Dear Reader,
Self-publishing or traditional publishing? This question has been plaguing me for some time and I was quite divided! Traditional publishing had this ring to it. Being published among the children’s authors I have cherished since I was a little girl! However, self-publishing had its positive features too. At the start of this year, I got a strong urge to figure out this path as one thing remained true- I wanted to be both the author and illustrator of my children’s book series. This month I had the click moment where I declared that I am going to self-publish my books! Here is my story of how I got there.
Discovering I was going to become a children’s author.
At the close of 2020, I discovered my calling to write a children’s book series. From the start of my business in 2019 I always knew that I would write a book but was not sure what it would be about. Also, I was suffering from imposter syndrome. I did not go to school for writing and felt my past work experiences did not qualify me for this kind of work. However, once I started writing this blog I realized that writing was not out of my reach. Now I fully embrace that I am a writer with confidence. Ironically, on my way back from Italy the man sitting next to me on the plane kindly pointed out “of course you are writer you are always reading.” Truth is my nose was buried in a book for the majority of that flight and I read a total of three books on that trip. Reading, like writing, is a pleasure for me.
Understanding the importance of illustrating my book series.
Children’s books are very special in that both the illustrations and writing hold equal value. You can’t have one without the other. When I declared that I was writing this series, I was firm that I would illustrate the books as well as design the book cover. This choice came from a place of wanting to shine and share my visions with the kiddos of the world. I have been training as an artist since I was seven years old but this was a moment where I truly had to discover my own style. Simultaneously, it was an instance where I realized I had to stand up for myself. After many occasions where I have been pushed into the shadows, it is now time to stand center stage and demonstrate the value that I can offer the world.
Finding my way to the right team.
Although I write and illustrate the books as well as design the toys, I still needed a strong team to guide me to this moment of being able to make these books a printed reality. Like with any other experience, I learned a lot in finding my way to professionals who understand and specialize in the book industry while also recognizing my vision and potential for my brand. Finding my editor, Susan, opened so many doors for me and led me to my marketing strategist, Melanie, who tightened my messaging. The beauty is I am only at the beginning of the road!
Realization of my entrepreneurial spirit.
The last piece of this puzzle is when I identified once again that I am an entrepreneur. I had a great opportunity in finding a lead to being traditionally published. In my mind this path would fulfill my longing to belong to a team bigger than me and provide a sense of acknowledgement I so often crave. As this summer drew to a close, I had very similar conversations with both my editor and marketing strategist. These ladies communicated to me:
Kristina, you have an entrepreneurial vision for your brand. It is not simply a book that you are writing. There is artwork you create and toys you design. You are very passionate about everything you do and it is a gift that you can create the images that you envision.
Through their words, I realized that I needed to once again embrace fate and self-publish my books. Fate understands that I am seeking acknowledgement and belonging and knows that I will find it at the end of this rainbow!
With all this said, I invite you to mark your calendars for spring 2023 for the release of my first book! I have had an amazing time writing and illustrating these books and thinking of holding the finished product in my hands is magical. The other irony is I believe my Mom is truly proud and satisfied with this path. Like Dr. Seuss’ Mom wanted him to be a doctor, my Mom always wanted me to be a school teacher. I feel becoming a children’s author is a healthy compromise.
I can’t wait to share the release date with you and am so glad you are part of this journey with Bella and me!
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo