Summary In this episode of the Children's Author Show, host Andy Coats shares his Top 10 tips for children's authors on how to effectively conduct school visits. He emphasizes the importance of customizing presentations, building on past experiences, and focusing on one school at a time. Coats also discusses the significance of having a compelling sales pitch, making intentional contact with schools, simplifying contracts, and the necessity of charging for visits. He highlights the need for a...
Summary In this episode of The Children's Author Show, Andy Coats discusses the significance of participating in author events such as fairs and festivals. He emphasizes that these events are not primarily about making money, but about building connections, branding, and establishing a local presence. Andy shares practical insights on setting realistic expectations, networking with other authors and readers, and creating an engaging booth setup to attract attendees. He highlights the importan...
Summary In this conversation, Richard Rieman, an expert in children's audiobooks known as The Audiobook Wizard, discusses the importance of making literature accessible to all children, including those with visual impairments. He shares his journey from being a radio news reporter to becoming a wizard in audiobook production, emphasizing the need for audio descriptions in illustrated books. Richard highlights the impact of his nonprofit, Imagination Storybooks, which aims to provide accessibl...
Summary In this episode of the Children's Author Show, award-winning children’s author Andy Coats discusses the significant dangers associated with self-publishing, particularly for aspiring children's authors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the self-publishing landscape, identifying vanity and hybrid publishers, and the risks of books not reaching their audience. Andy provides practical advice on how to navigate the self-publishing process safely, including building a support ...
In this episode, Andy Coats interviews Jon Marshall, an author and entrepreneur, who shares his journey into children's literature. Jonathan discusses the importance of representation, particularly in black fatherhood, and how his personal experiences shaped his storytelling. He emphasizes the need for diverse narratives in children's books and the impact of community support on an author's success. The conversation also touches on the challenges of self-doubt, the significance of school visi...
In this inspiring conversation, nine-year-old Ren Stylian shares his journey as a young author, discussing the motivation behind his book, the emotional experience of seeing it in print, and his commitment to giving back to the community through charitable donations. Ren also talks about his future aspirations in music and writing, and offers advice to other kids who want to pursue their dreams. Takeaways Ren started writing at a young age during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ren has sold 660 copi...
In this episode, Andy Coats discusses the essential elements of becoming a successful children's authorpreneur. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand, establishing trust with the audience, treating writing as a business, and becoming an expert in the field. Andy provides actionable insights and encourages authors to take consistent steps towards their goals while making a positive impact on children's lives. Key Takeaways An authorpreneur builds a business around their wri...
In this episode of the Children's Author Show, host Andy Coats interviews award-winning children's author, author coach, and branding expert Lauren Ranalli. They discuss Lauren's journey into writing children's books, the lessons she learned through self-publishing, and the importance of marketing for authors. Lauren shares key ingredients for creating great children's books, common mistakes new authors make, and the evolving landscape of marketing in the digital age. She emphasiz...
In this episode of the Children's Author Show, host Andy Coats welcomes author and illustrator Laura Muncie, who shares her inspiring journey from banking to becoming a professional illustrator. Laura discusses the therapeutic nature of art, her transition into illustration during difficult times, and the importance of mentorship and online courses. She emphasizes the significance of understanding the narrating voice in manuscripts, the tools and techniques for illustrators, and the val...
In this episode of the Children's Author Show, host Andy Coats engages in a roundtable discussion with three talented illustrators: Veronica Stanley-Hooper, Valeshka Escalona, and Laura Muncie. They explore the vital role of illustrations in children's books, the collaborative relationship between authors and illustrators, and the impact of AI on the illustration industry. The conversation covers character design, the importance of communication, and the challenges of budgeting fo...
In this episode of the Children's Author Show, host Andy Coats discusses the financial aspects of being a children's author, including the potential income, necessary expenses, and various revenue streams available to authors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the costs associated with self-publishing and marketing, while also exploring how authors can generate income through book sales, speaking engagements, and school visits. Coats provides practical advice for aspiring au...
In the inaugural episode of the Children's Author Show, host Andy Coats shares his journey as a children's author, discussing his experiences in self-publishing, the creation of engaging stories for children, and the importance of building a brand as an author. He emphasizes the significance of illustrations, adventure, and relatable characters in children's literature, and introduces his book, The Children's Author Toolbox, as a resource for aspiring authors. The episode aims to inspir...