1. Be an Avid Reader in Your Genre:

-Writers should also be avid readers, especially in their chosen genre.

2. Understand Childhood Development (For Children's Book Authors):

-Authors of children's books benefit from understanding childhood development and stages.

-Immersion in children's lives through volunteering or tutoring can provide valuable insights.

3. Plan for a Day Job:

-Expect that writing alone may not provide a stable income; plan for a day job.

4. Passion and Perseverance:

-Authors need passion and perseverance to navigate the publishing journey.

5. Writing Takes Time:

-Understand that getting traditionally published can take years; be prepared for the long haul.

6. Write Your Heart, Find the Market:

-Write the story in your heart first, then seek the market that fits it.

7. Seek Critique and Research:

-Seek feedback from critique groups or professional editors to improve your work.

-Research comparable titles and publishers for a better fit.

8. Connect Through Experience:

-Writing is about sharing experiences, connecting with readers, and putting emotions into words.

-Vulnerability in your writing helps readers across demographics connect.

9. Trust Your Editor:

-Trust your editor's expertise and realize they advocate for your book within the publishing house.

10. Conference Involvement:
- Attend conferences and join professional organizations for networking opportunities.

11. Patience in Publishing:
- Patience is key in the publishing world, especially when facing delays like those caused by COVID-19.

12. Social Media Strategy:
- Focus on quality content and building a dedicated following rather than just amassing followers.

13. Stay True to Yourself:
- Define your values and maintain authenticity in your online presence and career choices.

14. Don't Overreact:
- Choose your battles wisely, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and respond thoughtfully.

15. Rejections Are Part of the Journey:
- Rejections are common; don't take them personally, but keep persevering.

16. Finding the Right Publisher:
- Explore smaller and mid-size publishers that align with your work.

17. Diversify Your Creative Pursuits:
- Don't limit yourself to one project; explore multiple creative disciplines.

18. Build Your Personal Brand:
- Develop a blog, newsletter, or online presence to build your fanbase and market yourself.

19. Protect Contract Details:
- Avoid sharing contract and financial details on social media, as it can lead to unrealistic expectations.

20. Be Skeptical of Generalities:
- Beware of one-size-fits-all advice; not all situations apply to everyone.

21. Choose Your Battles Wisely:
- Don't feel compelled to respond to every issue; assess the situation before reacting.

22. Don't Seek Universal Approval:
- Focus on your work, not on pleasing everyone; not everyone will like you.

23. Avoid Overexposure:
- Don't exhaust yourself trying to maintain an image of perfection; authenticity is key.

24. Marketing Skills Matter:
- Learn essential marketing skills or consider hiring professionals to help with branding and promotion.

With over thirty-five years in publishing, Kim Childress is an award-winning editor, author, speaker, and reviewer. She has built a distinguished career while also raising a personal focus group—her four children now adults—whose experiences have enriched her insights into children's and young adult literature. More.

Founder, Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink

Author ~ Editor ~ Reviewer ~ Speaker

Facebook: Kim Cildress, Childress Ink, Ink-a-Dink, Find Your Future in Art

Instagram: @kbchild

YouTube: Childress Ink

TikTok: Ink-a-Dink Bookstore