As a children’s ghostwriter and rewriter and a book publisher for self-publishing children’s authors, I deal with a lot of clients. At times, I come across a very demanding, even nitpicking client. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen often but, when it does… oh boy. And, I have to say it’s usually specific to children’s book illustrations. For example, I ghostwrote a second picture book for a client about two years ago, and she’s now working with an illustrator to self-publish the book. After going through eleven versions of the illustrator’s PDF, she has decided to change things like the color of shoes that have been in the PDFs since version one. Shoes that she specifically asked the illustrator to create at the get-go. In addition, after almost two years of completing the manuscript, she has now decided to change the names of two characters. This is after the illustrator input the text. These are just two of the many changes. For those unfamiliar with writing and publishing children’s books, it requires a careful balance of skill, creativity, simplicity, appropriateness, and engagement. While working with clients can be a rewarding collaboration, there are times when micromanaging and nitpicking can present unique challenges. This blog post will explore these situations and discuss strategies for navigating them. WHEN A REWARDING COLLABORATION GOES SOUTH Collaborating with clients can be a fulfilling experience, especially in children's literature. Clients often bring valuable insights that can improve the overall quality of a book. I welcome my client’s input and incorporate suggestions, if they’re appropriate for the story. However, when micromanagement and nitpicking come into play, it can create tension and frustration, hinder the creative process, and slow the project down, sometimes drastically. THE PITFALLS OF MICROMANAGING 1. Stifling Creativity: Micromanaging can stifle the creative flow of the writer or illustrator. When clients excessively control every detail, it leaves little room for the author's or illustrator’s imagination, unique voice, skill, and experience. 2. Diminishing Trust: Trust is essential in any collaborative endeavor. Constant micromanagement can erode the trust between the writer or illustrator and the client, making it challenging to establish a working relationship. 3. Focusing on Details Over Essence: Micromanaging often leads to an overemphasis on small, insignificant details that divert attention from the core message and theme of the children's book. This can compromise the overall impact and appeal of the book. THE DANGERS OF NITPICKING 1. Loss of Perspective: Nitpicking involves obsessing over minor details, potentially losing sight of the bigger picture. This hyperfocus on small elements can detract from the narrative's coherence and flow. In regard to illustrations, it can detract from the illustrator’s professional and skillful abilities. This will cause the book’s overall appearance and engagement to suffer. 2. Increased Stress for the Writer or Illustrator: Constant nitpicking can create a stressful working environment for an author or illustrator. The constant requests for changes may lead to self-doubt and a lack of confidence in one's abilities, hindering the creative process and end result. It also takes the joy out of the creative process. 3. Inconsistent Style: Nitpicking can result in a disjointed writing style as the writer works to incorporate numerous, sometimes conflicting or inappropriate, suggestions. This inconsistency may affect the overall cohesiveness of the children's book. The same goes for the illustrations. A professional illustrator knows what she’s doing. She can see what the writer and client can’t – she has a different perspective on a scene. She uses an artistic eye. A professional illustrator knows how to design a scene and what coloring will work. If she has to change elements of scenes, those scenes may no longer have the same style. SO, HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE THE CHALLENGES? 1. Open Communication: Establish clear communication channels with your client from the beginning. Discuss expectations, preferences, and potential areas for collaboration. This can help prevent misunderstandings later on. 2. Set Boundaries: Clearly define the scope of the client's involvement. While their input is valuable, and you want them to have their vision come to life, establishing boundaries ensures that the creative process remains fluid and allows the writer or illustrator to maintain control over their work. At some point, the writer or illustrator will need to charge for continual changes. This needs to be part of the boundaries set. 3. Educate Clients: Help clients understand the creative process involved in writing and illustrating children's books. Provide insights into how certain elements contribute to the overall impact of the story. Helping the client understand will let him know you’re not simply dismissing his concerns. 4. Seek Compromise: There may be times when a client just doesn’t get it or is just being unreasonable. In this case, encourage a spirit of compromise when disagreements arise. Finding a middle ground allows both parties to contribute to the project without compromising the integrity of the end product. SUMMING IT UP Writing and illustrating children's books takes skill, professionalism, and creativity. If you’ve hired a writer or illustrator, you’ve researched them. This should mean that you appreciate their work. You’ve chosen them from many, many others. Have confidence in your decision and respect their expertise. They want your book to be the best it can be. Micromanaging and nitpicking can only pose challenges that will detract from a slam-dunk children’s book.
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:
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN COURSE
A guided self-study course and mentoring program.
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
