Self-Publishing for Authors and Illustrators

I sat down with illustrator Stewart Long to talk about his journey from drawing as a kid to creating powerful children’s books with real meaning.We get into how he went from treating art like a hobby to realizing it was something much bigger, how his faith shaped the work he creates, and what it actually looks like to pursue creativity while raising a family and working a full-time job.We also talk about the books he’s worked on, including Look Up and I Am The Lord’s I Know, and why stories still matter in a world that’s moving fast toward AI and automation.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your gifts into something meaningful, this episode is for you.Follow Stewart Long:Website: https://stewartlong.framer.website/illustrationInstagram: @stewart.long

In this episode, Beth sits down with illustrator Heli Pohjoisaho to talk about her journey from Finland to becoming a professional children’s book illustrator.Heli shares how a simple decision in her 30s turned into a full career, what it really takes to build an illustration portfolio, and how she created and published her own book from start to finish.They also dive into working with authors, balancing motherhood with creative work, and why storytelling matters more than perfect art.If you’re an author, illustrator, or someone chasing a creative path, this episode is packed with real insight and encouragement.Find Heli’s work:Website: helipohjoisaho.comInstagram: Hillemari Illustration

In this episode, Beth sits down with children’s book illustrator Brian Martin for an inside look at what it really takes to bring a story to life through art.Brian shares his full process from reading a manuscript for the first time to developing scenes, characters, and the overall feel of a book. He talks about working with both self-published authors and traditional publishing houses, how he approaches creative collaboration, and what it means to truly serve the author’s vision.They also dive into the business side of illustration, including timelines, pricing, copyright, work-for-hire, and why experience matters more than many new authors realize. Brian offers honest insight into common mistakes authors make, how to avoid costly revisions, and what illustrators wish every author knew before starting a project.Whether you are an author, illustrator, or just curious about the creative process behind children’s books, this episode gives a real-world look at the challenges, decisions, and rewards of illustration.

In this solo episode, I share a more personal look at my own illustration work and the projects I am currently juggling behind the scenes. I talk about what it is like handling multiple books at once, why giving authors room for feedback matters, and some of the challenges and rewards that come with the illustration process.I also take you inside one of the most meaningful projects I have been part of over the past five years, the Variety Tales book series with Variety KC. I walk through several of the books in the series, the real children who inspired them, the incredible book launch events, and why these stories have meant so much to me as an illustrator.Along the way, I share my thoughts on collaboration, revisions, book launches, and what authors should consider when thinking about creating a series. This episode is part personal update, part behind the scenes look at my illustration life, and part encouragement for anyone creating books of their own.

In this episode, Beth sits down with Tammy Dever, founder of TLC Book Design, for a conversation packed with insight for both authors and illustrators. Tammy shares how TLC Book Design got started, what goes into creating a professional quality book, and why the relationship between an author, illustrator, and designer matters so much. They also dig into the differences between print on demand and offset printing, the truth about hybrid publishing and vanity presses, and the red flags authors need to watch for before spending their money.Beth and Tammy also talk about what makes a book feel polished and professional, from layout and typography to collaboration and workflow. If you are writing a book, illustrating one, or trying to figure out the best path to self publishing, this episode is full of practical guidance and real world experience. Tammy brings decades of knowledge to the table, and this conversation could save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

In this episode, Beth shares honest insights from inside the children’s book world as both an illustrator and agency owner. She discusses the real differences between traditional publishing and self publishing, why so many authors chase legitimacy through publishers, and how to avoid costly vanity press traps.Beth also breaks down practical decisions every author faces, including offset printing versus print on demand, realistic illustration pricing, production timelines, and how to spot red flags when hiring an illustrator. Drawing from years of experience working with authors, she explains what quality work actually costs and what separates professional illustrators from risky hires.If you are an aspiring author, illustrator, or creator trying to navigate the publishing process, this episode offers grounded advice to help you make wise decisions, protect your investment, and move forward with confidence.

In this episode, Beth answers the most common questions she receives from authors who are just beginning their self publishing journey. If you have a finished manuscript but feel unsure about what to do next, this conversation will walk you through the real process of turning your story into a professional children’s book.Beth explains how illustration, book design, pricing, timelines, and creative collaboration actually work behind the scenes. She also shares how her agency approach differs from traditional publishing agents, what kind of input authors have on characters and layout, how long production typically takes, and what rights you receive once the artwork is complete.This episode is especially helpful for first time authors who want clarity, realistic expectations, and practical guidance before hiring an illustrator or building their book team.If you are dreaming of bringing your book to life but don’t know where to start, this episode will help you move forward with confidence.

In this episode, Beth Snider sits down with illustrator Noelle Paramo, one of the artists in Beth’s agency, for an honest conversation about building a creative life with purpose. Noelle shares how homeschooling, a big entrepreneurial family, and a parent led “talent time” shaped her work ethic and helped her develop both her art and her love for horses.They talk through the real illustration process, from character design and thumbnails to color, lighting, and finishing touches, plus Noelle’s portable workflow using Procreate on the iPad and why coffee shops are her favorite “studio.” Beth and Noelle also dig into collaboration with authors, how to give thoughtful feedback without tearing a story apart, and what illustrators wish clients understood about creating a strong children’s book.The conversation goes deeper into faith, stewardship, and integrity. They discuss C S Lewis, how hardship can shape an artist, drawing lines on projects that conflict with Christian values, and how they think about AI in the children’s book space. Noelle closes with encouragement for authors and illustrators to stop comparing, start creating, and use their gifts faithfully.If you are an author or illustrator looking to create high quality books without gatekeepers, this episode will encourage you and give you a clearer picture of what it looks like to build with skill, honesty, and conviction.

In this first episode of Self Publishing for Authors and Illustrators, Beth Snider shares her personal journey from hobby artist to full time children’s book illustrator. She talks about how she built a sustainable career in self publishing without art school, without waiting to be picked by a major publisher, and without racing to the bottom on pricing.Beth walks through how she found her path in illustration, what actually changed her skill level, why digital illustration matters for professionals, and how working with self publishing authors opened the door to real opportunity. She also explains why she started an illustration agency, how she mentors other illustrators, and why high quality self published books deserve to exist without stigma.This episode sets the foundation for the podcast and makes it clear who it is for illustrators who want to make real money, authors who want high quality books, and creatives who want to build something meaningful on their own terms.