Have you been feeling stuck or overwhelmed with the process of self-publishing?
I was once in your shoes, and I know how challenging it can be to navigate the world of self-publishing as a newbie.
But fear not! I have developed a comprehensive bootcamp that will guide you step-by-step through the entire process of self-publishing your illustrated children's book.
In this bootcamp, I'll be sharing with you all of my insider secrets and strategies that I've learned over the years as a successful children's book author and self-publisher.
How to write a compelling and engaging children's book
How to write a compelling and engaging children's book
How to find and work with the right illustrator
How to find and work with the right illustrator
How to create a marketing plan that will help you get your book in front of your ideal readers
How to create a marketing plan that will help you get your book in front of your ideal readers
How to self-publish your book on popular platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble
How to self-publish your book on popular platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble
A private online community of like-minded writers and illustrators who will support and encourage you throughout the entire process
A private online community of like-minded writers and illustrators who will support and encourage you throughout the entire process
Group coaching sessions with me, where I'll help you troubleshoot any issues you might encounter and answer any questions you have
Group coaching sessions with me, where I'll help you troubleshoot any issues you might encounter and answer any questions you have
Recording of our call plus bonus materials to help walk you through each step of the process
Recording of our call plus bonus materials to help walk you through each step of the process
I used to believe that if something seemed impossible, I wasn't qualified to do it because I lacked the necessary resources, energy, time or expertise. But, the good news is that it's God who qualifies us, and He shows up greatest in our weaknesses and needs. Lately, I've been thinking that if something seems impossible, God probably wants me to do it and believe for it.
It's never easy to take a step of faith forward when you have no idea how it's all going to work out. I'll never forget when God told me to stop pursuing traditional publishing of "My Heart's Garden" because He wanted me to have the freedom to have it translated into multiple languages at a moment's notice.
I had no idea how to self-publish, I didn't have the money to hire an illustrator, and right after God told me to do this, the whole world shut down because of COVID-19, and I was pregnant with my fourth son at home while my other boys were ages 5 and under. It was a challenging time.
In the midst of this chaos, God told me the next step of obedience was to search for an illustrator. I questioned Him, "What in the world, God? I have no money for an illustrator. I feel like a fool even looking for one." It was in the midst of wrestling with God and searching for the right illustrator I couldn't pay that I walked to my mailbox. The sky was bleak and I felt despair, "God, you have called me to something impossible. Maybe I didn't hear you correctly. I feel like a fool."
My mood echoed the dark skies' sentiments as I opened the mailbox. Inside was an envelope with a letter from a friend across the country. After I sprayed the envelope with Lysol, yes it was that early into the pandemic, I opened it and read, "Charity, one morning I was spending time with God and He told me you were writing a children's book that would change the world but you needed money to make it happen." Enclosed was a check. That money, along with other generous financial gifts, funded the illustrator for the picture book and workbook.
Friend, if God has called you to do the impossible or believe for a miracle, I invite you to ask our good Father God, "What's the next step of obedience I can take?" and take it today.
Write and edit the manuscript.
Receive peer reviews to perfect your manuscript.
Create a story board.
Find an illustrator.
Choose a self-publishing platform (e.g. Amazon KDP, IngramSpark or bulk printing)
Learn best practices for crowd funding your book.
Develop an effective launch strategy
Market the book through social media, email lists, influencers, podcasts, schools and local events.
Consider creating a workbook or other supplementary materials to accompany the book.
Gather feedback from readers and adjust marketing strategy accordingly.
Connect and serve your ideal reader on social media and IRL.
Charity is a Jesus follower, Wife and Boy Mama to 4 of the wildest, and squishiest sets of dimpled cheeks. Most days you can find her top knottin’ it, totin’ potties and rollin’ in the mini.
She is the author of the children’s picture book “My Heart’s Garden” and companion “My Heart’s Garden Workbook.” Her book was translated into Ukrainian to help refugee children process their trauma. It will be translated next into Bengali. Charity is currently authoring a children’s Advent devotional for First 15 and dipping her toes into the trad pub world represented by Bethany Jett for a women’s devotional.
Charity has coached and taught children’s picture book self publishing to almost 100 writers and loves getting messages from her former students that their children’s books are launching into the world.
She has a Masters in Higher Education and has been a Children’s Pastor, Church Planter and Teacher.
"Charity was instrumental in helping me achieve my twenty year dream of publishing my first children's picture book. In addition to being an absolute joy to work with and a lovely person to get to know, charity really knows her stuff! I was able to naviagte the entire process of self publlishing on the information she shared alone. Charity is organized, thorough, and incredibly kind and helpful."
- Jenny Harmon author of “Ladybug Wonder”
"Charity is a fantastic writing coach! On my journey to publish my first children's picture book, Charity gently pushed me to do the work to bring my words to the world. She was knowledgeable, encouraging, and went above and beyond to answer questions and offer direction."
- Chantal Mc Donald author of “Lester the Lobster and the Great Escape”
"It has been such a joy to work with Charity! She has been such an encouragement and I value every minute of her time and expertise."
- Tamara Menges author of “How do you Wish Jesus Happy Birthday?”