23: Interview with Jamie Gagnon (Children's Books)

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Jamie Gagnon’s first book, Imagine My Love (an illustrated children’s book), was released in September 2022. With a degree in early childhood education and preschool teacher certification, it makes sense that she'd write a children's book.But it was ultimately the love for her two children (combined with an "interesting" experience that showed her the power of words to young children) that compelled her to write this wonderful book. In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we talked about the process of writing a children's book as well as the importance of recognizing the season of your life that you're in and not forcing yourself into others’ definition of success or opinions on how you “should” market your book. Episode Highlights:[3:55] The root of her reason to write this book (what her 2nd grade and 6th grade teachers taught her about the power of words)[5:17] How she found that “motherhood made an incredible mess of her” and compelled her to find a way to lead her own kids with her love[10:40] Industry standards for children’s books (and how Jamie avoided getting hung up not knowing exactly how to adhere to them)[11:30] How Jamie found a children’s book writing mentor (and who that person is!)[14:57] How she found and partnered with her amazing illustrator, Sandra Jessop [18:11] Her biggest concern when embarking on the partnership with her illustrator (and how she grew through embracing the challenge)[21:40] The process of getting the illustrations from creation (hand-painting) to being combined with Jamie’s text and printed as a book.[25:48] Her distribution plans for bulk orders, indie bookstore events, and general sales [and how she feels about being carried by the BIG bookstores, which was shocking] Connect with JamieInstagram: @the.rendered.rootWebsite: TheRenderedRoot.comFacebook: The.Rendered.RootPurchase Imagine My Love  Resources mentionedMarianne Richmond (children’s book mentor)Sandra Jessop (illustrator) 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint WONDERING EXACTLY HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH SO YOU CAN STOP GUESSING?Grab the action plan and finally feel confident you’re doing this the right way.👉 PublishAProfitableBook.com/actionplan WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/visibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth