You Ask We Answer: Where Do I Find An Illustrator?

I receive many emails from those of you who would love to start writing a children's book or have written a children's story and want to know what's next--how do they proceed from having a story, to having a story with illustrations. I have decided to start answering those questions on a weekly blog segment and posting articles by my co-founder of the Read3Zero Foundation, Bobby Ozuna, on topics pertaining to publishing, writing and marketing in the book industry. I am calling this segment: You Ask, We Answer.

PLEASE feel free to post your questions here and we would LOVE to answer them on the weekly discussion!
***

This week's topic stems from many aspiring children's writers who are trying to decide whether to go the traditional publishing route or the publish their works independently. Your answer to this question will greatly determine how you use (or what or whom is used to create) illustrations in your book. You need to consider your personality style when making this determination. Do you want less control over your project, focusing on writing and marketing only, or do you want total control of the book publishing process?

Where should I find an illustrator before I send my children's book manuscript to a publisher?

ANSWER: If you are planning on sending your work to a publishing house, unless you yourself are the illustrator of your work, you are NOT allowed to choose your illustrator.  The idea of submitting a story, with illustrations to a major trade publisher is a big misconception. The publisher will use their own illustrators for your book project. You will probably not be able to decide on most of the look of your book either, from design, to cover, to interior, to font layout, etc.  This is perfect for those of us who solely focus on writing, but if you want more control, you may need to start your own publishing company or work with a small personal publisher.  More control also means more work and more money you must provide on your own. Being the publisher means being sole controller of every aspect of the book's publishing process but it also means you will need some available cash to start and finish the project entirely. This is why the decision all depends on your needs and your vision for the project.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit like myself, you will love turning your dream into a full fledged career.  Eventually your publishing company may take on others and you will then understand why publishers want their creative team to take complete control over the project.  For my own chapter book series, Iggy the Iguana, I delegate tasks to over a team of 15 people.  We must all work together and have a common goal.  You brand yourself when you develop a product, so everyone must know exactly what the publisher (who may happen to be an author as well) stands for!  Read my article call called Find Your Niche-Creating Success in the Book Industry for more ideas.  

*Remember if you decide to go the independent publishing route, don't forget to do your homework and make sure your book still falls under industry standards.  If you don't do your publishing homework, you will not be able to get your book into bookstores like, Barnes and Noble or distributed by major Distribution Channels.  Check out Dan Poynter's Book, The Self-Publishing Manual for all of the rules in the publishing industry.*

Melissa M. Williams
Author/Public Speaker
Co-Founder, READ3Zero
Literacy~Creativity~Learning

Melissa M. Williams Press Release Media Kit

Melissa M. Williams Press Release/Media Kit




READ3Zero Logo

Television Interviews

"Marketing 101"--Just What's in a Brand?

Here is a great article from the 6 part series on how to market yourself in the book industry by Bobby Ozuna.  Be sure to Follow Bobby's Blog for more weekly tips on marketing and branding yourself as an author.  

"Marketing 101"--Just What

Melissa M. Williams
Literacy~Learning~Creativity

The Iggy the Iguana Chapter-Book Series

The Iggy the Iguana children's chapter book series! 

Click the book cover images to link to the Amazon storefront!

"Iggy the Iguana"

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback & Hardback: 180 pages
• Publisher: LongTale Publishing Inc. (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0981805412
• Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0981805405
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

"Summer League"

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback & Hardback: 210 pages
• Publisher: LongTale Publishing Inc. (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0981805436
• Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0981805429
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

The Iggy the Iguana line of products

LongTale Publishing is pleased to announce a new line of "Iggy" Products for your Iggy fan and follower!

Click on the various images below to be directed to the new Iggy storefront on Zazzle.com!

"The Iggy Binder"

"The Iggy Book Bag"

"Iggy Stickers"

"Molly Cheers TShirt for Kids"

"Snap Shell Turtle Plush Doll"

"Iggy the Iguana Plush Dolls"

"The Summer League Hoodie"

Adult Sizes          Child Sizes

"Summer League Baseball Cards"

"You Ask, We Answer"--Oct. 26, 2009

Tips To Help Optimize Your Marketing Presence Online
How do you turn your book writing passion into a successful publishing business? Just how do you brand or establish your marketability?

My friend, co-founder to the READ3Zero foundation and online marketing manager, Bobby Ozuna, has posted an article that applies to ways to help market your book publishing business. The article, "Just What's In A Brand?" is the first in a six-part series which will cover quick tips to consider as you work to turn your passion (book writing & selling) into a successful (profit generating) business.

Be sure to subscribe to Bobby's Blog for weekly marketing tips in the publishing industry!  Bobby has been managing all of my online book marketing and I have learned more about online marketing in the past month than I knew over the last 4 years while doing this stuff by myself!  Not only that, but I have increased my online sales via Amazon.com by more than 3-times in only one month! These jewels of info can be used in any type of business for that matter but specifically, can be utilized to better help you turn your book writing, into a money generating book publishing business!

~Melissa M. Williams
Author/Publisher/Public Speaker
LongTale Publishing
Co-Founder, READ3Zero Foundation
Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

Author Signing at the St. Elizabeth Craft Show in Houston

The St. Elizabeth Craft Show is held every year during the fall.  Hundreds of vendors will be set up this Saturday sharing their special treasures.  Jewelry, clothing, toys, crafts, homemade food, decorations ... and of course Iggy and Friends will be available for purchase all day just in time for your early Christmas Shopping. 

 

Be sure to come by the Iggy Booth (#115) for your chance to win a huge gift basket of books, stuffed animals, collectors cards, an much more!  

 

 

BE THE FIRST TO GET YOUR VERY OWN IGGY THE IGUANA ONESIE FOR YOUR BABY OR GRANDCHILD!  ALL THE IGGY CHARACTERS ARE AVAILABLE! 

 

Can't wait to see you on Saturday!

DETAILS:

DATE: Saturday Oct. 24th
TIME: 9:00am-4:00pm
LOCATION: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
6646 Addicks Satsuma Rd
Houston, TX 77084
(Inside the Family Life Center Market Hall Booth # 115)

A different approach to conquering "learning disabilities" in kids

This week on The Kids Korner (West Side Story) Melissa M. Williams shares some tips and advice on conquering learning disabilities or problems with children in grade school.

"It’s easy to become frustrated with the educational system’s process regarding the most effective way to teach our children. What’s true for one child is not necessarily true for the other."

If you are struggling to help your elementary school child master reading comprehension and feel as though they are "acting out", not so much for their inability to learn, but perhaps their lack of interest in the traditional approach to teaching, you will want to read this new article entitled: "Problem Child or Creative Genius."

To read the full feature article on The West Side Story as part of Kids Korner, follow this URL.


To stay connected with Melissa M. Williams and discover all the news pertaining to Iggy the Iguana and the new movement from LongTale Publishing, READ3Zero, you can subscribe to this blog HERE.


LongTale Publishing, staff

Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

Iggy the Iguana Scroggins Elementary First Place winner Pumpkin Literature Contest

Iggy the Iguana Scroggins Elementary First Place winner Pumpkin Literature Contest

Congratulations to Mr. Jack's 3rd graders for winning First Place at the Scroggins Elementary Pumpkin Literature Contest! I was so excited to see all of the Iggy characters in their fall Pumpkin Patch display. I am honored that you chose Iggy the Iguana as your favorite chapter book! I can't wait to go back to Scroggins this fall season and see all of the familiar faces in Houston!

Follow this URL to view the entire list of entries and winners from Scroggins Elementary School in Houston, Texas.

Become a FAN of Iggy the Iguana on Facebook!

~Melissa M. Williams
LongTale Publishing
Literacy~Creativity~Learning



Technorati Tags:
Melissa M. Williams, Iggy the Iguana, Summer League, Scroggins Elementary School, Houston, Texas, Houston ISD, amazon books, amazon authors, best-selling children's chapter books, chapter books, LongTale Publishing, READ3Zero, Facebook
Add to: | Technorati | Digg | del.icio.us | Yahoo | BlinkList | Spurl | reddit | Furl |

Barnes and Noble Educator Event

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Barnes and Noble Educator's Event and Signing. LongTale Publishing and Barnes and Noble were able to give away a Free Author School Visit and a $500 Barnes and Noble Gift Card to two lucky attendees! Later in the day, one happy girl won her very own Snap Shell Stuffed Animal!




















Many questions were asked pertaining to the publishing industry, the future of the Iggy Series, and ways for parents to get involved in the reading and learning process with their children. Here are a few answers to those questions.

I chose to start LongTale Publishing so I could be in control of the overall interior and exterior of the books I write. It is very important to work with people I know and trust will work with me one-on-one to create the vision I have always had for Iggy the Iguana. When you are an author, you chose to stand for something and your books do relay a message.



As a publisher I work with My illustrator, Graphic Designer, Editor and Copy Editor, Co-Writers and other Authors, My Online Marketing Manager, Publicist, Events Coordinator, Sales Team, Web Designer, Stuffed Animal Designer, Print House, Distributors, T-Shirt Designers, Marketing Material Distributors, Lawyers, CPA, My Business Partner for Read3Zero, and list goes on and on to Book Stores, Newspapers, Newsletter Companies, Teachers, Librarians, Children, Radio Show Hosts, Media, etc. You can see that this may seem overwhelming, but if you lay the foundation in the beginning and delegate tasks, everyone is able to work together beautifully. It can not be done alone, but I like to always know what is going on in my business.

On to the next question. I see the Iggy Series turning into a few different chapter book series, the next one being, Turtle Town. LongTale Publishing will also work on the Molly Picture Book Series for the little ones soon. The characters in Iggy the Iguana represent positive values and promote literacy and creativity. One of my goals is to encourage children to read and write stories of their own, which is why Read3Zero, LongTale Publishing's Literacy Foundation, will be hosting the Short Stories Written By Kids For Kids Anthology Project.

Be sure to email me at melissa@longtalepublishing.com
for an entry packet.

Lastly, a wonderful question was posted by one of the parents at the event pertaining to questions and learning activities that go along with Iggy the Iguana. I love getting to talk with my readers and the parents because I want to provide what you need for your children. I have started developing the Iggy Creative Writing Workbook, but I think it would be a wonderful idea to add questions to each chapter of the Iggy series for parents to ask their children. These questions would include what we think the character is feeling, or what lesson did they learn from the experience, etc. The concepts with in the stories are meant to get the reader to think outside the box and put themselves in the character's shoes. I think questions for the stories are a wonderful idea! Be looking for it soon!

I want to thank Sarah Attia at the River Oaks B&N for inviting me to present to the Educators! We all had a great time! Be sure to visit the Brand New and Beautiful Barnes and Noble Location in Houston at the River Oaks Shopping Center. I look forward to going back in the future. And thank you to Flynn Photography for the wonderful pictures!




















~Melissa
LongTale Publishing
Literacy~Creativity~Learning

Melissa is LIVE on the air with Houston's KPVU public radio!

Melissa M. Williams, author of Iggy the Iguana and co-founder fo the READ3Zero foundation is LIVE on the air today with Houston's own, KPVU public radio station!

Join us today @ 11AM, CST for a live interview and for your chance to participate in the Membership Campaign at KPVU by pledging a donation with a chance to receive up to 20 Iggy the Iguana Books for a lucky child or group on the air this week. The Membership Campaign runs through Oct. 11th. KPVU is a publicly funded NPR station that located at Prairie View A&M.

Call in at 1800-992-5788 or pledge at www.pvamu.edu/kpvu

Melissa M. Williams will be discussing her author programs on the air and opportunities for kids to get involved in her creative writing contests!

Click HERE to listen live!!!

~LongTale Publishing, staff
Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

Discover new ways to create healthy habits for your children!

Discover new ways to create healthy habits for your children!

There is a new article on the (every) Thursday edition of Kids Korner on Houston's West Side Story ezine. This week Melissa M. Williams discusses ways to create new and healthy habits for your children, by setting the example and establishing patterns that will benefit them the rest of their lives.

To read the full feature article on Kids Korner, click HERE.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to Melissa's blog and stay connected with all news related to LongTale Publishing, Melissa Williams and of course, Iggy the Iguana and all his friends.

To get an inside peek at the next movement for LongTale Publishing to help conquer childhood illiteracy in your community, stop by the READ3Zero homepage and read the mission statement under About Us.



~LongTale Publishing, staff

Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

Melissa M. Williams Interview Author's First Tony Kay

Don't miss my LIVE streaming Internet Radio Interview on the Artist First Network with Host Tony Kay!

Click HERE to listen & stream the interview, LIVE--tonight, Wednesday, October 7th @ 7PM CST.

Talking Points:

What's new with Iggy the Iguana
The 3rd Book in the Iggy Series--Turtle Town
News on Author School Visits
Creative Writing Exercises for Kids
Opportunities for children to get published
And the Up and Coming Big News for LongTale Publishing...(drum roll please!!!) READ3Zero!!



LongTale Publishing
Literacy. Creativity. Learning

You can connect with Melissa M. Williams & Iggy the Iguana on any of the social networking sites below...

Melissa M. Williams on Facebook
Fans of Iggy the Iguana on Facebook
Follow Melissa & Iggy on Twitter






Melissa M. Williams, Iggy the Iguana, Turtle Town, Artist First, Artist First Radio Network, Authors First, Tony Kay, Read3Zero, Bobby Ozuna, Ozuna Publications, LongTale Publishing, author interviews, podcasting, amazon books, amazon, best sellers, children's chapter books, chapter books, best selling childrens books

Barnes and Noble River Author Signing This Saturday

I would like to personally invite you to celebrate Educators Appreciation Day with me on Saturday October 10th at Barnes and Noble. The Brand New Barnes and Noble in River Oaks-Houston is hosting a Brunch to honor all Pre-K through 12 Educators. I am honored to be their very first author. I will be holding a presentation for you and speaking about:

1. My new author visits for 2009-2010
2. The vision for Iggy the Iguana
3. Creative Writing Tips from my workshops
4. I will be announcing my new Foundation Read3Zero and the opportunities it holds for inspiring children to
Read, be Creative, and Write their Own Stories to be Published by LongTale Publishing.
5. You will receive Entry Forms for you Students to Participate in "Short Stories Written By Kids For Kids!"

After the presentation I will be autographing copies of Iggy the Iguana and the brand new Sequel, Summer League! We have paperbacks and hardbacks now available!

Here are some fun things about the day!

If you buy books on Saturday your Teacher Discount will increase to 25% for Saturday. You will also learn about the new "Barnes & Noble @ School" products and their improved Educator Discount Card. The Cafe will provide complimentary coffee, tea and pastries. Be sure to enter for a chance to win prizes such as a FREE Iggy the Iguana school visit or a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card! Please RSVP by replying to this email or directly to Sarah Attia at 713.522.8538 or crm2321@bn.com.


Location: Barnes and Noble-River Oaks 2030 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019
Day: Saturday October 10th
Schedule:
11:00am Educator's Brunch and Presenation
12:00 pm Private Signing
3:00pm Public Signing for Family, Friends, and Children


Blessings,
Melissa ... and Iggy!

Congratulations to the Turtle Town Group

You may have heard through the grapevine that I am working on the 3rd "Special Edition" book in the Iggy the Iguana Series. TURTLE TOWN! The character Snap Shell the box turtle takes the staring role in this new book, to be released in late 2010. The most exciting part about writing Turtle Town is getting to work with a new group of writers. Over the summer I chose 4 students from my Character Development Summer Camp to work on developing a new character for the story! I am happy to FINALLY announce the winners to everyone and the character we will be working on!

Congratulations:
Morgan Mayer
Logan Hibbeler
Shannon Kummer
Jason Pines

AND THE NEW TURTLE TOWN CHARACTER IS ............. MEET Herbert the French Hermit Crab and Star the mute Starfish I am really looking forward to working with these creative kiddos. Be sure to look for opportunities to be published in my new project for kids. "Short Stories Written By Kids For Kids" soon on Iggy's Website.

Melissa and Iggy

Literacy~Creativity~Learning

The Official Iggy book bag has arrived!

FANS OF IGGY THE IGUANA!!! The first official "Iggy the Iguana" book bag has arrived!!!


Here's your chance to order the first "Iggy the Iguana" book bag(s) available from LongTale Publishing!

Teachers: This makes a GREAT tool to ...help promote literacy in children.
Parents: This makes a GREAT tool to promote and enjoy reading books with your children!

Don't forget to share or tweet the URL below everyone!


The official "Iggy the Iguana" book bag from Zazzle.com

Shared via AddThis


~LongTale Publishing, staff
Literacy. Creativity. Learning.



Iggy the Iguana Melissa M. Williams LongTale Publishing amazon books amazon best sellers best selling children\'s chapter books chatper books books for kids book bags bags books Zazzle products for children