I never thought about self-publishing before I wrote Oliver's Hunger Dragon. Oh, I had researched the idea, and knew several successful writers who opted to self-publish instead of turning their work over to a trade publisher. But to really make the decision was not something I seemed ready to do. Enter Oliver's Hunger Dragon--a picture book drawing attention to the repercussions hunger has on a child. 


After several publishing houses and agents sent their complimentary "Thanks but no thanks" letter of regret, I decided to self publish. Since it was designed to be a picture book, I searched for companies who could help me create a paper book and an ebook. That's when I discovered Halo Publishing through fellow author and friend, Beth Consugar. Halo published her beautiful picture book Swanee Day.

I chose Halo after reviewing several of their books and talking with the publisher, Lisa Michelle Umina. Next came the money. Yes, there are companies--wonderful companies--like Smashwords who will publish your ebook for free, but I still needed to hire an illustrator and follow the yellow brick path, so to speak, through the world of self-publishing. And for that, I was willing to pay, but how was another matter. 

Since I want a portion of all proceeds to help feed kids, I campaigned to raise the money through Fundly. The campaign raised enough to hire the illustrator, and my family put up the rest. So far, so good. The illustrations are almost complete, and I am learning much more than I expected. So much more as a matter of fact that I will be self-publishing a historical novel through Smashwords later this fall.

While I will still write books that I hope are accepted by trade publishers, I will also continue to join the thousands of authors who have made the decision to self-publish. Either way, it is one of the most rewarding experiences a writer/author can have.

I started writing in the mid-80s, and my first jump into the deep pool was a book. I know, who starts off thinking they can write a book? Well, everyone who knows me knows I don't take dares lightly. So when a friend "dared" me to write a book about my family daycare business, I took her up on it. The result was my very first book The Home Day Care Handbook published in 1987. That led me to writing articles about kids, parenting, animals, and people who fascinated me. In all, I was gratefully published in over 300 newspapers and magazines. 

Was it as easy as it seems? Heavens no. I first approached another friend who had written numerous books. He steered me to Writer's Digest. Then two years ago when I began writing again, I found The Institute of Children's Literature. And, finally, through ICL, I found Long Ridge Writers.

In the 80's I was fortunate to take two courses through Writer's Digest--the non-fiction article course, and the novel writing course. Each time I was given a fantastic instructor/mentor who guided me through the basics and encouraged me to continue my writing career. WD still offers wonderful courses that enlighten, encourage, and educate.  

If it's children you want to write for like I do, then look to the Institute of Children's Literature. Talk about one-on-one mentoring? The Institute does just that and more. Their basic course takes you through the mechanics of writing, polishing, finding a market, and selling your story or article. Their instructors are well known children authors, and they are a wealth of information. My instructor for the basic course was author, Renee Heiss, and my instructor for the novel writing course is Linda Crotta Brennan. I wrote my second book, The Great Camel Experiment of the Old West, as part of the basic course plus sold 3 articles to magazines. I am writing my third book now as part of the novel course. The wealth of resources and guidance is outstanding.

Finally, if you want to write for adults, check out an affiliate of ICL, The Long Ridge Writers Group. Long Ridge offers courses for both non-fiction and novel or story writing. Their set up is a lot like ICL. Their course is on-line with proven material and resources, and you are paired with an accomplished author as an instructor/mentor. What more could you ask for.

So whether you have a burning desire to put those stories rolling around in your head down on paper, want to see your name in print, or--like me--can't resist a dare, check out the three options listed below. It could be the best thing you ever did. It was for me.