36. Writing and illustrating children’s books w/ Sheryl Bass

Have you pondered writing children’s book but aren’t sure how to pull the whole project together, from prose, to illustrations, to publication? 

In this episode, Sheryl Bass discusses various resources that can help you write and publish your book, how to handle illustrations, and what to consider when pondering traditional or self-publishing. 

You’ll also learn more about social emotional learning and how you can incorporate these messages into your books to help foster positive messages for children. Also enjoy hearing an excerpt of Sherly’s rhyming storybook. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Being a midwife to others’ creativity
• The sneeze that inspired a children’s book
• The importance of rhyme vs what’s fashionable
• The challenge of being an unknown author
• Holding onto an idea for years
• Creating your own author’s brand
• Incorporating SEL into children’s books
• Pros to self-publishing
• Cons to self-publishing
• Finding self-publishing services, such as editors and illustrators
• Four tips for writing children’s books
• Our children provide us with built-in resources
• How your kids can help you choose an illustrator
• Writing isn’t a race
• The benefits of reading your story aloud
• An excerpt from Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze
• Adding more kindness to the world

About Sheryl: 

Sheryl Bass holds a master’s degree in Social Work and has studied child development, and she uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship.

Sheryl also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations. Sheryl resides just outside of Chicago, IL with her husband and two terriers. 

Get her book: 

• Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Dragons-Big-Sneeze-Children/dp/B0BJTFPQ55

Connect with Sheryl:

• Website: http://www.be-kindpublishing.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087176800294 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.kind.publishing/ 

 Resources discussed during the show: 

• April Cox, coach, Self-Publishing Made Simple 
• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 
• Laura Bontje, children’s book editor
• Children’s Book Insider 
• Remesh Ram, illustrator, Prayan Animation

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