Hey there! Welcome to Journey to KidLit. I’m Brooke Van Sickle and after 5 years of learning everything I could, I finally can say I’m a published author. 👇
What does that mean for you?
Now that I’ve made it to authorhood, I’m sharing all my tips and tricks on how to write and publish a kid’s book with you! Because every book deserves a place on a child’s bookshelf if you can write it well enough.
On Journey to KidLit, you’ll find writing tips, publishing tips, resources you need as a writer, author interviews with debut KidLit writers, and even marketing tips to help you no matter what stage of the journey you’re at. Plus, if you’re a complete newbie, I listed out the very FIRST steps you should take to get started here.
And once you’ve had time to explore, you need to sign-up for my email list because you’ll receive even more helpful tips every week! Get signed up here and I’ll even give you the “How to Write a Kid’s Book” guide completely free.
Why makes me qualified to teach you?
Having 3 new picture books published in 2020 isn’t the only source of my knowledge about the kidlit world. I’ve also been a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) for 5 years and currently serve as the regional webmaster for the Iowa region. And I’m an active member of both the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Midwest Independent Publishers Association (MiPA).
But my expertise is strongest in marketing — which is vital to the survival in any publishing journey. (You can write the BEST book in the world, but if no one knows to read it, does it even matter?)
I’ve been in the digital marketing world for almost a decade now and help clients with everything from email marketing, social media marketing, advertising, content writing, and anything else that lives on the web. Plus, I’m an active member of the American Marketing Association (AMA).
With all of this experience, how can you not feel confident in your ability to not only write a good book but get it published however you want to (Self or Traditionally published both count in my book!) and know how to sell it when you’re ready.
What should you do next?
Obviously, you should spend time exploring the site to glean the most information. And listen to my new podcast — just another platform to help educate you.
But I also invite you to click over to my contact page and tell me what you want to learn, ask that question you’ve been dying to know the answer to, or simply introduce yourself. I always love hearing from other writers! (Plus, when you let me know what you want, it helps me build a site more tailored to your needs! Which is the whole reason I’m here.)
As always, happy writing!
Brooke Van Sickle
PS – To learn even more about me, visit my personal website at brookevansickle.com to see the my books, schedule a school or conference visit, or what’s happening in my world as an author.
Other Interviews & Guest Posts with me around the Web:
- What it takes to write kids’ books with Rhys Keller
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and going for your dreams with Ruth Soukup
- What books you should be reading in 2019 – Reading with your kids
- 6 Simple Steps to Write a Kid’s Book – Guest Post with Darlene Beck Jacobson
- How to Incorporate a Picture Book into the Classroom – Guest Post at Unleashing Readers
- Author Interview at Frog on a (B)log with Lauri Fortino
- Author Interview with Darlene Beck Johnson for Pirates Stuck at “C”
- Author Interview with Jennifer Prevost for Pirates Stuck at “C”
- 6-month Check-in with Ruth Soukup — How’d it go?
