I am an artist.

I do everything, from illustration and writing to guitars and photography and many points in between.

I create constantly.

So, it seems natural to assume that if I love children, love to draw, love to write, that I would be a good candidate to author children’s literature, right?

Wrong.

With more planning and effort than grandma’s Thanksgiving dinner, my publishing quest has thus far resulted in zero, zilch, nada.

I’m not suggesting it was difficult to simply get published, rather, it was difficult to elicit a response of any kind.
After several strategic campaigns of fully developed picture books, manuscripts and elaborate promotional packets, creative emails and follow-up letters, it grew to a point where I actually considered an email or letter of rejection a substantial victory.

I even have a rejection letter from Disney I intend have framed for my office, complete with Mickey printed on the envelope and letterhead, the product of a submission to a publishing house owned by the all-powerful talking mouse.
My adventure in children’s literature is far from over, in fact, I actually began self-publishing my picture books for my beloved niece, who in turn, devours each one with growing enthusiasm. In a way, that has taken over as my motivation — to write and illustrate my books ahead of her reading level and growing interests, so she, in turn, serves as my muse. I have a number of picture books I am working to complete and several chapter book ideas outlined for the near future, as her interests expand.

I will be posting numerous steps and photos of my journey through the land of children’s book publishing to my present point of failure. This blog will serve as both a motivation and venting outlet to myself and hopefully offer small tips to aspiring authors or at the very least, induce a grin from you, the reader, at my expense. So continue to check back and read on, into the bitter-sweet darkness of how not to get a children’s book published.