase software like Quick Books, Sales Force, Constant Contact, or others like those.  You will want to protect your intellectual property, pay vendors on time, ship products, and manage any additional overhead you may incur.

While it is true that obtaining institutional financing for a new business is much more difficult these days, it is not impossible.  I would start by talking to someone at your bank who handles business loans etc.  I know from experience that Chase bank has a strong relationship with the SBA (Small Business Administration) www.sba.gov which is a great resource.  Even if you are not a candidate at that moment you will learn what you need to do to become one in the future.

If you are a homeowner it may not be out of the question to pull some equity out of your home to offset some of your business costs.  Give your mortgage broker or banker a call to see if this is a viable option for you.  To learn a little bit more about what that will mean check out the site; www.getsmart.com.

There are organizations, both private and government that, believe it or not, are still allocating funds to small businesses.  It is up to us to find the right one for our needs.  For example, as a female business owner you can apply to join the WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) www.wbenc.org.  The same goes for other "minority" owned businesses, so take a look at; www.ethnicmajority.com to learn more.

Since we are writers we have an ability to effectively articulate our project, needs, and capabilities.  There are grants being given around the world and knowing which one is right for you coupled with writing a great grant proposal could certainly give you an edge.  To better familiarize yourself with the process and identify active organizations offering grants take a look at; www.businessgrants.org

YOU CAN DO IT!  And remember to just WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

Crowd funding-raising funds for your book part II

Hi,

Hopefully by now you have created your database as best you can, and have reached out to your family and close friends for financial support to get your book project off the ground.

CROWD FUNDING is a great platform to get your message and details of your book out to a much larger pool of people than you might normally reach.  Not to mention that people from all over the world have the chance to learn about your book and become a "backer" and donate to your project. I posted Pug Story on a the crowd funding site:  www.kickstarter.com to kick off my campaign and raise funds.

www.kickstarter.com, and others like it, are a great tool for people like us who want to make, create, or further an existing project.  These crowd funding platforms connect us with generous and philanthropic people who want to support us.

It is not like taking in an equity investor or anything like that. You are not selling a part of your company but rather rewarding your "backer" with something to thank them for their donation.  You set the denominations like $5, $25, $50, $100 and so on.  For example, depending on how much they donated I offered a reward like a signed copy of my book or a rendering of their child or pet from my illustrator, even an in person reading of my book.   Get creative but don't break the bank.  Make sure your cash flow can sustain the rewards...it would be terrible if the donations came in and went right back out, so really think about what you can afford to offer.

Kickstarter is an ALL OR NOTHING type of funding platform so please take the time to go through the kickstarter school to learn about how best to post your project and do's and dont's. Google other crowd funding sites to learn about how their platforms work and what kinds of projects they might seem to hi-light.  I did not hit my goal BUT....I maintained my database of backers, continued to reach out to them and update them and raised over $3,000 by doing that.  My tenacity and conviction to continue the project after not reaching my goal gave people confidence that I would complete the task and make the book, and some people even increased their donation.  Put yourself out there and start letting people know about you and your project.  YOU CAN DO IT!

And don't forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

Raising funds for your book part 1

Hi there,

It has been too long since my last post and for that I am sorry.  I have been busy getting my book ready to go to the printer. Even though it has been a crazy time, it has been an awesome and exciting time!  I can't wait for you to know the feeling.  The feeling of seeing all your hard work come to fruition and knowing you are doing what you love.  You can do it!  Ok..back to the topic of beginning your initial fundraising efforts.

Hopefully by now you have a good idea about what kind of book, characters, storyline and product you will be developing, who your target audience and market are, what kind of vendors you will use, and who your team members will be.  In addition to all the work you have done relative to the above tasks as well as write your book, you will have to think about the funds it will take to make your dream a reality.  Some of us may be in a position to self fund a project like this; some of us may not.

There are many accessible ways to gain different kinds of funding for your project but for this entry I would like to focus on creating your database and begin reaching out to your friends and family.  Create groups for the people you know.  It is like thinking about an onion and its many layers.  Your groups of people range from acquaintances to family members.

People that know you well and know your project more intimately (the inner layers) are often more likely to contribute financially to your project in the beginning.  This is a great way to gain momentum in your fundraising efforts and begin to pay for your start up costs like a video, prototype, and maybe even initial payments to your vendors.  This shows people who might not know you or don't know you well (the outer layers) that you have already invested time, money, and hard work to be where you are regarding your book.

The more involved you become in this process the more you will learn about the necessary funds you will need to get your book completed, printed, and into the market place.

Check back soon for Raising funds for your book part 2---"Crowd funding"

And don't forget to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

JACI

Picking a printer to self publish your book

 Hello Again!

So, hopefully by now you have had a chance to tackle some of the below tasks as you strive to self publish your very own book.

• Picked a topic/genre
• Zeroed in on, and researched your target market
• Developed your outline and storyline concepts
• Developed your characters
• Found the right illustrator (photographer, designer etc.) "Team members"
• Envisioned how your book will look and feel, and what message it will send

Before we get to picking a printer, I want to say that even if you have done a few of the above things, or a little bit of all of them, it is totally okay!  It is about you being ready, as it does take time, energy, and money to self publish a book.  To be fair, I wanted to write Pug Story almost 13 years ago.  I am finally doing it, and so can you!

Now, back to our topic: Picking the right printer for your book

• Get at least 4 quotes, or more: There are a ton of book printers out there so make sure you shop around to get the best pricing.  It can be helpful to create a spreadsheet of some kind to track and compare quotes including printing costs, shipping etc.
• Find someone local: Try to find a printer within reasonable driving distance.  This will help with 2 major things: 1) No shipping cost to you once the books are made. 2) Tighter quality control and you can see the facility where the books will be printed.
• Be Aware that many printers will only print, or advertise, standard sized books.  Based on your knowledge of your genre and target market etc. you will be able to better know what sizes are selling best, and what you like.  If you do not see the size you want on a website, just ask if they can do it.
• 3 Potential problems with a standard size you didn't choose: 1) It is not the most efficient way to print the book on the press, therefore it is not the most cost effective. 2) It is not a best selling size for your market. 3) The artwork does not fit appropriately, and could therefore be compromised.  Plus...you should like it, it is your book :)
• Speak candidly with said printer about efficiencies, turn times, payment terms, quality control assurances, and check examples or references of books they have previously made.

Here is an example of specs I sent to obtain a quote...this info will be helpful to learn as you get quotes, and also when you talk to your printer:

• Title:     Children's book
• Size:     8.5 x 8.5 (be sure to discuss bleeds with illustrator and printer)
• Pages:   32 (2 black/white and 30 color)
• Cover    Printed, laminated cover over 98 pt boards (hard cover)
• In as :   Trouble-free files
• Paper :  100# gloss text over 98 pt boards (# refers to thickness or stock of paper, matte can be nice depending on type of artwork you will have)
• Inks :     4/0 process
• Finish :  Lay flat gloss film laminate
• Proofs : Color match proof
• Misc.:   Text bleeds OK
• Bind:     Smythe sewn case bind
• FOB:     Printing Plant, TN 
• Quantity: 300,500,1000

I have a lot of tips I would love to share with you all, and hope that you will find the information helpful as you move forward.  So, the next few entries will touch on marketing, details for registering your book, and raising funds for production of your book, if you wish to go that route.  But let's not forget, the ultimate goal is to sell your book, and we will get to that as well!

Don't forget to Write, Write, Write!

JACI

Even Pugs think Mondays are ruff!

Good Morning!

My very first thought this morning while watching my Pug slowly wake up.....Monday mornings can be ruff!

Check back for my next entry as I will offer some tips on finding the right printer for your book.

And don't forget to--Write, Write, Write!

JACI

Finding the right illustrator

Hi!

Even though I have chosen to focus this entry on finding the right illustrator, the following tips and thoughts can be applied to adding almost anyone to your "team".  As your needs grow your team will need to grow.  So, understanding an efficient way in which to augment your team will prove to be useful, and hopefully shorten your learning curve and lead time.

For example, I worked with 3 different illustrators before finding one that was a great fit for my children's book and for me.  I worked with 3 very different types of artists and people.  My first illustrator is a very dear friends of mine and very talented painter specializing in oils.  The thought of us working on a project together showcasing our talents and passions sounded awesome to both of us!  A little bit into the project we realized that her style of painting was not the best fit for the kind of children's book we were trying to make.

The second person with whom I tried to work was recommended by an acquaintance and had published a children's book of his own.  We had, what I thought, was a nice meeting and then two weeks went by and I never heard anything back from him...still haven't :)

I couldn't afford to keep waiting so, I went looking on-line.  I found my third candidate for the illustrator position.  Someone in another state, but a published children's book illustrator and mother.  I thought...this is great.  She checked out, her samples were cute, and she was happy to meet my deadlines and work within my budget.  Sadly, after sending a 50% deposit out of state in the hopes she was everything she promised; I was let down time and time again, with missed deadlines and mediocre work.  I did get most of the deposit back when we parted ways, but fell almost 2 months behind on the book's completion schedule.  Be very sure about anyone to whom you will be sending money!  I got lucky!

I started thinking about all the things I wasn't getting with the people I had chosen or hoped to work with, and based on that I made a list of my needs:

• Someone who specializes in children's books illustrations and has a skill set that would match up with the type of medium and style for which I was looking.  
• A person that is communicative and sensitive to the fact that I am only one person trying to build a business and manage several different things at the same time.  Essentially, someone who would return my calls or emails, and let me know that my business matters to them.
• Someone who is eager to work on a fun project with limited initial capital, but also has something to gain such as: experience, more info for their portfolio, making networking contacts, or reaping other potential intangibles.
• Someone who is local and I could meet, get to know, and sit down with to go over concepts, expectations, revisions etc.  In doing this you will have a chance to read the person you will be so closely working with and to whom you will be writing checks. You will also cut down on repetitive communications and lead time.  Hopefully you find someone who you can sit down with over a cup of coffee and brainstorm about the book or project---don't forget, this is your team, and will ultimately serve as a reflection on you and your book.
• Someone who has strong recommendations from a credible source means you know what you are getting.  Not unlike when we want to find a new doctor, vet or mechanic etc.  It is often times best to work off of a referral.  Or, read a couple on-line reviews and check references to know what to expect. Then you can better decide if that person is a good fit for you.  

I reviewed my list and finally got the idea to contact all the art colleges in the Greater Chicago Area.  I thought, surely a student at one of these schools would be able to meet the above requirements.  Just do a Google search to find schools near you and their contact information.  Go to each school's website and search for a job board on which you can post your project, call the head of the art department, or email them if you like.  I prefer to make contact via phone, the first time especially to: ensure I convey my message and needs properly, quickly get answers to my questions, find out everything I need to know for my post, and learn about any necessary paperwork to complete.

After about two weeks of filling out forms for schools, sifting through resumes, checking references, conducting phone interviews and looking at portfolios, I found the perfect illustrator for me and my book!  She met all of my needs and we were able to agree on expectations such as: payment, time lines, style, and communication type and frequency.  In fact, we had coffee this morning to review the project and brainstorm.  

Think about your needs, and your book's needs.  Seek your team members out according to that.  Make sure you lay all relevant party's expectations on the table at the very beginning to eliminate potential  "surprises" that might arise throughout the duration of the project. Utilize networking platforms, ask around your circle for recommendations, or go-online, but don't forget to follow up with your own research when looking for a team member.  Graduate and post graduate students and programs, communities, social networks, and inner circles can often provide just the team member for whom you are looking!  

Don't forget to--Write! Write! Write!

JACI

My pets hi jacked my sample book!

Hi!

So, my thought for today.....don't leave your sample book, or any part of your book for that matter, alone in the company of a crazy cat and a goofy Pug!

I just came home after meeting with my merchandise contact to find my sample book being held hostage by my pets.  Literally, the book was in the middle of the floor, and it was as if their biggest show down was about to ensue.

In one corner....Oscar the cat Dela Hoya-- In the other corner....Sampson the scrap eating Pug.

Oscar: Hmmmmm, what's this on her desk?  Ahhhh, it looks important.  Wait, this face looks all too familiar.  I must have it!  If I jump on the desk and nudge it off with the side of my face I can ensure it hits the ground, allowing me to make it my newest toy!  Muahh haha Muahh haha!
Sampson: Oh boy (tail curls up), what does Oscar have?  Is it food? Is it a treat?  I'll go over and see!  Dumpt de dumpt.
Oscar: I finally achieve my goal for the morning and here he comes to stifle my plan.  I can't get any alone time in this house!
Sampson: Nope, not food (tail straightens out).  Hey, that toy has my face on it.  Dumpt de dumpt.
Oscar:  This toy represents the fruits of my labor.  Back off funny man!
Sampson:   Funny man? I am funny---funny looking.  You shouldn't take yourself so seriously my dear brother.  That toy looks like me anyway.  It's my turn to play.
Oscar: Bring it on!
Sampson: I'm trying to bring it, I just don't move as quickly as you do.  Dumpt de dumpt.

It was right about then I walked in to find this hilarious situation taking place over the book cover. Maybe it was the picture of Chloey the Pug on the cover that appealed to them, or maybe this is just what happens when we leave the house.  I was able to re-cover the book safely, and now both boys are napping in their respective corners :)

Don't forget to Write, Write, Write!

JACI

Your storyline: See the end from the beginning!

Hello!

So, since an earlier blog I have been asked by friends to elaborate on my ideas about developing your storyline and characters.  I want to dedicate this entry to developing your storyline.  I do apologize if my information was too vague.

Let's re-visit developing your storyline: See the end from the beginning.  In other words, know what the endgame is for your book. You can then essentially "back in" the story as opposed to the reverse; hitting it head-on and running the risk of it being inconsistent upon it's completion.  Kind of like even though a building begins on it's foundation, the architects have completed blueprints long before ground breaks so as not to compromise their endgame.  For me, I decided that I wanted the main character in my first children's book to ultimately adapt to her new surroundings and overcome adversity as a way to help teach children how to achieve the same experience. This set the stage for my storyline, even though I hadn't started writing yet.  I knew where the storyline was headed and where my characters would stand at the end.

Think about your storyline having three major points of contact.  A gripping beginning, a climactic middle, and a satisfying ending that still leaves the reader wanting more. Each third should propel the reader to the next.  Introduce the back story and capture the reader with a gripping beginning upon which you can build. Think again of the building and how each layer must build on the following one until the project is complete.

Your spy novel might begin by introducing the main character who is a robber that pulls off a bank heist. This will help the reader connect to the main character quickly, and give you the gripping beginning you need.  Your climactic middle might include something like; the robber falls for the woman who opened the bank vault, but she never saw his face even though he saw hers.  Since you have previously decided that your storyline ends with a bank robber who gets caught by a spy agency, you now have all three major points of contact.  Bank gets robbed, robber falls in love with teller, robber gets caught.  However, don't forget to write a satisfying ending to your book, and still leave the reader wanting more. Even though the robber is caught, raise a question and leave it on the table.  Was she in on it with him?  Does he find a way to escape jail?  Does he actually work for the spy agency?

Write your storyline according to what is popular and selling, but also to what you would want to take away from the book if you had not written it, but simply read it.  In my book, "Chloey's Big Move", the main character moves to Chicago and deals with all things new, faces adversity, and finds resolution that ends with her thinking only of Bark Park, her new friends, and all of their adventures to come.  This was the method to my madness which I hope will be of some help to you!

And don't forget to Write, Write, Write!

JACI