There are many people, men, women, professionals, and those in business, who dream of being the author of a children’s book.
Usually, it’s to inspire a child or bring memories or stories they told their children to life. It can also be a business person who wants a children’s book as part of their product line.
From my experience, the majority of these people want to be the author of a picture book.
I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of queries about starting a project that fell through.
Why does this happen?
Why do most people who want to be children’s authors never follow through on their dreams?
While I don’t know for sure, I think there are a few basic reasons.
- The cost.
Yep. If you are hiring a children’s ghostwriter, it will cost money.
This expense is a huge concern for most, and understandably.
What really surprised me during 2020 was the number of people who used my services. It was my busiest year ever. It had to be that people had time on their hands and wanted to be kept busy.
Then, there are the writing services on sites like Fiverr. These types of services, and many others, have writers who don’t know English well or aren’t professionals.
Yes, it will be cheaper than a professional writer, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Below is an example from a Fiverr project a client came to me to fix. This example was for a picture book:
His feet were heavy with reluctance as he dragged them unwillingly one in front of the other. He looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror and couldn’t help but notice his sad expression. His piercing dark blue eyes, once full of joy and excitement, now looked weary and defeated”
In another section, there were three “really” within four sentences.
The entire story’s formatting was horrible, such as the lack of new paragraphs for new speakers. There were grammatical errors and multiple points of view.
So, again, you get what you pay for.
I can’t imagine someone wanting to have their name as author of a story like that.
Another cost factor with children’s books is illustrations.
If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to hire an illustrator for a picture book.
You’ll also need illustrations for chapter books and simple middle-grade books.
I listened to a YouTube video with editor and former literary agent Mary Kole. (Check out her YouTube channel, Good Story Company.) She said if you want a high-quality professional illustrator for a picture book, you’re looking at $10,000 to $20,000. And, if you want an acclaimed illustrator, it’s much more. (1)
Obviously, most people can’t afford that. So, it’s understandable why some people drop the idea.
But don’t let that stop you dead in your tracks. I work with good illustrators who charge far, far, far less.
- Motivation wanes due to life.
One perfect example is a client from 2019.
I wrote a young adult (YA) story for an attorney. The story was almost done, and he was gun-ho. He even wanted seven picture books written after the YA was finished.
He paid in full, and we were working to finish it.
Then he slowed down. Family. Vacation. Work.
Then COVID-19 hit.
I contacted him, and he said he’d get back into it, but he didn’t.
I tried contacting him again, as he paid for a completed manuscript, and there are still about five or so chapters to go, but the client never got back to me.
So, as we all know, life happens, which can put a monkey wrench in any project.
- It seems too complicated.
There is a lot involved in having a book ghostwritten and illustrated.
And it’s a lot of work if you’re writing the story yourself.
After that, it’s the business of getting the book formatted, the interior design, and uploading for publication and distribution.
It can seem daunting.
But it doesn’t have to be.
There are a number of services that will help you put your book together and get it published. I’ve even added this service to my site to make it easier for my clients.
There is plenty of help out there.
So, what to do?
If you dream of having your name as author of a children’s book, take the first step.
Find out what’s involved and what the cost will be. This information will give you a solid foundation on what you must do and what you’ll need for a budget.
It may be that your imagination is getting carried away.
I’d be happy to discuss your children’s writing project.
If you prefer writing the story yourself, I offer coaching services that include guidance on how to self-publish.
Don’t let your dream go unfulfilled.
Get started today!
References:
(1) Picture Book Author-Illustrator
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:
PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.
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.)
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