“Oh, you write kids’ books? That’s nice. What’s your real job?”
“No, that IS my real job…”
No one asks a doctor or electrician what their day jobs are. And I don’t think they should for authors either.
Hey there! I’m Brooke Van Sickle and in 2019, I started Journey to KidLit as a way to network and connect with other writers because I saw so many other authors who were like me when I first started. They had an idea for a children’s book and no idea what to do to make that dream a reality. So I created a platform where I could share my knowledge with people like you, in order for you to become whatever kind of children’s book author you want to be. (Even the full-time income-earning type. 😉)
Now, Journey to Kidlit helps over 10,000 writers each month find the information they need to not only write the book they can’t stop thinking about but also know how to publish and market that book. If you were worried you were going to have to do this alone, don’t be. You’re in a community of other writers who, like you, have a passion for sharing stories with kids and getting their books out there.
At Journey to KidLit, we focus on ALL avenues of children’s book publishing, too. Not just the traditional path that takes years and years of rejection to break into. Because if you’re also like me and want to do something with your picture book manuscript this year, you should be able to make that happen.
Here’s what my own writing journey has looked like.
“I get to do what I love every freaking day! Write books for kids that inspire and ignite my soul.”
-Brooke Van Sickle
For 4 years, I wrote in the margins of time around my full-time job. I sent story after story for submission, but only received rejections. After 4 years of waiting to be published, I was TIRED of feeling like I wasn’t moving forward.
So I did the irrational thing and quit my job to write full-time. (I know, the #1 thing they tell you NOT to do as a writer. What can I say — I like to bend the rules.😅)
A year after quitting, and a few more critiques to polish my picture book manuscripts later, I had published my first picture book. And by the end of 2020, I will have THREE published picture books with BiblioKid Publishing.
But my journey doesn’t end at published author. I have a lot more to come now that I have books out. Which will be true for you once you’ve published your books, too!
You’ve come to the right place if you want to:
- Hold a real-life, tangible copy of YOUR own book in your hands.
- Sign books at local bookstores for a line of waiting fans.
- See your book on the bookshelf at Barnes & Noble next to all your favorites.
- Be the FAMOUS author on a school visit and inspire students with your writing.
- Become a children’s book writer who gets to do what they love EVERY single day — write books that kids ask to read again and again!
Together, we’re going to make it happen!
I can’t wait to help you through this journey. The best thing for you to do right now is to take action. Stop dreaming about getting published and actually MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Get your children’s book template here. Then go print it and start outlining your story. From there, I’ll guide you on the best steps for you to get started writing, so you change your Twitter bio from “aspiring” children’s book author to “published”.
Talk to you soon!
XOXO Brooke Van Sickle
PS – To learn even more about me, visit my personal website at brookevansickle.com to see my books, schedule a school or conference visit, and know 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 podcast
- 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?
- Host of the KidLit Indie Publishing Summit Spotlight Feature with Rinda Beach
