Children's Book Authors/Illustrators discussion

Hey All --- I'm brand new to the world of "real" book writing. I'm narrowing down which stories I want to write/illustrate first, however, as I started working, I got a "tip" of something I should not be doing (and I am). I just need some clarification of (maybe) "why" this would not be a good thing to do in my books. My guess is it has been done so much that publishers don't like it. The 2 problems: Animals who have "human-like" qualities and naming characters using alliteration. I have a series of animal "kids" & the alliteration is part of it. What should I be doing? Take it out or not worry about it? Thanks! -Jessica

Hi Jessica,
I just signed a contract with Vivian Zabel and 4RV Publishing for my talking animal book. I'm so glad that publishers are accepting these again as they are near and dear to my heart!

Your animal characters should act like children but also have the qualities to their own species. For instance, a chimpanzee should be very active, love to climb trees, etc. A hippo should love to wallow in the mud and be in the water. I hope this helped you some!
Deb

Thanks Deb. That helps quite a bit as that is exactly what I was looking for. I am also glad to hear that publishers are accepting these ideas again. In my artwork and writing, I love to create animals that have "personality" similar to a human but, as you mentioned, stay within their own character.
Thanks again. I appreciate it.
-Jessica

Jessica,
Glad to be of some help to you!
Deb

Hi, Jessica! Entering the publishing world can be scary and overwhelming, but I say go with your instincts. If you love your characters and believe in them, the right publisher will too :-).
Jodi

Hi Jody,
That's what I did with my talking animal book and it paid off!

I do have a question: How long before the publisher starts working on illustrating/editing on the book? I guess I'm impatient since I only signed the contract for my PB in March. This is my first time too!

Thanks Jodi. I'm trying to do both the writing & illustrating, so I know I have a long way to go, but can't wait to get to a final stage to share with others. I appreciate the encouragement. -Jessica

Dear Jessica, Jodi and all,

I am new to this discussion and to this group. It is good to discuss what is helpful in getting a book to market. I have self published four pre-school aged children's books and have no clue what to do with them. I would be happy if someone would read one (they are short). I could send the PDF.

My latest is entitled Brissa and the Bumblebee and us about the plight of the bees.
I do hope, Jessica, you have gotten your book illustrated and in print. Let me know.

Patti

I would be glad to read them for you. Do you have them on amazon or a website where I can write a review?
Deborah
Deborahbelica@aol.com

Dear Deborah,

I would love to send you my PDFs of my books. I am not on Amazon nor do I have a web page. I am a bit lost using this kind of media. I have the PDF of my last book, and am asking my friend who compiles my stories with the pics into a PDF for printing, to send me the three first PDFs. Also another friend has the audio from my first book(a 15 yr old wrote music and sang that story ) and knows how to send that to people I want to have it.

Is it Ok for me to use your e-mail to send my most recent story to you? I don't know how to add an attachment to this comment section.

Patti