One of the best things about my creative writing programmes is how much I learn on the way. For one, before each class, I research for hours. One hour of class time typically requires at least four hours of research.
And for another, I invite guests to talk about a variety of subjects from science fiction to cyber crime, historical fiction to comics.
Our latest guest was Andaleeb Wajid, a hybrid author who has published 37 novels in the last twelve years! Since so many parents and children have questions about Kindle Direct Publishing and whether they should publish their children’s work at all, Andaleeb was the ideal guest. Step by step, she took us through the process of publishing, comparing traditional publishing with KDP, with complete frankness when it came to costs, timelines and control.
For the most part, we followed a Q and A pattern for the session. Here are two answers that stood out to me.
What do you think about self-publishing, especially when it comes to children?
Free publishing platforms are now available to us, so go ahead and publish! Remember, though, that you should publish the best version possible. Work on your writing, edit, and get feedback. Because your name is going to be associated with that book.
Do you have advice when it comes to publishing children’s work?
Whether adults or children are looking to publish, my question is the same: why do you want to be published? Do you want to make money? Become famous? Or do you just want to get your work out there?
If you want to make money, publishing via KDP could work. If your book is well written and you market it well, you will find readers and make money.
If you’re looking to publish because you want to become famous, KDP is not the route I recommend. Your book isn’t going to be at a store. In India, KDP is restricted to ebooks, plus distribution networks don’t really make space for self-published books.
If you want to publish your book because you have spent so much time and effort writing it that you just want it out there, go for it! Publish. It gives you a sense of achievement!
The session was informative and useful; I can’t wait for the next one!
Leave a Reply