I don’t know the exact statistic, or if there is an accurate one, but from what I read, around 80% of people want to write a book.
Well, I’m not sure if that many want to actually write a book, but around that many probably want to be the author of one.
So, what’s the allure?
Why do YOU want to write a book?
Based on my clients, the main reason they want to write a book is to bring a story to children.
Whether it’s about an historical event, a childhood incident, a disability, a locale, or another specific event, they all want to share it with a child.
There are children’s therapists, psychologists, and pediatricians who want to help a child deal with difficulties they may encounter growing up, such as anxieties and the loss of a loved one. Others want to enlighten a child, spark a child’s imagination, or just give them a fun read.
Then there are those authors who have less than altruistic motives. I’ve had a couple of clients who wanted a book that would become a Disney movie or a best seller.
It’s true there are less than ethical ways to manipulate a book into Amazon’s best-seller status, but I don’t do that. So, I had to explain to those clients that there are no guarantees on a book’s success.
I’ve also had clients who used a children’s book as part of their marketing strategy for a business endeavor. And others who wanted to teach children about money and finance.
There are so many reasons people want to write a book. And while there’s no right or wrong reason to want to write a book, there are some facts that you should be aware of when thinking of writing a children’s book or any book, for that matter.
1. If you’re looking to become rich by writing a children’s book, don’t hold your breath.
The Traditional Publishing Route
If you’re traditionally publishing and publish with a large company, you may get a $2000 – $8000 advance. But that’s split with the illustrator if you have a picture book.
That advance needs to be paid off before you get any additional money in the form of royalties.
This means your book must generate enough sales for the publisher to recoup their advance.
Unfortunately, a lot of books go out of print after 5,000 or 10,000 copies. Usually, the advance is never met.
If you publish with a small publisher, you won’t get an advance.
The Self-Publishing Route
If you self-publish, most authors don’t make back their publishing expenses.
The reason is that most authors need help with editing, formatting, and uploading to a distributor (IngramSpark) or retailer (Amazon). In other words, they need help building the book and making it available for sale.
Feeling overwhelmed, these authors end up investing in a service that will do it for them.
If you’ve written a picture book, chapter book, or even a simple middle grade, you’ll have the additional cost of illustrations.
Then there’s the book cover. This is one area you don’t want to skimp on. It needs to look professional.
Also, whether traditional or self-publishing, if you use a ghostwriter, that’s another fee.
2. You want to become famous. Again, don’t hold your breath.
A Publisher’s Weekly article notes that 1.68 million books were self-published in 2018. That includes ebooks and print books.
And each year the numbers rise.
The chances of becoming famous by publishing a children’s book are slim.
The competition is stiff.
Now, this is not to say it can’t happen.
There’s always time and chance … some authors do make it.
My philosophy is nothing ventured, nothing gained. But please don’t bet the farm on it.
So, which category do you fall under?
It’s important to know why you want to write a book. Knowing why and writing your reasons why will help you realize that dream.
So, take a step back and consider all these things. And if you still want to write a book, go for it. If you take it step by step, you can do it. The important thing is to create a quality book, one you’ll be proud to be the author of.
If all that needs to be done seems overwhelming, you may need a little help.
I’m a children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
4- to 12-week programs
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ page DIY book that will help you write your own children’s book.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING GUIDANCE & SERVICES
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
