Advice from a Caterpillar: Children's Writing Q&A

November 2005

How Do I Find More Information About Pop-Up Books?

For my college graphics coursework I am designing and making a pop-up book and need to research how to make my product fully marketable. I was hoping you could answer these questions which would aid my specification points: What is the best size for a pop-up designed for children aged 4-6 years? Which themes are the most popular with girls in this age range? Which materials are the best to use for a pop-up book to ensure it withstands wear and tear? What appeals to parents who are choosing books for their children? Are cartoons or realistic drawings more popular? Which method of production is the best when making pop-up books? Thank you for your help.

Since I don't write or publish pop-up books, I don't have the answers to your questions. I suggest that you consult your local children's librarian. While you're at the library, take a look at some recently published pop-up books. Make a note of the publishers and consider contacting the publisher with your questions. Also, do a Google search for pop-up books and you will find links to more information. There's even a web site, Wonderful World of Pop-up and Animated Books, where you will find a discussion board, plus links to publishers and web sites.

What Is The Quickest Way To Get My Books Published?

When I started out as a writer, my passion was to write children's books. Of course, I didn't do enough research to know what that meant, so I failed. Ten years later, I've gone back through the children's manuscripts and see why I failed -- they were bad! So, I pulled out two of the best ideas, polished them, and feel they are great! What do you recommend as the best and quickest way to get them published? The whole process seems so overwhelming to me. At this time, I've spent so many years to get to this point; I simply don't care about the money, but rather that the books are in print. However, self-publishing is out of the question right now, as I just can't afford it. My goal is to be a full-time children's book writer and create several new titles a year. Please share your expertise to steer me in the right direction.

Finding a publisher (or agent) is never easy or quick. There is no "best" way to find a publisher. Traditional publishing, self-publishing and small (POD) publishing all have their pitfalls. No matter what method you pursue, as a new author you will be responsible for marketing and promoting your own work, which is why self-publishing services and small print-on-demand (POD) publishers are becoming more popular with writers who want to get a book published and build readership. Small POD publishers require the same process as traditional publishers. You submit your manuscript and wait for a decision. If they offer a contract it's usually for no advance but a larger royalty payment than traditional publishers -- around 40%. It takes several months for them to produce the book and release it to the public. Self-publishing services such as Booklocker, Xlibris, and iUniverse cost much less than self-publishing under your own imprint where you do all the work and cover all the costs. You tend to save a lot on the up front printing costs by going with a self-publishing service. Lately I've been hearing about a new free self-publishing service called Lulu. Writers who have used the services on this web site report they are happy with the results. I can't recommend them one way or another, because I have no direct experience with them. You might also find my article, "The Elephant in the Room: Marketing Your Children's Manuscript", helpful.

Where Can I Find Children's Interactive Ebooks?

I am looking for children's ebooks that go beyond traditional books. By that I mean, ebooks that include animation or are interactive in some way that makes it easier for children to navigate the book? If you know of any, could you tell me where I can find them? Thank you.

There are several web sites that offer interactive and animated ebooks. At the LeTopWeb site you'll find a list of more than twenty interactive stories for kids which can be accessed online. Tumblebooks features animated versions of popular children's titles. Companies such as Book Flair Interactive Kids Ebooks, ipicturebooks, Booksjust4me, and Writers Exchange E-Publishing offer an assortment of interactive children's ebooks. Do a Google search for "interactive children's ebooks" to find more information. Also, be sure to visit the children's department at your local library and bookseller. Ask the librarian or book store manager about interactive children's books on CD.

For more information:

Wonderful World of Pop-up and Animated Books: http://www.popupbooks.net/
Lulu: http://www.lulu.com
The Elephant in the Room: Marketing Your Children's Manuscript: http://www.writing-world.com/children/elephant.shtml
Interactive stories for kids: http://www.letopweb.net/web-guide-for-kids/
Tumblebooks: http://www.tumblebooks.com/
ipicturebooks.com: http://www.ipicturebooks.com
Book Flair Interactive Kids Ebooks: http://www.bookflair.com
Booksjust4me: http://www.booksjust4me.com
Writers Exchange E-Publishing: http://www.writers-exchange.com

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Peggy Tibbetts has been a professional writer, editor, and full member of the Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators for the past 26 years. She offers courses in children's writing and has edited several successful children's manuscripts. She is the author of the children's novel The Road to Weird, as well as the adult novel Rumors of War. Peggy also moderates the The Write List discussion list at Yahoo.

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