Aviva Gittle Publishing offers great stories for children in English and Spanish, including the Kitten and Friends / Gatito y amigos series. Aviva’s website, www.GoToGittle.com shares the stories of authors, illustrators and others who create books and creative media for children.Elizabeth Gorcey – #10 on The Gittle List 2015
#10 on The Gittle List 2015
Elizabeth Gorcey earned the #10 spot on The Gittle List for Going to the Park ((Read my review.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? Had you ever gotten an award for any of your other work? It was great to be recognized by Aviva Gittle Publishing. We [also] just won the Newbie Author award from Royal Dragonfly.
What’s you earliest memory of drawing or writing? I used to draw and write poetry on the floor in my bedroom starting at age 4. I also used to make shoebox art utilizing all recycled materials.
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? I love the illustrations in the Olivia series by Ian Falconer.
What is your favorite children’s book? The Olivia series by Ian Falconer, I also love Dr. Seuss as well as Mo Williams children’s books. My daughter Olivia’s favorite books are Books: Agatha Christie mysteries and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
What inspires your work? I am most inspired by my daughter, Liv.
Elizabeth Gorcey’s daughter, Olivia, the inspiration for the “LOL” series.
What is your favorite color or color combination? My favorite colors are black and white.
Why did you decide to self-publish? Was it harder or easier than you thought to publish your own book? Self-publishing is hard, especially if you have high standards. I want my Liv On Life Book Series to have a very specific look and feel.
Interior illustration by Kajiah Jacobs
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? I prefer to work by hand then get it digitally. I love the feel of paper!
Where did you get the idea for Going to the Park? Liv On Life (LOL) is a series of children’s books, inspired by my daughter, Liv. When my daughter was barely 3 years old I began to record the wisdom and advice that she would spontaneously deliver to anyone who was listening. I dubbed these “Liv-isms” and each book in the LOL Series I based directly on these utterances. For me, the message is crystal clear: In a high tech, past-paced world, kids are still the best teachers.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- I love broccoli it’s my favorite food.
- I love my dog and he goes everywhere with me.
- I love yoga and do it wherever I am.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Do something that you are passionate about in life.
Director, producer and actor Elizabeth Gorcey has expanded her repertoire to book publishing with the Live on Life (”LOL”) children’s book series. The six-book series is written from the endearing perspective of Elizabeth’s daughter, Olivia, who shares her insights and observations on modern-day life. The message is clear: In a high tech and fast-paced world, kids are still the best teachers to remind adults of the simple joys in life. After a successful career acting in such films as Footloose, Teen Wolf, and TV series such as Highway to Heaven, Beauty & The Beast, and Max Headroom, Elizabeth dove into work behind the camera. She is currently working on a documentary she directed and produced call How Old is Old? with Tony Curtis, Doris Roberts, Judge Judy and Tony Bennett. Elizabeth currently lives in LA with her family. When not making films or publishing books, she works diligently on her non-profit art program for terminally ill children called the Caring Stroke Arts Program.
Visit Elizabeth’s website:
Buy Going to the Park on Amazon*
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Aviva Gittle writes and publishes children’s stories in English and Spanish. Each year, Aviva runs The Gittle List contest to support her fellow indie authors. Oh, she also loves children’s picture books and is always on the lookout for great ones. The 2016 Gittle List Contest is in full swing: submission guidelines. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
Rhonda Paglia – #9 on The Gittle List 2015
#9 on The Gittle List 2015
Rhonda Paglia earned the #9 spot on The Gittle List for Grammy’s Rockin Color Rap-a-licious Rap (Illustrated by (Read my review.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? Oh my goodness, I’ve been so excited, honored, and grateful for winning a spot on The Gittle List. I kept thinking, “We GottaGittle, We Gotta Gittle – then I would laugh out loud! Nicole Resele, my lovely former student, illustrated Grammy’s Rockin Color Rap-a-licious Rap.
What’s you earliest memory of writing? 7th grade English assignment: write a fictional story that met a certain word count and learning components. My story was a total flop. I cried. My mother, an English teacher, completely red lined it, then rewrote it for me. Mom got an A – I got zero in writing confidence. [Fortunately], I married a newspaper writer and editor, my husband, Tony. He’s the one who finally helped me gain some confidence in my writing.
What is your favorite children’s book? For the little, little ones, I love all of Sandra Boynton’s books. I also love The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers.
Which writers most influenced or inspired your work? Author Bruce Coville has been a great inspiration. I loved his characters, sense of humor, and page turning stories. When Bruce’s book, My Teacher is an Alien, was first released, I read it to the kids. They went absolutely crazy. With permission from Bruce, I rewrote My Teacher is an Alien as a play that my class performed for the school and parents. Everyone loved it. Our PTO ended up inviting Bruce for an author visit. It was great and he stayed with our family while he was in town!
Interior illustration by Nicole Resele
Why did you decide to self-publish? I love the freedom of self-publishing. I love every aspect of it. I am the author, illustrator (for most of my books), layout designer, and publisher. These are MY books from cover to cover. I do hire a copy editor, but the only manufactured part of my books is the process of printing. I love the fact, that as a self-published author, if I decide to make a change in my book, I can do it. I own all rights to my books and its okay to make changes and make improvements if I find the need. I love the interior design aspect, it’s the illustrating that is the most challenging for me. I really just draw sticks.
Do you prefer to work digitally or by hand? I prefer to work digitally. I don’t consider myself a “real” artist, but the illustrations I do create is in my “grammy” art style. I create it line by line, mouse click by mouse click, layer by layer. An example is the Meeda and Me series, the illustrations are only 2-dimentional, but it’s the best I can do using a mouse. It takes millions of clicks for me to create a book. I think my illustrations are colorful and kid-friendly. They are not professional by any means, but I think kids can relate to their simplicity.
Tell us about your latest project. I’m working on a sequel to Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion. Ratna Kusuma Halim will illustrate it. [I’m introducing] a new, scruffy character, Nibbles McGibbles, who enters the gnomes’ garden space, but that’s all I’ll share for now. I also have a couple more “Woozler” books in the background and one more Doonsey’s Beach Adventure book I’d like to complete. Busy, busy, busy!
Activity Page-illustrations by Nicole Resele
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I sang and danced with two boys and another girl. Our little troop was called the Tiny Mites. We auditioned for the original Mickey Mouse Club TV show. We didn’t make it on the show, but it’s one of my “claims-to-fame”– ha ha!
- Twelve years before my first grandchild was born in 2008, he came to me in a very vivid dream. I didn’t know it was my grandson at the time, but the dream touched my heart so deeply, that it wouldn’t leave me alone. I wrote and illustrated the dream / story, and titled it, The Ball-Capped Boy. Twelve years later, I understood.
- I still sing and dance. I am a member of the “Toast of the Town Tappers” adult tap group. We perform two tap routines at our Mercer County Senior Follies each year. It’s great fun and wonderful exercise.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Just be yourself – no one can do it better!
Rhonda Paglia is a self-published author of 10 children’s books, 8 of which she has also illustrated. In a former life, Ms. Paglia was an elementary teacher. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband. They have three grown children, five grandchildren, and a little pup named Bella. “Grammy Pags,” as she is called, loves tap dancing, yoga, and writing stories for kids! She is thrilled to be a Moms Choice Award recipient for her Meeda and Me picture book series; an Inkspokes Select Book Award recipient for Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion, and a 2015 Gittle List Top 10 recipient for Grammy’s Rockin Color Rap-a-licious Rap.
BUY Grammy’s Rockin Color Rap-a-licious Rap*
Contact Rhonda
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Facebook
Blog
Twitter
Amazon Author Page
LinkedIn
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Aviva Gittle writes and publishes children’s stories in English and Spanish. Each year, Aviva runs The Gittle List contest to support her fellow indie authors. Oh, she also loves children’s picture books and is always on the lookout for great ones. The 2016 Gittle List Contest is in full swing: submission guidelines. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
Julianne DiBlasi Black – #8 on The Gittle List 2015
#8 Gittle List Winner
Julianne DiBlasi Black earned the #8 spot on The Gittle List for Sleep Sweet, a book she wrote and illustrated. (Read my review.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I was thrilled to be included in The Gittle List, I’ve won several other awards for my artwork and writing, but this was my first as a combined piece showcasing my art and text together. It has also been great learning about the other authors/illustrators that made the list and connecting with them through social media.
What is your favorite children’s book? My favorites growing up are still very much my favorites now- anything by Dr Seuss, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson and A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. Passing them down to my daughter and getting to enjoy them through her eyes makes them all new again.
Interior illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Which artists or writers most influenced or inspired your work? I’m influenced greatly by the dreamy worlds of creative giants like Mike Mignola, Tim Burton and Jim & Brian Henson. The hyper-realistic details of the incredibly imaginative leave me in absolute awe.
What is your favorite color or color combination? It changes. Right now I’m really into Southwestern color combinations; crimson, rust, turquoise and bright copper.
Tell us about your latest project. I’m juggling several new projects right now that are already making my 2016 quite full! Sleep Sweet is coming out as an Augmented Reality virtual pop-up book, I have two new children’s books coming out this spring that I am finishing up the illustrations for, I’m continuing the editing on the two adult novels I wrote during 2015, and I have a solo exhibit at the Maturango Museum featuring my fine art work scheduled for November!
Interior illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- Hmm. I once spent the night in a sleeping bag on the Kalahari Desert.
- I’ve done most of my own tattoos.
- I would be perfectly happy eating only sushi and drinking green tea for the rest of my life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Attributed to Walt Disney is the phrase “Keep moving forward”. So many times I’ve hit dead ends on projects and had to remind myself to just keep moving forward. No matter how slow you go, you’ll soon gain momentum and be back on your feet. Works every time.
Illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Julianne DiBlasi Black is an artist, poet and author influenced greatly by the dreamy worlds of creative giants like Mike Mignola, Tim Burton and Jim & Brian Henson. Blending life experiences and day-dreams through text and image, she draws in children of all ages with her whimsical story lines and mixed-media illustrations. Between writing and creating art, raising her three year old daughter Madison, and writing her popular mommy-blog, she also works as a freelance graphic designer. You may have already seen her work on international commercial packaging, national ad campaigns (Sears, Mitsubishi +) or political branding. Raised in Andover, MA she considers the world her playground and continues to re-locate and travel extensively, adding to her collection of environmental and social experiences. She currently lives out in the Mojave Desert.
Contact Julianne
Website
Amazon Author Page
Online Portfolio
Facebook
Twitter
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Aviva Gittle writes and publishes children’s stories in English and Spanish. Each year, Aviva runs The Gittle List contest to support her fellow indie authors. Oh, she also loves children’s picture books and is always on the lookout for great ones. The 2016 Gittle List Contest is in full swing: submission guidelines. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
Margaret Lowder – #6 on The Gittle List 2015
Margaret Lowder earned the #6 spot on The Gittle List for Amos Likes to Jump, a book she wrote that was illustrated by Ellen Davis. (Read my review.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I was already proud of Amos Likes to Jump, and believed it to be a well conceived children’s book, but the validation of winning an award like The Gittle List 2015 meant so much. To know others thought the verse, illustrations, and quality of our collaborative efforts were worthy of being recognized was so rewarding. This is the first book I have ever authored and the first in the series of Amos Tales.
What’s you earliest memory of drawing or writing? I remember writing poems as early as the 2nd grade. My cousin would staple them together to make a very thin booklet! My favorite story I created was about a frog!
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? The Winnie the Pooh books always had such lovely illustrations that captured my young imagination. The tone is so comforting for children, and the setting is pure magic.
What is your favorite color or color combination? Since Amos Likes to Jump is an action book about my real life dog 
Amos, the illustrator, Ellen Davis, and I decided to use vibrant energetic colors. Ellen’s illustrations are beautiful and bring the story to life. Her blue-hued combinations are my favorite.
Why did you decide to self-publish? I believed self publishing would be the easiest and fastest way to get my first book out to the world and, of course, it is the best way to have complete control over what is written and the illustrations. The best part of this was pairing such a gifted illustrator who understood my vision.
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? Since I am not incredibly proficient in computer skills, I chose to do both. I write out my thoughts, scratch through, re-write, re-visit, and later enter the final version onto my laptop.
Tell us about your latest project. My latest project is in the illustration phase 
as we speak. We are aiming to be on bookshelves by late Summer 2016. Ellen Davis is once again bringing Amos and his friends to life in the second book of the series: Amos Bounces Back – A Tale of Too Much TV! I am also happy to announce that a soft, plush Amos toy (cape and all) is arriving in April to accompany the books.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To see the spaces and not the trees! In other words, look for the opportunities in front of you and do not get discouraged by the obstacles. Believe in what you are doing and persevere.
For as long as anyone can recall, Margaret has had a passion for two things: children and dogs. Well, maybe three if you count 
sweets, but that’s another story. After years of dreaming Walter Mitty-style of the ideal children’s book and its characters, she focused her boundless energy and witty spirit on the Amos Series. Amos is Margaret’s trusty sidekick, her pal for years and now her inspiration for children’s books. She vividly describes the life of Amos in these books, from his imaginary travels to his secret super powers.
Buy Amos Likes to Jump – board book
Buy Amos Likes to Jump – Coloring & Activity Book (Aviva bought this for her grandchildren; adorable!)
Contact Margaret:
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Aviva Gittle writes and publishes children’s stories in English and Spanish. Her books are filled with beautiful illustrations from artists around the world. You can now order prints and mugs from all of the Kitten and Friends books, Nana books, and more! Each year, Aviva runs The Gittle List contest to support her fellow indie authors. Oh, she also loves children’s picture books and is always on the lookout for great ones. The 2016 Gittle List Contest is in full swing: submission guidelines. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
Bonnie Ferrante – #3 on The Gittle List 2015
Bonnie Ferrante earned the #3 spot on The Gittle List for The Amida Tree, a book she wrote and illustrated. (Read my review.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? Had you ever gotten an award for any of your other work? It’s always lovely to have someone recognize your work as worthwhile. I have won several writing contests and been awarded three Ontario arts Council grants for novels in progress.
What’s your earliest memory of drawing or writing? I can’t remember writing my first story but I can remember creating it. I was a puppet fanatic and used to entertain other neighborhood children with my shows on the back step. Thirty years later I met one of my previous audience members and the first thing she mentioned was how much she had loved those little plays.
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? There are far too many wonderful illustrated books to pick just one: Zen Shorts, The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit, The Dragons Are Singing Tonight, Peppe the Lamplighter, Grandfathers Journey, The Eleventh Hour and more.
What is your favorite children’s book? This changes constantly as I become aware of new books. I do have a soft spot for The Jolly Postman or Other Peoples Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
The Amida Tree interior illustration by Bonnie Ferrante.
Which artists or writers most influenced or inspired your work? Eric Carle, Graeme Base, Beatrix Potter, Dick Bruna, Ezra Jack Keats, Maurice Sendak, C. S. Lewis, E. B. White, Bill Martin Jr., Arnold Lobel, A. A. Milne, and many, many more.
Why did you decide to self-publish? I started late in life, trying to get published after I retired. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough healthy time left to wait while a manuscript circulates through publishing houses for months or even years.
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? I used to work in acrylic and pencil crayon but since developing Parkinson’s disease, I now work digitally. It is a huge learning curve. As my tremor increases, that is also becoming more difficult. So now I’m trying out photography (which is always been a passion), in my books.
Tell us about your latest project. I have several things on the go. I switch back and forth between projects, letting them lie for a while in order to come back with fresh eyes. My newest publication is Tell Me Where: Animals and Babies. It is a collection of humorously modified photographs that teach children spatial concepts.
The Amida Tree interior illustration by Bonnie Ferrante.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you. Not much pressure there! I am a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Lay Leader. I’m a seventh generation Canadian. I love doing all needle arts and am continuing to sew and stitch in spite of my tremor.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Make time to do what you love.
What do you do to market your books? I’m not very good about this. I am on word press, twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media. I do presentations at schools, libraries, and public venues.
Any advice for writers thinking about self-publishing a children’s picture book? Get it vetted by someone who is a tough critic and won’t spare your feelings before you publish. Pay someone if you have to.
Bonnie loves living in Northern Ontario, Canada even though she spends most of the long winter indoors writing. She chants, bikes, gardens, reads, stitches, volunteers, studies the Dharma, draws, photographs, plays/works on the computer, attends live theatre, enjoys being trounced in Scrabble by her husband, Fred, and is presently tackling decorating her new home. Her granddaughters keep her young. Once upon a time, she was a public grade school teacher.
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Contact Bonnie:
Website
My Blog
Amazon Author Page
Facebook – Author Page
Facebook – Books for Children
Twitter
LinkedIn
Goodreads
Pinterest
YouTube
Tumblr
Bev Stone – #2 on The Gittle List 2015
Bev Stone, earned the #2 spot on The Gittle List 2015 for The Red and Black Ladybug. Bev is a two-time winner; her book, They Told Us Something Wonderful Was Coming snagged the #1 spot in 2014.
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I was elated! I thought it was quite brilliant to announce them one at a time this year. I know, I, and I’m sure many others, anxiously awaited each new day, and each time another book was announced, I thought, ‘Wow, that book sounds so great!’ Then of course I worried that mine might not make the list. I’m enormously grateful to Aviva Gittle for putting in the time and effort it takes to showcase and help all of us indie writers.
What’s you earliest memory of drawing or writing? My earliest and best memory of drawing and painting is in Ms Moscerelli’s 6th grade classroom. Teachers, please know that all the wonderful things you do have a lasting effect on your students. Ms Moscerelli loved art so her class started with an art project every morning. When it was time to put that project away and open our math books, she’d say, “everyone open your books to page ….. ; then she’d say, “Bev, you can continue with your art.” Now, I may not be great at math as a result, but she certainly made me feel very special and helped to start me on my art journey.
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? There are so many talented illustrators out there and so many illustrations I love. The Lion And The Mouse, by Jerry Pinkney has to be one of my recent favorites and one purchase I made from last year’s Gittle List, The Kings Dream, written by Harris Tobias and illustrated by Cathy Reene, has some beautiful illustrations.
What is your favorite color or color combination? I love blue hues. I 
usually work with a pretty small palette. Some people say they can recognize my art by the colors I use.
Why did you decide to self-publish? You know, I find self publishing very easy and a perfect fit for me. I’m very happy with the whole process because it allows me to illustrate my own stories and put out as many books as I’d like. The thought of self publishing is a little scary at first — just like anything unknown — but I’ve been publishing with Createspace for about 3 years now and they’ve made it a great experience so far.
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? I illustrate all of my stories with watercolors on watercolor paper.
Tell us about your latest project. I always have several projects in the works. Right now I’m illustrating a children’s book I wrote called, Rumbly Grumbly, that I’m very excited about and I’m also working on a project, an anthology, which will be illustrated by my son, Calvin. That’s very special to me. He’s a great artist and a soon to be wonderful doctor. Both books should be out by Spring or early summer. All of the profits made from those books and any others go to benefit children.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? The best piece of advice I was ever given was when my daughter and son were born and friends told me to ignore all the little things that really don’t matter and spend all that precious time with my babies. That wasn’t hard to do at all! Now I can apply that to things around the house that I don’t want to do so that I can spend my time writing and illustrating instead. That works, right?
What do you do to market your books? Well….Hmmmm, I have to admit I’m not very good about marketing my books. I think I’m getting better but I have to be honest, if I could just write them and illustrate them and not worry about marketing, I’d be happy. Actually, the best thing I’ve done, is to enter my books in the The Gittle List contest. In her prompting to get the word out for all indie writers, she’s led me in directions I wouldn’t have otherwise gone, Twitter, for example. You can follow me @Bevstone13. Thanks Aviva Gittle! Also, Melissa Crane, who is in charge of media at the gallery where I show my paintings, has been amazing at getting the word out locally.
Any advice for writers thinking about self-publishing a children’s picture book? All I can say is that it’s been a wonderful experience for me, so if you’re thinking about self publishing, definitely give it a try. I would caution however, have no expectations, accept to enjoy the process and the fact that you actually succeeded in getting that book you’ve been working on in print. Yay!!! Do it. You’ll be glad you did.
Bev Stone is an artist and indie 
children’s book author. Bev started painting and drawing at an early age and was first introduced to watercolor in elementary school. Today Bev paints in both watercolor and oil and continues to write children’s books while living in the beautiful state of Idaho, overlooking the Snake River. Many of her paintings and book updates can be found on her website, www.artbybevstone.com.
You can follow Bev on Twitter: @BevStone13
Credits: All illustrations in this interview post are created and owned by Bev Stone and come from her award-wining children’s book The Red and Black Ladybug.
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
A Rockin’ Journey for Two Former School Teachers
Since this article was published, Rhonda Paglia’s entry, Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rap-a-licious Rap won the #9 spot on The Gittle List 2015!
“Marketing is not my strength. Actually, I feel like a marketing disaster!”
– Rhonda Paglia, Indie Author
Rhonda Paglia and Rosie Russell each turned their passion for teaching children how to read into a career in children’s book writing and publishing. This year, they both entered The Gittle List, a contest exclusively for writers just like them — independent authors who publish their own children’s picture books.
“I love being the creator of my books – from start to finish, from writing to publishing, from cover to cover. I especially love the layout and design process – it’s fun for me,” says Rhonda, a former elementary school teacher.
This is Rhonda’s second attempt at earning a spot on the coveted “Gittle List.” Each year Aviva Gittle, owner of Aviva Gittle Publishing, selects 10 great self-published children’s picture books to promote at the holiday season. Rhonda is hoping that her book Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rap-a-licious Rap: Teaching Kids Colors will earn a spot on this year’s Top 10 list.
Even though Rhonda didn’t win last year with Three Little Gnomes and a Boy Named Orion, she says, “I learned so much from [last year’s] contest winners’ books. I feel the same way about this year’s contest. I can enter, look at the winners, and then try to ‘kick up my game.’ I’m just happy to participate, have fun, and learn. So – I’m back! “
Rhonda told her fellow indie children’s book author and friend Rosie Russell about The Gittle List contest. Rosie taught children in elementary and middle schools for 15 years before becoming an author full-time. “It sounded like a fun contest and I was especially pleased that it was [exclusively] for indie authors,” she says.
“Helping students learn how to read; introducing them to the love of reading, was rewarding,” says Rosie. She has already published several books, but this is her first contest. She decided to enter Beasley’s Journey, about the adventures of a dog trying to find his way back home.
Both authors find marketing the hardest part of self-publishing. Winning The Gittle List contest will give them free book promotion. Rhonda admits, “Marketing is not my strength. Actually, I feel like a marketing disaster! I tweet, I blog, I have a website, I have a little newsletter, and I’m on LinkedIn and Facebook, yet I feel so clumsy at all of these.”
Aviva is rooting for both authors to make it on The Gittle List Top 10 for 2015. She says, “I know there are many authors who have put their heart and soul into creating wonderful children’s books. My mission is to find them and present them to readers around the world.”
Despite the challenges of marketing, Rhonda and Rosie agree that their decision to independently publish their own books was the right choice. Rhonda says, “I love the freedom I have to be unfettered and to present a book in whatever way I want.”
It’s been a rockin’ journey for Rhonda Paglia and Rosie Russell. Rosie sums it up best, “I enjoy it and I’m learning new things everyday.” Just like their former students.
Update: Rhonda did win a spot in the Top 10! The Gittle List 2015 winners are posted here. Winners are still being revealed (one per day starting 11/21/15); check back to see if Rosie also wins a spot on The Gittle List!
The Gittle List contest accepts print books and eBooks. The competition is open to self-published authors around the world. The 2016 submission guidelines are here.
Originally published on PRLog.com.
Aviva Gittle Publishing offers great stories for children in English and Spanish, including the Kitten and Friends / Gatito y amigos series. Aviva’s website, www.GoToGittle.com shares the stories of authors, illustrators and others who create books and creative media for children.Should You Take the Hispanic Market Seriously?
Some Indie Authors are Starting to Cater to Hispanic Consumers
More indie authors are offering their children’s books in both English and Spanish. But is the demand for Spanish-language books as big as indie authors hope?
From a financial perspective it makes sense. According to a 2012 Nielsen report, State of the Hispanic Consumer: The Hispanic Market Imperative, “The U.S. Hispanic population is the largest minority segment and is growing at a dramatic rate… [the] future U.S. economy will depend on Hispanics by virtue of demographic change and the social and cultural shifts expected to accompany their continued growth.”
“Although bilingual, they first wrote their children’s books in English.”
Mary Esparza-Vela and her husband, A.M. Vela, are indie authors betting on the Hispanic market. Although bilingual, they first wrote their children’s books in English. Then, they decided to offer their stories in Spanish. Mary says, “I learned to read and write in Spanish and English at a young age and credit my maternal grandfather (Abuelito) for my love of reading and writing.” She describes her grandfather sharing hours of stories with his grandchildren. “I can still picture the funny faces and hand movements he made as he acted out the stories. We laughed until we could laugh no more.”
Marketing avenues for self-published authors are not really setup for Spanish-language books. For example, Readers’ Favorite, a site that offers free reviews for self-publishers, does not review Spanish-language books.
Most contests are for English-only books. One exception is The Gittle List contest for self-published authors of children’s picture books. Each year ten books by indie authors are selected to be promoted during the holiday season. Aviva Gittle, owner of Aviva Gittle Publishing and host of the contest says, “Although I only allow English-language books in my contest, if a winner has their book available in Spanish, both books are included in most marketing.”
It is not unusual for native Spanish speakers to first write and publish their stories in English. Mariana Llanos, who emigrated from Peru, published her first book, Tristan Wolf, in English. Now all her books are available in English and Spanish. Mariana is a two-time winner of The Gittle List contest. Her English-language books, Tristan Wolf and The Wanting Monster each earned a Top 10 spot among the 2013 and 2014 contest entrants. (Spanish titles are Tristán Lobo and El Monstruo Quierelotodo, respectively.)
The Velas were invited by Aviva Gittle to enter the contest. They submitted The Lost Tooth, a story about a baby hippo who loses his tooth and enlists the help of other animals to try and find it. (The Spanish version of the book is El Diente Perdido.)
“My grandchildren are being raised bilingual, so it was important to me to offer my stories in both languages.”
Aviva Gittle also publishes many of her own books in both English and Spanish. “My grandchildren are being raised bilingual, so it was important to me to offer my stories in both languages.” Unfortunately, Aviva speaks very little Spanish, so marketing the books is challenging. “Hablo muy poco español,” she says. “Spanish-speaking authors definitely have an advantage. But, English-only writers can employ professional translators and bilingual editors for great results.”
The Nielsen report advises, “[It] is instructive to recognize that unique and useful vehicles for reaching Hispanics exist around language, media consumption, and technology adoption. Given the total market’s dependence on Hispanics for future growth, tapping Hispanic preferences and purchasing behaviors is essential for any strategy or marketing plan to be successful.”
“Be proud of your language and your culture.”
Although increasing their sales is important, the Velas started offering Spanish-language versions of their stories for a more important reason. The wise words of Mary’s Abuelito: “Be proud of your background and your culture. Don’t forget your native language. Two languages are better than one.”
Note: All of the books mentioned in this article can be found by searching Amazon.com for the author’s name (Mary Esparza-Vela, Mariana Llanos, and Aviva Gittle.)
The Gittle List contest is open to indie authors from around the world. To learn more about the contest, see previous years’ winners, and see the submission guidelines, visit http://gotogittle.com/ and select Contests from the top menu. Deadline is November 15, 2015.
Aviva Gittle Publishing offers great stories for children in English and Spanish, including the Kitten and Friends / Gatito y amigos series. Aviva’s website, www.GoToGittle.com shares the stories of authors, illustrators and others who create books and creative media for children.
Rebecca Bielawski: #9 on The Gittle List 2014
Indie author and illustrator Rebecca Bielawski won the #9 spot on The Gittle List 2014 for her book, Meet Bacteria! (See Aviva’s review of the book.) This is book one of the MUMMY NATURE series. The second book in the series, Bees Like Flowers, is free April 25th & 26th. Both books can be purchased for a great price any day!
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I was excited to win a place on the Gittle List Top 10. It’s always nice to receive some recognition for your work. As a totally independent children’s book creator I believe that The Gittle List is a good way to increase diversity in children’s literature and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate.
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter your book? The list came to my attention on a Google Plus community board. I hope it continues to grow year by year as self-published authors are often excluded from the competition processes and there is a level of prejudice against us. This is one of the reasons why I entered one of my books.
What’s your earliest memory of writing and drawing? I used to write poetry as a child. I grew up in New Zealand where 
creative writing and art is encouraged and nurtured from an early age. My mum is an artist and my childhood was full of artsy, crafty activities. There were always art materials under the Christmas tree. I remember doing watercolour paintings from photos in the National Geographic when I was little.
What is your favorite children’s book? I don’t have just one favourite. All Kiwi kids, myself included, loved Bad Jelly the Witch by Spike Milligan. It’s so ridiculous, politically incorrect and written as if it was your dad telling you a story and making it up as he goes along. It’s unpretentious. There are many others I loved as a child and new classics I discover every day. Currently The Moon and Farmer Mcfee by Margaret Mahy and Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson There are too many to mention. I love children’s books. I would rather read a picture book than a novel any day.
Interior illustration from Meet Bacteria!
What was the inspiration for your book? Bacteria are awesome. I would have liked to study microbiology so when I set about making the Mummy Nature series, it was the first book that I wanted to do. The book was inspired by my own interest in the subject and by my children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for unknown cool stuff.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? When I came to publish these two latest books, Meet Bacteria! and Bees Like Flowers, I had already dealt with most of the difficulties involved with publishing so it was much easier than the previous books. There are always obstacles to deal with such as updating and improving file formats to ensure that my digital books have the highest quality images and reading experience possible. [T]here are similar challenges with the printed books.
Tell us about your latest project.
I am working on the third book in the MUMMY NATURE series. When it’s completed I will do the Spanish versions. Then, I have two books that have been kicking around in my head and on scrap paper for a long time that I am dying to write. I think they will both be mixed media projects.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you. I wouldn’t describe myself as strange or wonderful but a few things about myself: I’m shy; I’m terrified of public speaking, I’m very untidy, I’m not very good at teamwork and I’m glad this is not a job interview.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? You’ve got to know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. Kenny Rogers 🙂
Once upon a time in England there was a Kiwi girl. She was unsatisfied with her job peeling onions at a factory in Norfolk and yearned for a better life were she could harness her untapped artistic potential and unleash all her pent up rhymes. One day when she realized she had no tears left to cry for the onions she packed up and moved to Spain, fell in love with a handsome Systems Administrator, had two kids, became a children’s author and lived happily ever after.
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Stephen White: #6 on The Gittle List 2014
#6 on The Gittle List. Click to buy on Amazon.
Indie author Stephen White, along with his daughter and co-author Sarah White, won the #6 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for their book, Thumbpire. It is illustrated by Tony Neal. (See Aviva’s review of the book.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I’ve received a few previous awards, but this was a special thrill because Thumbpire” was my first writing collaboration with my daughter, Sarah. It’s a great award to share!
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter Thumbpire? I follow various blogs and websites for children’s writers and read about The Gittle List competition. I entered “Thumbpire” because it’s always a challenge for indie authors to find exposure. Plus, I’m proud of the book!
What’s you earliest memory of writing? It’s hard for me to pull up
Thumbpire interior illustration by Tony Neal.
the earliest memory (I’ve been around a long time) but I’ve always been a writer and storyteller. Although in college, I got the worst grade in my creative writing class – and then became the only professional writer. Lesson: believe in yourself!
What is your favorite children’s book? The adult in me would say Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey because it’s beautifully written and illustrated, and I have so many fond memories of reading it (with well-rehearsed comic asides) to my daughter. The child in me would say any book illustrated by the wonderful Gustav Tenggren.
What was the inspiration for your book? The title Thumbpire struck me out of the blue; I knew it had to be about a thumb-sucking little vampire but couldn’t come up with a story. The idea sat in my slush pile until I asked Sarah, my daughter who is a children’s speech therapist and very talented writer, what she could come up with. It was entirely her concept to have a little vampire whose fangs couldn’t grow in until he stopped sucking his thumb – and the monsters who help him try to break the habit.
Interior page from Thumbpire written by Stephen & Sarah White. (Illustration by Tony Neal.)
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? The biggest obstacles were technical. I like releasing my books first in “app” form so that I can include things like narration and sound. Being a “hands on” guy (and cheapskate) I did all the technical work myself – sound recording, editing, and generating files and code for use on iOS and Android tablets. I’m definitely an old dog struggling with new technological tricks!
Tell us about your latest project. Dandy Lion will tell the story of a somewhat foppish lion who is entirely too proud of his luxurious mane and much too quick to criticize the appearance of others. Until the day his mane turns as white as dandelion fluff…and blows away. [Aviva’s side comment: “I absolutely cannot wait to read this book!”]
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- For 16 years, I was the primary writer for everything related to Barney the Dinosaur™. TV, books, a movie, live concerts and more. It’s very gratifying to have touched so many young lives.
- I’m a tremendous introvert who formerly did stand-up comedy. What was I thinking?
- I occupy the entire final page of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Book
of Human Oddities for standing with my feet turned backwards.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? It was a quote from Henri-Frédéric Amiel inside an actual fortune cookie. “Cleverness is serviceable for everything, sufficient for nothing.” To me, it says that being glib and entertaining can take you a long way – but your life and works also need depth and meaning.
Stephen White is a multimedia writer/creater specializing in humor. He writes for adults and children, and was primary writer for the Barney & Friends™ franchise for 16 years. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, White now lives in north Texas with his wife, Kathy, daughter (and co-author) Sarah, and wildly energetic dog Penny who believes that barking and desk-chewing are essential to the writing process.
Contact Stephen: Thumbpire Website AlphaBelch Website
Buy Thumbpire* (eBook) Download Thumbpire Android App
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
