Shepherding a Self-Published Picture Book to Success: An Interview with Literary Agent Brenda Bowen

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Shepherding a Self-Published Picture Book to Success: An Interview with Literary Agent Brenda Bowen

Given the high costs of producing picture books and the challenges of distributing them, self-publishing hasn’t yet taken off for picture book writers as it has for writers of other categories. But this past fall, two self-published picture books made headlines for their transition from independent to traditional publishing.

First, Swedish author Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin received a seven-figure, two-book deal from Random House US and Penguin Random House UK for The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep. Then, Vermont-based writers and farm owners John and Jennifer Churchman received a six-figure, three-book deal from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) for their self-published book, Sweet Pea & Friends: The SheepOver.

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Literary Agents in the Digital Age: An Interview with Jessica Faust

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Literary Agents in the Digital Age: An Interview with Jessica Faust

Many writers today opt to self-publish so they can bypass literary agents. Why go through what might be an endless cycle of sending out query letters—and pay an agent’s commission—when it’s so easy to publish a book independently?

Some of the most successful authors in the indie writing community, however, do have representation. So how does an agent assist in a debut or established writer’s self-publishing endeavors? Can an agent effectively advocate for her clients’ best interests if she’s also acting as their publisher? I spoke with literary agent Jessica Faust about these topics and more.

 

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Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?

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Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?

Even though it’s become quite easy for writers to use Amazon KDP or other platforms to publish an e-book—and use print-on-demand technology to create a professional-looking print book—it’s still rare for literary fiction writers to self-publish.

I asked literary agents Vicky Bijur and Ayesha Pande if and when literary writers should consider this option, how it might affect their long-term careers, and what digital trends we might see in terms of marketing literary fiction.

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The Business of Self-Publishing Picture Books: Two Literary Agents Weigh in

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The Business of Self-Publishing Picture Books: Two Literary Agents Weigh in

Back in 1901, aspiring writer Beatrix Potter was frustrated with rejection letters from publishers, so she “privately published” 250 copies of her first book for distribution to friends and family. Within a year, The Tale of Peter Rabbit was picked up by Frederick Warne, one of the publishers that had originally turned it down. It is now one of the bestselling and most beloved children’s books of all time.

In Potter’s day, the phenomenon of self-publishing was rare and expensive, so much so that the first printing of The Tale of Peter Rabbit did not include color illustrations. Today, writers looking to self-publish have several platforms to choose from; Amazon’s KDP Kids, BookBaby, Blurb, and Lulu Jr. in particular are ideal for picture book writers.

I asked literary agents Erin Murphy and Susan Hawk their thoughts on self-publishing children’s books and what the future of the picture book might look like.

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Should Children’s Book Authors Self-Publish?

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Should Children’s Book Authors Self-Publish?

With all the changes taking place in the publishing industry, it seems harder than ever for even the best writers to secure a book deal. Those who do land with a traditional publisher often find that their time there is short-lived, unless their sales meet or exceed expectations. Adult genre writers are solving this problem by self-publishing, either with the help of a literary agent or on their own. But should children’s book authors do the same? I asked literary agents Kate McKean and Kevan Lyon.

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