DiscoverNonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison
14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison

14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison

Update: 2025-09-19
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Description

Ready to take control of your children's book publishing journey? Join host Kirsten Larson as she interviews self-publishing expert Darcy Pattison, who has successfully published 70+ children's books through her own publishing house, Mim's House Books.


What You'll Learn:



  • When self-publishing is the right choice vs. traditional publishing

  • How to develop your art directing skills for picture books

  • Essential business skills every indie author needs

  • Marketing strategies that actually work for children's books

  • How to get your books into schools and libraries

  • The truth about making money in self-publishing

  • Using Kickstarter for book launches and pre-orders


Key Takeaways:



  • Why self-publishing is about "abundance vs. scarcity"

  • The importance of building a backlist for long-term success

  • How to find and work with illustrators (contracts included!)

  • Metadata that boost discoverability

  • Why one book won't make you rich (and what will)


📖 About Darcy Pattison: Award-winning children's author with 8 traditionally published books and 70+ self-published titles. Founder of Mim's House Books and creator of the upcoming guide "Publish: Find Surprising Success Self-Publishing Your Children's Book."


🔗 Resources Mentioned:



Timestamps:


0:00 – Welcome & Introducing Darcy Pattison


01:48 – Darcy’s Publishing Journey


05:00 – Betting on Yourself as a Creator


08:03 – Why Self-Publishing? Speed, Profit & Control


11:30 – The Power of Series and Backlist


14:45 – Misconceptions About Self-Publishing

18:12 – Becoming Your Own Art Director


22:30 – Ensuring Quality for Schools and Libraries


26:48 – Distribution, Metadata & Marketing Strategy


32:55 – Kickstarter for Children’s Books




Perfect for: Children's book authors, illustrators, indie publishers, picture book creators, nonfiction writers, anyone considering self-publishing


 


 

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14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison

14. Self-Publishing Children's Books: From Idea to Success with Award-Winning Author Darcy Pattison

Kirsten W. Larson