Heide Rembold's Blog

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It’s almost winter, almost Christmas and Hanukkah, almost the New Year — but first, some holidays for writers, readers, and authors related to the last month of the year, December.

Early next year, I’ll be releasing the entire 2025 guide to holidays for writers, readers, and authors, so stay tuned (and don’t forget to subscribe!)

There aren’t too many writing-or-reading-specific holidays in December — and probably a good thing, given all of the BIG holidays we have going on, but nonetheless, still a few charms to consider:

December 7: Letter Writing Day

How many of you all had penpals growing up? I miss those letter-writing days — choosing stationary and gel pens, sticker pouches, and stamps; I’m not convinced it’s not the exact reason so many millennials get excited when we receive things in the mail.

December 10: Dewey Decimal System Day.

Similar to letter-writing, I also grew up visiting the library regularly and was always so proud of myself for being able to use the Dewey Decimal System to find a book. Use this day to celebrate your local library and give them a visit!

December 21: National Short Story Day

I have a love-hate relationship with short stories, and I have only written a few. However, I have a goal of writing a few more in 2025, so follow along on my website or subscribe to my newsletter to be among the first readers.

As a side note during this holiday season: if you are looking for the perfect holiday gift for a young one in your life, consider this collection of children’s books, or my very own, The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids.

Did I miss any holidays? Drop them in the comments below!

Until next time,

This post may contain affiliate links; read the full affiliate disclosure here.

November is National Picture Book Month AND the month before Christmas! If you’re planning on finishing up your holiday shopping in the next few weeks and want to add more literature to your children’s bookshelves, you’ve come to the right place: below are over 25 children’s books to add value and diversity to your shelves all while supporting indie authors’ (most of us moms!) dreams.

These books are the perfect addition to your own bookshelf or to gift to nieces, nephews, kids’ friends, grandchildren, and everyone in between. There are a variety of topics, themes, age ranges, and styles, so I encourage you to explore each one to find the ones that best fit your needs!

Here are over 25 Children’s Books to Gift This Year:STEM Day by Amy Doslich: Unlock the world of STEM through the eyes of a curious young girl in STEM Day! Join Hannah as she navigates an exciting school event that brings together professionals from unique and intriguing STEM careers.Windy and the Fluff Flowers by Tia Batten: Windy is a curious little wind gust who wants nothing more than to play with the fluffy clouds high up in the sky. What happens when Windy is sent down to the ground? Join Windy as she breezes through meadows, makes new friends, and learns that sometimes mistakes can turn into something beautiful.Billy the Bubble by Tia Batten: There’s trouble down in Tubville, and that trouble is named Billy the Bubble. Can Sheriff Pops put an end to Billy’s bad bubble behavior, or is he all washed up? Shirley Murley by Su Murley: Shirley Murley is a children’s rhyming book, with a bit of a tongue-twister on every page. How fast will you be able to read it? Say hello to always-early, curly, Shirley Murley from Burnley, and don’t forget to look out for all the little extras hidden in the illustrations.You’re Truly One of a Kind by Sonali Patodia: The book tells a simple yet impactful story that highlights the theme of self-acceptance, friendship, and the beauty of our differences. Instilling the essence of Indian culture and its captivating illustrations, the book is a visual treat, drawing young readers into an enchanting world.Noah and Santa’s Special Key by Sian Phillips: At the North Pole, Noah loves Christmas, but this year, he feels different; he’s struggling to find that familiar sparkle. When he’s about to give up, Santa’s note reveals that a magical key is missing! With his reindeer Blitzen, Noah begins a fun quest to find it. They follow clues, ride the Christmas Train, and discover festive joy. At a glittering Christmas Tree Farm, Noah finds something surprising that changes everything. Castle of Knots by Sarah H. Fowler: A beautiful young princess is trapped within a castle of knots, a mighty fortress covered in brambles, tangled weeds, and underbrush, hidden to the outside world around her. Enter a valiant knight— otherwise known as mom—who bravely crosses the Valley of Dollies and over the Laundry Lake (referred by some as a bedroom), who takes on the impossible task of freeing the princess. Though it will not be an easy mission, the knight is committed to victory so the princess can return to rule the realm of the Dollies…and get to school on time.Doug the Doodle’s Dilemma by Roneen Hicks: Doug the doodle is living his best life with his friends and never thinking about much besides treats and belly rubs. Until one day, his happy life is turned upside down, and he finds himself without his friends and turns to God for help. What he finds is God answers his prayer but in a very unexpected way.The What-If Kid: First Day of School by Nicole Drinkwater: Following a young boy on his first day of school. All of Kale’s big feelings of anxiety become apparent, but through friendship and kindness, he learns to not only enjoy his day but look forward to school every day.Visit the Stars by Nalia Syed: Visit The Stars is a touching father-daughter story based on a girl’s journey and experiences to become an astronaut. She asks science-content questions during the day and dreams about the answer at night.Petunia the Perfectionist by Marissa Badder: Petunia does not like to make mistakes. In fact, she’ll do just about anything to avoid making one. So instead of enjoying her jam sessions on her guitar, Petunia practices ’til her fingers ache. And rather than creating art with her crayons, she spends her time color-coding them instead. Petunia’s so busy trying to be perfect, there’s no time left in her life for being creative or having any fun! Though Petunia’s mom often reminds her that mistakes are important because they help us learn and grow, Petunia’s not convinced. That is, until she makes a mistake that inspires everyone…even herself. Will Petunia finally understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and begin to accept herself for who she is – imperfections and all?One Step Behind by Sarah Ward: One Step Behind is a beautifully illustrated love letter to the baby of the family as they try to find their place among siblings. Cherish important milestones of your last baby with this rhyming children’s book that will tug at your heart strings.Polar Post: An Erutuf National Park Novel by Kathy Cherry: When Reese and Dean return to the magical Erutuf National Park, they encounter their coldest challenge so far—in the park’s Arctic. Here they meet Ty, an entertaining, talking polar bear with a crucial mission. Ty reveals a secret map that must be found and hidden before a group of determined pirates can seize it. Can the siblings navigate this icy region and outsmart the cunning pirates? Find out in this thrilling third book in the series as Reese and Dean embark on a journey of bravery, teamwork, exploration, and the unbreakable bond of family to protect this magical national park!How I Saved the Ants by Jyothsna Raju: Meet Cheeku, a seven-year-old boy who lives in the enchanting forest of Cheekupur. One day on his quest to place the tiny objects as ordered by his granny, he falls into a vast tunnel and meets tiny ants. After observing how the ants treated him, their queen gets furious and gives him a blessing, which changes his life.No Bad Feelings by Jenni Naked: What are feelings and how are they all helpful for us? Learn this and more in the first book of the No Bad Feelings series.Dinosaurs in the Attic by Adela and Lauren: Join Hunny and Koko on an unforgettable journey in “Dinosaurs In The Attic.” One day, while exploring their attic, they stumble upon a dusty old machine with a big red button. Curiosity gets the better of them, and with a whirr and a flash, they find themselves transported to the Jurassic era!Big Dreams by Alexandra Hoffman: Football tryouts have started, and Gabby is ready. There’s only one problem: she’s never seen a girl play on the local football team. Despite obstacles, she never gives up. An empowering story of triumph, BIG DREAMS is for all the dreamers who refuse to sit on the sidelines!Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman: Masterpiece is an inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel’s teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece!The Secret Of The Golden Clues: Peytons Christmas by Paula Banks: Get ready for a magical holiday adventure in The Secret of the Golden Clues: Peyton’s Christmas Adventure. When Peyton and her friends decorate their classroom for the big Christmas party, they never expect a mysterious package to arrive, wrapped in shiny red paper with a golden bow. Inside, they find golden envelopes filled with riddles that lead them on an exciting treasure hunt through their school.Poppy and the Snack Garden by Cheryl Jordan: This delightful picture book introduces young readers to the wonders of nature, gardening, and friendship. With vibrant illustrations and engaging text, Poppy’s story sparks a love for the outdoors while gently teaching the value of community. Perfect for budding gardeners, this heartwarming tale unfolds with simple storytelling and a sweet, charming ending that will leave smiles all around. An ideal pick for little hands eager to explore the natural world!Maisy and Daisy Move House by Michelle De Robillard: Maisy and Daisy Move House is a delightful picture book that explores the universal experience of moving house for a young girl, Maisy, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, she calls Daisy.Alphabet Space by Lashana Standard: My book is Chase the astronaut takes you on a journey ride on his rocketship through alphabet space, learning the letters and worlds that start with that letter of the alphabet.The Day I Hold Dear by Ellis Schwartz: Journey through the seasons alongside beloved animals in this heartwarming children’s book. Through rhymes and love-filled messages, parents convey their infinite love to their children, reminding them that time waits for no one.Dolly’s Ocean Rescue by Melissa Eastin: Do you want your child to learn essential skills like problem-solving, leading with kindness, and caring for the planet—all through a fun, interactive story? Dolly’s Ocean Rescue is a children’s book about the ocean that combines adventure and empowerment, making reading fun for kids!Little White Angel by Adrita Goswami: This is the story of a little white dove named Angel and his journey to freedom. When the little dove gets blown away in a storm, Princess Olivia saves his life and keeps him in a golden cage in the royal garden. Little Angel slowly grows up in the golden cage and begins to long for freedom. Will Angel ever achieve his dream?Leo the Lionhearted Cat by Adrita Goswami: Meet Leo, a small cat with big dreams! Despite being told it was impossible, Leo once aspired to be a lion. But as he grew older, he gave up his grand vision and settled as a fishercat. However, when a huge flood strikes the forest, Leo’s fate takes an unexpected turn. Will he be able to help his friend, Kevin, and save the woodland creatures by retrieving the Heart of the Forest?The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids by Heide Rembold (oh hey, that’s me!): Discover the wonders of homesteading, gardening, and self-sufficiency through the alphabet! “The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids” is an engaging and educational journey for young minds into the world of sustainable living.

Know of another book I should add to the list? Drop it in the comments below!

Until next time,

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It’s the season of gratitude and giving and the month of so many fun writing and reading-related holidays. The bulk is in the earlier part of the month, leaving sufficient time for Thanksgiving- and holiday-related distractions. So get your posts and celebrations out there!

November is National Memoir Writing Month

Memoirs are one of those things that I always forget I enjoy — and one that I’ve always wanted to write. Maybe this will be the month for a draft?

November is NaNoWriMo

Have a story stuck in your head? Now’s the time to get it out with the NaNoWriMo challenge! Currently deciding last-minute whether or not I should join.

November 1: National Author’s Day

We’re kicking off November strong with the one and only National Author’s Day! Today is the day to celebrate yourself (or your favorite author!) and the work put into the book world.

November 1: National Fountain Pen Day

The OG writing tool — anyone still use a fountain pen? Lowkey wish I had one.

November 1: National Family Literacy Day

The perfect month to snuggle up with the fam and a good book (or 37, if you’re like my kids). Don’t stress about celebrating this one just today though because the entire month of November is Family Literacy Month!

Looking for some new books to add to your collection? Check out 25 Books to Add To Your Homeschool

November 15: I Love to Write Day

Self-explanatory, right?

Did I miss any? Shout them out in the comments below!

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Questions I Get Asked as a Self-Published Author.25+ Children’s Books to Add to Your Homeschooling Collection This Year7 Ways You Can Support Indie Authors

This post may contain affiliate links; read the full affiliate disclosure here.

A few months ago, I published my debut children’s book, and it has been a wild, fun, exciting ride since. I’ve gotten a lot of questions on how I’ve done it, what it’s like, and inquiries on advice for others interested in the idea.

So I’ve asked some of my fellow published indie authors to share advice they would give writers considering this route for publication, and here’s some of the best!

In addition to the following advice, I want to share two additional resources for indie authors: The Indie Book Vault and Kid Lit Support Squad (specific to children’s books). Both of these have been a great resource to lean on for support throughout this journey!

Advice from Self-Published Authors to Self-Published Authors.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I hit some major roadblocks with formatting that had me so frustrated, I almost threw in the towel. It never crossed my mind to ask for help because I thought I had to do it all alone. But reaching out for support turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in this journey!” – Paula Banks

“Never give up! I’ve been an author for about a year and a half, and I can’t tell you how many authors I have seen that have published one book, and they didn’t see great success and have given up. There is always something you can do to improve your books, your brand, and how you sell your books. So go into publishing knowing it’s a marathon and not a sprint and just keep chugging!” – Amy Dolisch

“The only true piece of advice I have is to ask people to read your book BEFORE you publish it (ideally not family and those who will be bluntly honest with you about it)… Then edit, edit, edit, and read it a million times until you can’t find an error with it. Don’t assume your first draft is good enough. It will be worth the effort.” – Chantelle Stieghan

“When indie authors begin the self-publishing journey, they often overlook the importance of establishing a recognizable brand. Yet, having a distinct author brand is crucial for staying relevant and memorable in the minds of your readers. If you’re known for silly, interactive books, readers will actively seek you out when they’re in the mood for that type of content.

Branding can encompass many aspects of your work: it might be reflected in the activities you promote, the resources you provide, the themes you explore, your characters, or the series you create. Think about how you would describe your books—what are their unique qualities, and what do they offer to readers? This can help you start identifying the core elements of your brand.” – Rella B. Books

“The first roadblock I ran into was formatting! I bought a Chromebook to use as my “writing computer” and most of the manuscript software on the market for an indie/self-published author is for use on Windows or Apple OS. So, I tried various “free” manuscript software and ran into my second issue. I have some stories that are epistolary, screenplays or other unique formats, and the “free” software didn’t like those. I ended up purchasing Atticus as it’s web-based and had decent reviews. I love it. It had enough customization options for the price point that I was able to have the best of both worlds. Professional looking traditional short stories, and uniquely formatted ones. I chose to publish both print and ebook versions, so I bought my own ISBN for the print book, and went about my merry way exporting my files. I used KDP for the “main” print version, as well as ebook, but I supplemented it with IngramSpark (I have librarian friends and I would love to see my book in a local bookshop) as well as Direct2Digital for ebook distribution. KDP doesn’t require an ISBN for the ebook, so I didn’t purchase one, but IngramSpark wanted an ISBN or to be listed as a Publisher, so I chose not to list the ebook there. Draft2Digital used their own ISBN for the ebook, so that wasn’t a problem. I used local artist friends to help with the cover and the interior images, and that worked out so well. The ease of KDP’s previewer made sure everything looked great. Getting the physical proof copy of my book was one of the best moments! The publishing process was both exhilarating and exhausting. I think writing the book was the easy part!” – Morgan West

“I’ve found success with this first book launch by using a healthy mixture of several media channels (traditional & digital) to help promote my book, and get my brand out there. I initially started applying for awards before my book was out to build a positive reputation. I also started posting on social media about 6-8 months before my book launch to garner excitement about the book and build an audience. I chose two channels to focus on so that I could create valuable content. While building my accounts, I reached out to other authors who I thought were doing a great job at marketing and I built relationships with them, asked questions, and educated myself online in the author groups of what seemed to be working well, and what people’s challenges were.

These omni-channel marketing efforts included: radio, press releases, tv interviews, print articles, podcasts, blogs, and collaboration with other authors. SEO is important, so I wanted to try and continue to create traffic to my website and educate my audience about the concept and inspiration behind my book. In addition to all the media efforts, I’ve been doing several in-person networking events to help spread the word about my book locally.

I think that any type of business requires you to build an effective marketing roadmap and have a long-term plan on how to continue to build brand awareness and interest. It’s truly about making valuable connections and sharing the passion behind what you do and WHY you do it. Above all else, authenticity is the key. Find your own way to stand out amongst the sea of authors and be yourself.” – Jennifer Nestor

“Two things — one: START and two: don’t give up. I faced hurdles in the beginning simply because of my own procrastination (and being employed full-time while working from home with two kids), and the process of actually writing my book took a lot longer than it should have. Once it was finally completed and published, I faced the reality that it doesn’t always go the way you want — and that’s ok. Just keep going and don’t give up. Regardless, you DID IT an that’s something to be proud of.” – Heide Rembold

If you’re an indie author with advice to share, comment!

Until next time,

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It’s SEPTEMBER! There’s something refreshing about the end of summer and the very beginning of fall. One day, you’re at the pool or the beach, and the next, you could be snuggled up with a blanket and a hot coffee (at least in Ohio…) 

This month, there are a handful of fun holidays to celebrate related to writers, readers, and authors. Check them out! 

September is Be Kind to Editors & Writers Month

The best way you can be kind to editors? Credit them in your acknowledgments! The best way to be kind to writers? Support them in their journey. 

September 6: National Read a Book Day 

Or, as the #bookstagram community may call it, “every day.” What’s your latest read?

September 18: Read an Ebook Day

Another daily celebration for some — I still don’t own a Kindle, but I’m itching! I keep telling myself I have book sale incentives to meet before I reward myself with one.

September 24: Punctuation Day

Punctuation (and grammar) are so easily overlooked in writing (we tend to get caught up in the story-telling). This is why I love Grammarly to swoop in and help with punctuation, flow, voice, and tone.

Know of a holiday I may have missed? Drop it in the comments below! 

Until next time,

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I have a confession: I’ve been going a little book-buying-crazy on ThriftBooks. It’s been a fantastic way to add to my (and my kids’) bookshelves without breaking the bank. However, as an author…I’ve been wondering something: does it still benefit the author of the books I’m buying when they’re purchased second-hand (or rented from the library)? 

In short, no. It doesn’t. They don’t see a royalty because they made it the first time it was sold. 

Naturally, I began brainstorming on ways you can support an author when you purchase a book second-hand, and here’s what I came up with: 

Leave a book review! No matter where you purchased the book, you can leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, or other major bookseller websites. This will give the author a warm fuzzy feeling (I know from experience) and help boost their book for other potential sales.  Post about it on social media. Make a quick post about the book, and tag the author! This can help expose the book to a bigger audience and potentially drive more sales for the author. Follow them on social media. Social media can help authors with their exposure, reputation, and sales — by following them on your favorite platforms, you can keep up with their happenings and new books and support them on their journey.Pass it along when you’re done! Once you’ve finished reading it, share it with a friend, use it in an Instagram giveaway, or drop it off at a Little Free Library!Consider purchasing another one of their books. If you love the book you purchased — buy another one! Even if you still don’t buy it new, you can do the same four steps above to support the author.

Tell me if this thought has crossed your mind and how you support authors when buying secondhand! 

Until next time,

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We’re at the start of another school year, and if you’re like me (a #wannabehomeschooler), you’re adding a few goodies to your library, craft bits and pieces to your school supplies collection, and a ton of coffee to your grocery list.

Fun fact about me: I was homeschooled.

My favorite subjects? Writing, grammar, and logic. Weirdly enough, I didn’t love literature growing up, but I now believe one of the easiest (and I believe often overlooked aspects) of schooling is literature.

Another fun fact about me: I wrote a children’s book.

Because I’m equally passionate about literature and children’s books, I’ve put together a list of some amazing books with educational aspects for you to add to your collection!

These books cover topics ranging from social and emotional learning to scientific and geographical facts. Each title listed is followed by a short snippet, but further details can be found upon clicking the links. Explore the options, and find a few (or all!) to add to your collection!

A quick note: A lot of these books are available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited, so if you have one, load it up!

25+ (Indie) Children’s Books to Add to Your Homeschooling Collection This Year:Pickle Juice & Patty Cakes Space Adventure by Heather Marie: A Children’s Picture Book About Accepting Diversity and Differences in Others.In The Back Seat Series by Kristi R. Bradbury: A series tugs at the heartstrings of young readers and grownups alike while learning fun geographic, historical, and scientific facts.Rynnie Roo’s Adventure Series by Jean Johnson: A series that encourages learning about the United States, state facts, different animal species found in each state, and the Dinosaurs that once walked in those states.Bruno’s Friendship Chronicles by Carol G. Barton: 2 stories about overcoming adversities and considering new ideas. Know Your Worth by Stephanie Solomon: a vividly illustrated and sing-song prose teaching children how to discover their worth – and the courage to follow their dreams.You’re Truly One of a Kind by Sonali Patodia: Instilling the essence of Indian culture while bringing stunning visual energy and empowering young minds to embrace and celebrate their individuality.How I Saved the Ants! by Jyothsna Raju: a beautifully illustrated children’s book is for all the little boys and girls who loves to chase ants and go bug hunting.Floss the Wobbly Flamingo by Joanne Moore: A heart-warming story about differences, disability, teamwork and self-belief.Leo the Lionhearted Cat by Adrita Goswami: introduces kids to important values such as dreaming big, building self-worth, willingness to help others, and more! Bertie the Very Blind Bat by Joanne Moore: Bertie gets into a tricky situation and starts to give up on himself. Will he find his ‘superpowers’ and prove he is a super-bat after all?Crosby the Not So Snappy Crocodile by Joanne Moore: Upset and lonely, Crosby sets out to find acceptance. Will he be able to find somewhere he can be himself? How can he use his big teeth and claws in a positive way? And will Crosby not only be accepted by others, but learn to accept himself? Turn the pages of this brightly illustrated story about difference, acceptance, and self-expression to find out!Giuseppe Takes Us to Capri by Kelsey Clark: This children’s book shares all the beautiful sites, colors, and magic the island of Capri offers in an educational and fun way.The Elephant that Wanted to Dance by Despina Mavridou: An inspirational children’s picture book about being brave and following your dreams.Zala the Slovenian Dragon by Kelsey Clark: Zala needs YOUR help in finding the last of the dragons in Slovenia! Do you think she will find the dragon? Do you think she has what it takes to become a dragon too? Do you think you’ll find your own inner dragon along the way?Can Clutz the Cat Keep Trying? by Misty Black: An adorable growth mindset story focusing on how adding “Yet” to the end of an “I can’t” statement encourages resilience and makes difficult things seem possible.Wander World by Katie Gigliotti: When a bored young girl persuades her sleepy grandpa to take a journey with her, they embark on an imaginative adventure. Together, they wander around the world, visiting each of the seven continents from the living room couch!Mama, I Got a Dollar! by Rella B: an enchanting story about a little girl who shares her excitement with her family every time she finds, receives, or earns a dollar. However, one day, her uncle decides to teach her a valuable lesson about money, sparking her interest to learn even more.Read for a Cause Series by Jillian W Boone: a handful of books dedicated to doing good in the world through charitable giving.Dolly’s Doodle Dreams by Melissa Eastin: An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Mindset (Foster Social-Emotional Skills and Confidence Through Fun and Interactive Stories!)The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids by Heide Rembold: Discover the wonders of homesteading, gardening, and self-sufficiency through the alphabet! “The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids” is an engaging and educational journey for young minds into the world of sustainable living!Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol: Join Rocky on his heartwarming journey of self-discovery, courage, and connection in his first family reunion adventure—where he’ll discover that sometimes the greatest strength is helping others!Sally Mitts Finds a Home by Shain Stodt: a heartwarming tale about a lost kitten who finds her way back to love and home. Called “honest and sweet,” children and adults easily relate to Sally quest for friendship and a special forever person.One Tooth’s Journey: It’s Not ALL About the Tooth Fairy! by Arpik Soulakian: a heartwarming children’s book that unveils the enchanting tale of what happens to a lost tooth after it leaves a child’s pillow. This isn’t just another tooth fairy story; it’s an adventure of surprises and meaningful discoveries that come full circle with a delightful twist at the end.Visit the Stars by Naila Syed: Do you dream of visiting the stars? Join our noisy, creative, curious, adventurous, wondrous, and amazing narrator’s journey! Every stage takes you through her inquisitive thoughts and exciting day at school. As her father tucks her in at night, she continues her adventure and goes on to dream about a mysterious astronaut’s venture through space!JJ and Frijolito by Victoria Cepeda: a story about a preteen gamer, a rescue dog, and their friendship!

Happy reading! Let me know in the comments which ones you end up purchasing!

Until next time,

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It’s AUGUST; a new month means new writing, reading, and author-related holidays to have fun with on social media, your blog, or as newsletter material.

Here are four fun holidays to celebrate this month!

August 9 National Book Lovers Day

It’s the ultimate day for book lovers! Celebrate Book Lovers Day by spotlighting your favorite book(s), treating yourself to a new one, or sharing a favorite with a friend.

August 17 – Love Your Bookshop Day

Do you have a favorite bookshop? Here’s your excuse to visit and treat yourself to a new book. Snap a photo and post it to social media to give them a shoutout!

August 18 – Bad Poetry Day

August 18th is bad poetry day — so let’s celebrate the good poetry! Spotlight a poet you love, pick out a new poetry book, or write a haiku of your own.

August 31 – Love Your Memoirs Day

Memoirs are captures of people’s stories in the best way they know how; through words. Celebrate them by purchasing one!

Know of a holiday I may have missed? Drop it in the comments below! 

Until next time,

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In the three weeks since I self-published The ABCs of Homesteading For Kids, curious friends, family, and the social media community have asked me so many questions about the self-publishing process.

In this blog post, I’m digging into the most common questions I’ve received about self-publishing a children’s book:

Do you pring and ship self-published books yourself?How much do you make with self-publishing? Do self-published authors have an agent, editor, or manager?Why would someone decide to self-publish? Do self-published authors illustrate their own books?Do you print and ship self-published books yourself? 

I do not. I publish my books through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) through Amazon. Books are printed and shipped as ordered, and I can order in bulk for special events or large-quantity purchases. This eliminates a lot of work and keeps my upfront costs very low. 

There are multiple avenues to self-publishing, and some do involve a more hands-on approach. I encourage thorough research to see what best fits your needs, lifestyle, and capabilities.

How much money do you make with self-publishing? 

The answer can differ — but here are the quick facts:

Each publishing platform will offer a different royalty rate. For instance, KDP offers a fixed 60% royalty rate on paperbacks sold on Amazon marketplaces. Royalties for ebooks and hard copies are different. If you purchase author copies (copies you can sell yourself), you pay the printing cost. This way, you can make more from each copy you sell; however, you buy them upfront, and if you don’t sell any, you have sunk costs. You cover all your own expenses: editors, illustrators, public relations, marketing, cover design, ads, author copies, ARC copies, etc.

How much you make depends on many things, mainly how many copies you sell and how low you can keep your costs. Here are a few of the realistic statistics for self-publishing authors:

The average self-published book sells 250 copies.The average self-published author makes $1,000 per year from their books.33% of self-published authors make less than $500 per year.90% of self-published books sell less than 100 copies.20% of self-published authors report making no income from their books.

Needless to say, don’t go into the self-publishing (or really the fiction writing world at all) to make money. Do it for the passion, for love, for the experience.

Do self-published authors have an agent, editor, or manager? 

While we don’t start out with agents, editors, or managers in the traditional sense, it is possible for indie authors to be picked up by agents or become large enough to need a manager at some point.

Typically, we’re a one-man/one-woman show with a lot of support groups. I currently hang out with the Kid Lit Support Squad group (and am looking for more groups to join!)

Why would someone decide to self-publish? 

If you’re a writer aspiring to someday publish, you may have an idea of the publishing industry and how scary it can be. Long, overly detailed, and deeply researched story short: approximately 1-2% of writers seeking traditional publication achieve it. I decided to self-publish for a lot of reasons, the main ones being: 

Timeline. I wanted to publish this year, and traditional publication can take somewhere around 2-3 years. On top of a 1-2% chance of publication, I opted for a less traditional route for my children’s book. However, my novel will be seeking agent representation in the next few months.Convenience. While self-publishing is a lot of work, I personally felt it was the same, if not less, than seeking traditional publication. I queried my novel for a few months, and the amount of work that went into research, drafting letters, revisions, more research, and waiting for a response felt similar to the time it took to format, re-format, and publish The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids. Control. I was eager to work with my chosen illustrator and to let her creativity soar. A traditional publication route may have intervened on these efforts.

There are many benefits to traditional publications as well (mainly the expertise), and there are benefits to self-publishing. Stay tuned for a blog comparing both.

Do self-published authors illustrate their own books?

I did not illustrate my own book — although I know plenty of indie authors who do both the writing and the illustrations (Cat Parry is one of my faves).

Any tips for authors considering self-publication?

Explore all of your options! Research, talk to self-published authors, and learn from others’ mistakes and successes. Ultimately, make the decision that makes the mose sense for you.

If you’ve self-published (or are considering it), ask your questions or tell me the questions you’ve been asked in the comments. 

until next time,

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As you may know, I recently published my children’s book, The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids. The process was fun (and exhausting) and I often had people asking how they could help. Because I was so new to it, I didn’t always know; but after being in the thick of it for some time now, I’ve learned the ins-and-outs of indie author support, and now want to share them with you!

First, what is an indie author? 

An indie author is an author who has decided to take a non-traditional route to publishing their written work and publish it themselves. There are many reasons why an author might choose the indie or self-publishing route, but the most common ones surround the barriers that traditional publishing has (I have a post digging into all of that down the road).

One of the biggest hurdles that Indie authors face is often feeling on their own; we don’t have an agent or editor guiding us through the process, just a ton of online articles (and a few amazing communities, such as the Kid Lit Support Squad). So when our circles advocate for us or help us out in any way, it means a LOT!

Let’s jump into how you can support indie authors.

7 Ways You can Support Indie Authors. Buy their book. Buying their book is the most obvious way to support an indie author. If you’re close enough to them, you can even ask which way will benefit them the best — some authors seek Amazon rankings, some prefer higher royalties, or some would rather the book be purchased on a specific website. Personally, I prefer the Amazon method in the first few weeks — it helps promote the book and place it in the rankings as a best seller. Leave a review. If you’ve read the book, leave them a review. Seriously. It goes beyond giving them warm fuzzies in their heart; it helps book stores and libraries decide whether or not to stock their book, helps rankings, helps promotion, and helps other readers decide to buy. Share about their book on social media. Do you follow your favorite authors on social media? Support them! Comment on their posts, share them to your story, and tag friends you think would like their books. If you have purchased a copy of their book, a post featuring that book and tagging them goes a long, long way. Request their book at your local library or bookstore. Have a library or bookstore you frequent? Take a minute or two and request the indie-published book. Ask the store clerk or librarian, or request a copy online. Buy them a coffee. If you want to show support but aren’t active in the book world, you can still send them love with a coffee or glass of wine. Advocate for their book in your circles. One of the biggest things others did for me during the publishing process of The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids was advocate for it to their own social groups:  homeschool groups, homesteading groups, farm groups, and the like. This helps reach the right audiences in a free and authentic way. Follow their profiles. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, GoodReads, Amazon Author…follow them all! This can help with their content reach and online existence (which can play a part in some libraries and bookstores deciding on whether or not to stock their books).

Are you an indie author? Do you support indie authors? Tell me how below! 

All books in featured image, pictured from left to right, top to bottom.

How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree by Stefanie GamarraMy Body Sends a Signal by Natalie MaguireA Friend Is (Read for a Cause) by Jillian W. BooneThe ABCs of Homesteading by Heide RemboldCommon Grounds by Allie SambertsThe Trouble with Love and Ink by Harriet AshfordStill Growing Wildflowers by Alisha Christensen

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