Because you’ve been researching all of these modern books at the same time as everyone else looking to write a picture book, you have to make sure that inspiration hasn’t struck twice to the best of your ability.
This happened to me and I’ve known a few other established author/illustrators this has happened to. It’s the most disappointing feeling when you’ve put so much time and effort into your R&D, then go straight into shaping your text, shaping your illustrations, making a dummy, then BAM! An insta-famous peer announces that they are publishing a book with an almost identical concept and you slump into your chair like a balloon with a slow puncture.
If you’d been reading about new releases, or checking on The Bookseller to see who had signed who, you might have been able to pre-empt this. So todays tip - it’s more important to keep up to date with what’s going on in the industry, than to pour all of your downtime into collecting followers on any platform.
Learn about the industry. You need to know what an Art Directors role is. You need to know that Editors exist for a reason. You need to know about marketing your book, school visits, researching some learning resources if you want your book to be picked up by teachers for their classes.
Although it’s nice to have people like your work and follow you, it’s not indicative that you will be able to see a book project through. If I’m being honest, too much of an online presence gives the impression that you have a lot of spare time on your hands. Use your time wisely.
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I hope you’ve found these posts on how to get published helpful. As I said at the very start, you need to go through some steps before the real creative part starts. That’s what I’ve tried to cover here - that pre-creation bit. It’s like a warm-up period to get you ready to complete the task ahead.
I wish you luck, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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