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.How Do You Market Your Books?
An ‘About’ page allows readers to get to know you. We like to buy from people we like.
How do you market your books? It is a question that indie authors ask all the time. There are so many different ways to promote your work — and tons of books and articles on the topic — that authors get overwhelmed. “Just tell us what works for you,” they seem to be saying.
The marketing techniques you use are unique to you. Your personality, your technical skill level, your budget, the amount of time you can devote to it. There is no one way. There is no system. There are, however, basic building blocks that every author who wants to sell books needs. (See Helpful Resources below my bio.)
Rosie Russell, a fellow indie publisher and author of Beasley’s Journey, asked if I had used any of the marketing techniques mentioned in the article A List of Different Types of Marketing Strategies posted on ListTypes.com.
You should start with Call to Action. Here’s how TypeList defines it:
A Call to Action (CTA) on GoToGittle.com
“Call to Action (CTA) Marketing – CTA is a part of inbound marketing used on websites [my emphasis] in the form of a banner, text or graphic, where it is meant to prompt a person to click it and move into the conversion funnel, that is, from searching to navigating an online store to converting to a sale.”
Every author needs a website. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to have a way to buy your books. This could be as simple as having a button that says “Buy” or “Shop” below a picture of the book’s cover and links to its detail page on an online store, like Amazon.
There are two ways to get a website: Hire someone to do it or build it yourself. From there, you can continue to pay someone to update the site as needed or you can have that person train you on the basics.
After getting bids from freelancers on what is now Upwork.com, I ended up finding someone local through Yelp. He charged $450 to build my website with WordPress using a theme I purchased online. (A theme is a framework that provides the web developer with a template for your website.) I knew that this price was reasonable after getting quotes generally between $1,200 and $5,000.
Work with someone locally, if you can. Alejandro and I were able to sit down together to discuss the functionality I needed (which I sketched out on paper) and, when he finished, to give me basic training on how to add and change things on the website. (Take notes!)
Be sure to have an SOW (Statement of Work) that spells out what the web developer is going to do for you, at what cost. It should specify how many revisions the developer is willing to do.
My Amazon Author Page lists my books, but it can also include videos, my blog and Twitter feeds, and more.
Stay away from development / design services like those offered by GoDaddy. First, they are very expensive. But, worse, GoDaddy considers the website they build for you “proprietary” and won’t allow you to move it to another hosting site. (I don’t know if other web hosting companies do this so be sure to ask.)
What is a hosting site, you ask? This is where your website files will reside. You can host your own website by buying and maintaining your own server. If you can do that, you can probably build your own website. I recommend WebHostingHub.com, but there are many others. You save a lot of money by paying for 1-3 years up front.
My website is overkill for most authors. Here is the minimum you need:
- Front page that shows your books with a button below each one that links to the place readers can buy your books (like Amazon.com).
- An About page with your bio and a way to contact you.
- Links to your social media, like your Facebook page and Twitter account.
Get started with this. You can always add things later, like a signup form for a newsletter.
Last thing: You should take advantage of the free author page on Amazon.com. Here’s mine.
Think of your author website as the center of your marketing. Keep it simple and don’t let anyone talk you into more functionality than you need to get started. You can always expand it later. For now, give potential readers a place to buy your books and get to know you better. 😸
Sign up for Gittle News and follow me on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to hear about new articles on everything related to self-publishing. Have a topic you want me to write about? Email me at GoToGittle@gmail.com. Other Aviva’s Advice articles: Edit Thyself? Is Your Book Global?
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.
Helpful Resources
10 Tips for Working With Web Designers
Author Websites Must Have Elements
How to setup your Amazon Author page (YouTube Video)
Edit Thyself?
Author J.K. Rowling signs copies of her book ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ (Getty Images)
You can ask J.K. Rowling, author of the wildly successful Harry Potter series, one question about publishing your first children’s book. What would you ask her?
Based on posts in LinkedIn’s groups for writers, many would use this golden opportunity to ask Ms. Rowling whether they should buy a block of ISBN numbers. Or which print-on-demand company is best. They might ask how to get their book illustrated on the cheap.
This is embarrassing to admit: Those were my first questions, too.
Four years and over a dozen self-published books later, the first question I would ask Ms. Rowling is: “Can you recommend a great editor?”
Some indie authors don’t think they need a professional editor because friends and family tell them their story is great. In a survey done by SellBox.com of 307 self-publishers, only 46% paid a professional editor to review their manuscript before they published it. 20% had a friend do it and 34% did it themselves.
In 2013, I decided to self-publish a children’s story I had written in 1995. I read Chloe and the Belly Beast to a few family members and friends through the years and always received positive feedback. I personally liked the story. So – there you go – ready to publish!
We all know the truth, don’t we? Our friends and family don’t want to hurt our feelings or discourage our dreams. Once my sister, an award-winning TV promotions writer, editor and producer, knew that I was actually going to publish this book, she started to get real with me. She provided – gasp! – honest feedback on the story.
Sketch from Chloe and the Belly Beast — still unpublished (Artist: Indrachapa Weerasinghe)
The story was confusing. She couldn’t tell over what time period it took place. Days? Weeks? Years? Some of the language sounded dated and vocabulary too advanced for the age of my target audience.
Most of us are not lucky enough to have an award-winning writer available to review our work. For free. But, she’s my sister, with all that history of sibling rivalry. I realized I couldn’t have her edit my work. The process transformed me from a middle-aged woman into a sullen teenager.
By this time, I had written several stories. Like many writers heading down the self-publishing path, I had no idea where to find an editor and assumed it was expensive. With online freelancing companies now plentiful, it was easy to find out. I posted a job on what is now Upwork.com.
After reviewing multiple bids, I hired two editors. It turned out that it was very reasonably priced. I had the first one edit the stories, then gave those versions to the second editor. Then back to the first editor. This was done a few times until I had a version of each story that I liked. They made some of the same edits my sister suggested. But, it was far easier to have strangers make changes to my “babies.”
Often, self-publishers assume they can’t afford an editor. But, if you don’t know how much it costs, how do you know you can’t afford it? (Tip: The most expensive editor is not always the best.) If your story is so important to you that you are willing to share it with the world, why are you not willing to put some money where your pen is?
Many indie authors wax poetic about their love and sacrifice for the written word. Prove it. Forgo take-out food, lattes, and quit smoking. Before you know it, you’ll have enough to pay a good editor. Should you ever run into Ms. Rowling, ask her for a referral. I’m betting she has a few great editors on speed dial.
Other Aviva’s Advice articles: Is Your Book Global? How Do You Market Your Books?
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.
Is Your Book Global?
Moon Jump / Salto Lunar by Aviva Gittle. Illustrated by Carlos Brito
More authors are offering their books in other languages — particularly Spanish. It’s a great idea! But don’t go it alone — be sure to hire a professional translator.
Is your book global? It’s a great idea to translate your stories into other languages. Particularly to Spanish. Those Spanish-language and English/Spanish bilingual readers are the fastest-growing segment of the population in America. I focus on Spanish, but the advice applies to translating your book into any language.
I have most of my stories translated. Hablo español muy poco.Lol! When I decided that Aviva Gittle Publishing would “write and publish great stories for children in English and Spanish,” I thought it would not be that hard to do. Ay yay yay (Yiddish translation: “Oy vey”) — was I wrong!
In fact, I was so confident, I created my Spanish-language promo video before I had published one Spanish-language story. (Watch video.)
There is nothing worse than poorly translated work. Think of anything you’ve read that has been poorly translated into English.
Gatito y Mariposa / Kitten & Butterfly by Aviva Gittle. Illustrated by Tekla Huszár
Let me warn you; translating to Spanish is not easy. The language is different from Mexico to Spain to Panama, etc. I know so little Spanish that I really can’t tell you what’s different. But, the different translators sure knew. There are also cultural differences that can come back to bite you. For example, a Panamanian reviewer told me that a word in one of my story translations is slang for something not very nice in one Spanish-speaking country. Fortunately, that version was never published.
Just like writing in English, you will need a Spanish-language editor to review the translator’s work. (If you don’t use a professional editor for your English-language stories, read this.) Ideally, you will get feedback from Spanish-language readers before you publish.
My stories have been translated, reviewed, checked, rechecked and reviewed again by no less than four translators. Seven if you count Mariana’s friends and family. (Gracias, Mariana Llanos!)
My suggestion is that you post a job on an online freelance staffing company. There are many. Indicate number of stories, word count per story, and total word count for the job.
Do not have your friend, neighbor, or Spanish-speaking son-in-law translate your work. Pay a professional to do it. Then have friends and family read it and give feedback.
It took me over a year to publish my first Spanish-language story. Why so long? I was terrified of Spanish-language readers knowing it was translated from English. I was also very unsure about marketing the books. I’m still struggling with that. It’s not just the story that needs translating; it’s also the book blurb, marketing materials, front and back matter, etc. If you can afford it, consider hiring a bilingual virtual assistant to help with posting and tweeting about the books in their native language.
Finally, give Spanish-language readers the Spanish-version (without the corresponding English version) for feedback. You want them to feel that they are reading a story that was written in their language. Wouldn’t you?
Other Columns: Edit Thyself? How Do You Market Your Books?
Hi! My name is Aviva Gittle and I love to write stories. About curious kittens, boys who turn into bagels and bad little girls who never say “please.” I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. In 2005, I wrote a story about a fly who invites himself to lunch at a little boy’s house called “Mort the Fly.” In 2013 (yes, it took that long), I decided to self-publish the story. Since then, I have written many more stories including the 7-book series, “Kitten and Friends” and “In Nana’s Arms.” Mark Megson and I wrote “Moon Jump” and “Mary’s Magic Word.”
Ellen Davis – #6 on The Gittle List 2015 (Illustrator)
The first board book to win a spot on The Gittle List
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? While I have won awards for my work as a medical illustrator, Amos Likes to Jump was my first published picture book. It was immensely gratifying to be recognized for the hard work that collectively went into this book. As a first-time author and illustrator team, we are thrilled to have placed on the Gittle List. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our second book in the Amos series.
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? I love the whimsy of Shel Silverstein’s work. The starkness of his illustrations in The Giving Tree lend themselves so beautifully to the emotions in the text.
What is your favorite children’s book? My favorite children’s book of all time is The Lorax. I love the illustrations of the candy-like other world filled with truffala trees and the way Dr. Suess plays with light and darkness to evoke the changing mood in the book. I read it so often to my cousin’s child a few summers ago that I almost know every word by heart, and yet I never tired of it. To me, that is the mark of a lasting book.
Which artists or writers most influenced or inspired your work? Currently, one of my favorite children’s book illustrators is Will Terry. The use of light and color in his work really inspires me. He uses light very purposefully in order to set the mood of his illustrations, and his attention to detail is truly respectable.
What is your favorite color or color combination? I like using varying shades of blue and turquoise in my work. It’s a very calming color and I use it in most all of my work, children’s book and otherwise.
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
Why did you decide to self-publish? Because the Amos books are about a real dog, [the author] Margaret Lowder really wanted to ensure that our books are true to the spirit of Amos himself. I did not anticipate the sometimes condescending attitude towards self-published books, but have been glad to see some recognition that authors are now choosing this route willingly over traditional methods.
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? I prefer to combine traditional and digital methods in my work. I create my sketches in 2B pencil and apply color digitally. There is something about hand-wrought work that I think will always be appealing to readers.
Tell us about your latest project. I am currently working on final illustrations for the second book in the series of Amos Tales, entitled Amos Bounces Back: A Tale of Too Much TV. This book is due for release in the Summer of 2016. In order to reach an older audience, this book will be a large picture book (not a board book like Amos Likes to Jump).
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? I had a professor in graduate school for Medical Illustration who passed away as I was working on this children’s book. Professor Mascaro taught that you should draw, draw, draw, and draw some more. He [also] told me that besides drawing, the best thing I could do was to really understand color.
What do you do to market your books? Aside from setting up readings and signings in shops, libraries, and schools, we have an active social media presence on facebook and instagram. We have a blog on amosthedog.com where we share dog treat recipes on #TreatYourselfTuesdays, and we promote the book through blogs and magazines.
Ellen is a science lover turned artist who found her niche as a medical illustrator. With a BFA in Scientific Illustration and a master’s degree in Medical Illustration, Ellen is well versed in color and design. Whether painting Amos or anatomy, she brings dynamic color and energy to her work. Ellen’s specialties include children’s book illustration, medical illustration and animation, veterinary illustration, and pet portraiture. When not creating art, she can be found cooking and spending time with her chocolate lab, Nala.
Buy Amos Likes to Jump* Board Book Activity Book
Contact Ellen
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Portfolio
Medical Illustrations
*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! 😺
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!
The Gittle List 2015 Winners Revealed!
Here are The Gittle List Winners for 2015!
Each year, The goal of The Gittle List is to find 10 great indie children’s picture books out of the thousands self-published. There are now 30 wonderful books to choose from. Any (and all) of them will be a cherished gift for the little ones in your life. Click on the book cover or book title link to buy online. It’s quick & easy!*
Gittle List Winner #1 Guess What is in the Ocean? written by Nancy O’Neill and illustrated by children around the world
Gittle List Winner #1 Guess What is in the Ocean? by Nancy O’Neill makes the top of the Top 10 for several reasons. First and foremost, all of Ms. O’Neill’s Guess What? books are illustrated by children from around the world. Their talent never ceases to amaze me. Next, your child (and you) will learn something in every book. Finally, I love that it is a series. Ms. O’Neill earned a spot on The Gittle List 2013 for another Guess What? book. The colors in Guess What is in the Ocean? are just beautiful. Among my favorite illustrations is “The Seahorse” by 12-year-old Nicole Delfino of Rome, Italy. Ms. O’Neill writes all the books in rhyming verse. Not an easy thing to do and she does it very well. Of course, I recommend buying the Guess What? books that won spots on The Gittle List. But, guess what? The whole series would make a great gift for the little ones in your life. 😺
Gittle List Winner #2 The Red and Black Ladybug written and illustrated by Bev Stone
More of Bev Stone’s beautiful puffy clouds (from the book’s back cover)
#2 The Red and Black Ladybug written and illustrated by Bev Stone is about a ladybug who insists that any flying creature who wants to hang with her has to be red and black like she is. Told in rhyme, it is a wonderful story of how someone can lose their identity trying to fit in, but ultimately rediscover themselves. A message of self-worth (and the beauty of diversity) important for both children and adults to hear. Ms. Stone’s illustrations never disappoint. She has a style all her own with colors that are both soothing and mesmerizing. Ms. Stone won the #1 slot in The Gittle List 2014. She proves again with The Red and Black Ladybug why her books deserve to be in the Top 10 — of any list. 😺
Interior illustration by Bonnie Ferrante
Gittle List Winner #3 The Amida Tree written and illustrated by Bonnie Ferrante
#3 The Amida Tree written and illustrated by Bonnie Ferrante is the author’s answer to The Giving Tree. Ms. Ferrante explains it best in a comment she wrote about the famous and beloved book by Shel Silverstein: “As a teacher, seeing other teachers espouse The Giving Tree as a story of love, I was appalled. Love doesn’t enable the other person to remain emotionally stunted and environmentally destructive. When I retired, I wrote an alternate story called The Amida Tree. (Amida is the symbol of Infinite Compassion and Eternal Wisdom.) To live a happy, fulfilled life, both wisdom and compassion are needed in balance. The boy didn’t live a happy life.” I had never read The Giving Tree so I bought a copy. The Amida Tree stands on its own as an important and captivating children’s book. But, reading it in the context of the author’s comments, and in contrast to Shel Silverstein’s book, made the experience deeper. Your thoughts? Should you read both books (which I highly recommend), please leave your comments here. 😺
Gittle List Winner #4 You Talk Funny Too written by Lee Coulter; illustrated by Simone Wolowiec
Illustration by Simone Wolowiec
#4 You Talk Funny Too written by Lee Coulter and illustrated by Simone Wolowiec reminds everyone that everyone has an accent. So, when you think someone from another country “talks funny” remember that you sound pretty funny to them, too! Lee Coulter wraps the message in humor in this rhyming story. Ms. Wolowiec’s illustrations add to the learning experience by showing all manner of folk from around the world in colorful outfits and surroundings. You Talk Funny Too has a glossary of flags and a map highlighting all the countries represented in the book. You and your child will have a lot of fun and learn a bit about the world, too!
Gittle List Winner #5 Have You Ever? written and illustrated by Cotey Gallagher
Interior illustration by Cotey Gallagher
#5 Have You Ever? written and illustrated by Cotey Gallagher is a book of alliterative verse meant to introduce children to grammar concepts and advanced vocabulary. What it really does is make you laugh. A lot. Kids are guaranteed to get a kick out of Ms. Gallagher’s illustrations. Colorful, unique, and fun. I’ve posted one of my favorites, the soda-sipping salamander sporting roller skates. Don’t worry if you, I mean your child, doesn’t know some of the words. A glossary is provided. Have You Ever? also has a couple of activity pages so the reader can create his or her own alliteration and draw a picture of it. Personally, I think it’s good for kids to be exposed to vocabulary words beyond their current reading level or comprehension. After all, that’s how they learn. 😺
Gittle List Winner #6 Amos Likes to Jump written by Margaret Lowder; illustrated by Ellen Davis
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
#6 Amos Likes to Jump written by Margaret Lowder and illustrated by Ellen Davis is the first board book to win a spot on The Gittle List. Amos is a dog who believes that he is quite famous for his jumping abilities. Children will adore the cape-toting, sneaker-wearing, furry hero. I love that Amos is an adult dog (any puppy can be cute). The artist, Ellen Davis, hilariously captures Amos’ joy for jumping. The story, told in rhyming verse, is funny and imaginative. I loved the illustrations — especially the one of Amos flying in the sky on the back of a big bird. Amos Likes to Jump is one of The Gittle List books that will be going to my younger grandson for the holidays. Maybe a pair of sneakers and a cape, too. 😺
Gittle List Winner #7 No Birthday for Mara written by Mariana Llanos; illustrated by Julián Galván
Interior illustration by Julián Galván
#7 No Birthday for Mara written by Mariana Llanos and illustrated by Julián Galván is the story of a little girl who becomes convinced that everyone has forgotten her birthday. And Mara was counting on her parents giving her a polka-dotted baby elephant as her gift this year! Ms. Llanos is on a Gittle List winning streak — this is her third win in three years. No Birthday for Mara has lots of humor and Julián Galván’s illustrations bring it to life. Ms. Llanos follows the story with a serious discussion about feelings. This is a great opportunity for adults to talk with the little ones in their life about anger, sadness — the full range of human emotions that can be challenging for some children to understand and deal with. There are also a few activity pages and a coloring page. No Birthday for Mara is also available in Spanish (Mara sin Cumpleaños).
Gittle List Winner #8 Sleep Sweet by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Interior illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
#8 Sleep Sweet written and illustrated by Julianne DiBlasi Black is the ultimate bedtime story. It feels like it is wrapping the reader in fairy dust. Ms. Black is a talented artist, but she matches her dreamy illustrations with sweet poetry about where other creatures and natural entities sleep and what they dream about. Wondering whether mountains, “sleep under starry skies and dream of faraway places” will stir the imagination of any child — and many adults. There is an application that will allow the reader to view the pictures in 3D. Perhaps I’m old school, but I feel the technology is not necessary. All the wonder comes from the words and illustrations that Ms. Black created. Rather than holding up an iPhone to view the pages, put your arm around your child and lull her to sweet dreamland by reading Sleep Sweet to her at bedtime. 😺
Gittle List Winner #9 Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rap-a-licious Rap by Rhonda Paglia; illustrated by Nicole Resele
Interior illustration by Nicole Resele
#9 Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rap-a-licious Rap, written by Rhonda Paglia and illustrated by Nicole Resele, is a fun way to teach children colors. Actually, it’s an hilarious way that the adults will enjoy as much as the kids. Indie author Rhonda Paglia starts off by teaching you the “BOOM Shee-boom-boom” beat. This should be especially fun for grandparents reading to their grandchildren. Nothing looks sillier to a 4-year-old than their granny or grampy “shee-boom-booming” their way through a book. Be sure to add a little shoulder shakin’ and pump up the volume. The learning continues with activities that ask children to “help grammy” by, for example, circling all the red things they see in a picture or matching all the rhyming pictures and words. Artist Nicole Resele clearly had a lot of fun creating grammy’s colorful outfits. A big step up from the standard (and boring) “yellow banana” “purple grape” books. A perfectly fine way to teach kids their colors, but not nearly as entertaining as Grammy’s Rockin’ Color Rap-a-licious Rap. 😺
Interior illustration by Kajiah Jacobs.
Gittle List Winner #10 Going to the Park by Elizabeth Gorcey, illustrated by Kajiah Jacobs
#10: Going to the Park written by Elizabeth Gorcey and illustrated by Kajiah Jacobs is the story of a little girl named Liv and her best friend (and dog) Bowie. It’s written the way a little girl would describe her life to anyone who might listen. And that’s the problem; Liv’s parents are often too busy to listen. Until one day Liv dresses up in grown-up clothes and declares that she won’t be the kind of adult who spends her days on a computer and a cell phone. Parents are you listening? Kajiah’s drawings are mostly muted colors so the pink, Liv’s favorite color, pops off of every page. Going to the Park is hard cover with high quality paper and end paper that the artist filled with adorable little illustrations. Most self-publishers can’t afford to have their book printed in this way. A rare and wonderful treat for children’s book collectors like myself. 😺
Have you self-published a great children’s picture book?
See The Gittle List 2015 Winners
See The Gittle List 2013 Winners
*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 submission guidelines are due out in January. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
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.
How the Loss of a Loved One Can Open New Doors
Corrina Holyoake enters “Animania” to The Gittle List 2015 contest
An artist is inspired to paint again after the death of her father
Corrina Holyoake seemed destined to be an artist and a writer. She even wrote and illustrated a couple of stories at the tender age of nine. As children often do, she considered all kinds of things she could be when she grew up. A dancer, a doctor, an architect. She was in her teens when she decided to pursue a career in art.
“Six years passed and I hadn’t even picked up a paint brush.”
After Corrina completed college, she talked her way into a position with a graphic design company. Unfortunately, five years later there just wasn’t enough work to go around. She then took a job working in a medical and scientific publishing house. Now a technical support advisor for the same company, she admits that it is not an environment that inspires creativity. She says, “Before you knew it, six years passed and I hadn’t even picked up a paint brush.”
Corrina gets her “arty” side from her mother. Her dad, Jack, was the storyteller. She says, “He was in the Navy when he was younger and then moved into rigging.” Jack was posted all over the world. “He had such a colourful life and was quite the traveller.” A bear of a man with an intimidating demeanor, he was the family’s “gentle giant” who wrote poetry for Corrina’s mother.
“Then the unthinkable happened.”
Then the unthinkable happened. Jack got cancer. In 2009, after a painful six years, Corrina’s father passed away. “His passing was very tough going, to watch your big, burly Dad wither away to a husk of a man was heartbreaking to witness.”
“It was like a switch had been flicked. I think I picked up the brushes as a form of therapy and then things snowballed,” she says. Corrina realized illustration was her calling. Since her epiphany, she has been working non-stop painting illustrations for children’s book authors. Then she decided to illustrate her own book. The idea for Animania was inspired by a very silly conversation Corrina had with her 8-year-old son Dylan. “We were discussing how funny it would be to mix animals up. So we came up with creatures such as Antosaurus, Prickly Python and Fluffa Fish.” Another switch went off—her son had created a great idea for a picture book!
Corrina tried very hard to get an agent or traditional publisher to work with her. Finally, she decided to self-publish Animania. “I just wanted to share the book with children and couldn’t wait any longer.”
“I decided to enter straight away.”
As a self-published author, Corrina was now responsible for promoting her own book. She says, “I am still finding my feet with the wonderful world of marketing.” She’s trying many different avenues, including entering Animania into a book competition. She’d heard about The Gittle List, a contest exclusively for indie authors of children’s picture books, on Twitter. “I decided to enter straight away.” (Related article: The Book Contest That Keeps on Giving)
Corrina still grieves the loss of her father. “I would give anything to have just one more night of storytelling from him.“ But his passing opened many new doors to creative endeavors beyond her teen-aged aspirations. Recently, she decided to sponsor the pet therapy organization Critterish Allsorts. She says, “A percentage of all sales go to them. I have always wanted to give something back with my work.” Jack would be proud.
Hurry! The Gittle List submission deadline is Midnight (PST) November 15, 2015. Print books and eBooks are accepted. The contest is open to self-published authors around the world. (Submission Guidelines)
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.
Looking for the latest Gittle List Contest Rules? www.TheGittleList.com
- At March 16, 2015
- By Aviva Gittle
- In Contest, Gittle List, Indie Authors
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From The Wanting Monster by Mariana Llanos; illustrated by Julián Galván. #8 on The Gittle List 2014
Looking for The Gittle List 2017? Visit TheGittleList.com!
Click HERE to Enter The Gittle List 2017
Deadline Midnight, November 15, 2017
Remember: The earlier you enter the more opportunities to earn FREE book promotion!
eBooks must be received at GittleSubmissions@gmail.com by midnight CST, November 15, 2017. Print submissions must be postmarked November 15, 2017 and received by November 22, 2017.
