Today we’re so fortunate to have picture book author Chloe Ito Ward on the blog. With multiple books to her name, she’s sharing some of the myths and realities of publishing. If you’ve always wondered about what it’s like to debut your first picture book, how much your publisher will help, and everything book launch and publication day, you’ll want to grab a writing tool, a cup of favorite cool beverage and read on. It’s a good one!
MYTH: Your book launch needs to be a huge event
REALITY: Your book launch can be whatever you want it to be! A small party with friends and family, a reading at the library, or a story time and book signing event at your local independent bookstore. The event can be in-person, or you can do a virtual launch party, it all depends on what works best for your schedule and energy level. I prefer to do an in-person event where I can read the story, sign copies, and the bookstore can handle pre-orders and sales. Some authors like to sing songs, do games, and pass out cookies or stickers. A book launch is a celebration, so celebrate in a way that feels right for you and your book.
MYTH: The publisher will do all the marketing and publicity
REALITY: The amount of marketing and publicity your book gets depends on many factors, but authors often coordinate book cover reveals, podcasts, interviews, blog tours, book signings etc. You work with a team, but the author and illustrator are involved in the process.
MYTH: Don’t schedule anything on your book birthday/publication date.
REALITY: Do what works for you. Publication Day can be quite chaotic. You’re promoting/celebrating across various social media platforms and websites, and so is your publisher, your agent/agency, the editor, the illustrator, your friends, family etc. It is a lot! I was advised not to schedule a launch or book event on the day of (just in case shipping/publication gets delayed), to get childcare if possible, and to be ready for a thousand messages/posts/notifications across social media, email, text etc.
And this is great advice, because when message after messages pours in, it is exciting but can quickly get overwhelming. I’m the type of person that if I don’t respond right away, I forget. So I tried to stay on top of it. I ended up getting a painful cramp in my hand from holding my phone for so long! I know many authors aren’t able to clear their calendar for publication day. We’re often juggling kids and other occupations. My suggestion is to give yourself some amount of time to celebrate and promote, cupcakes with your family, an Instagram live, or a zoom with book friends, whatever feels right for you.
MYTH: You need to respond to every social media comment and/or message when promoting your book.
REALITY: Protect your time and energy
A tip a writing friend, Ebony, gave me was, respond for ten or fifteen minutes after you post and then stop. There isn’t enough time in the day to interact with everyone on social media so giving yourself a time limit can be helpful. This sounds really simple but was life changing for me because I was trying to respond to everything and exhausting myself in the process. I still try to respond to everyone on pub day, but in general I try to limit myself.
MYTH: On publication day your book will be in stores
REALITY: Bookstores have limited shelf space, so unless you’ve confirmed that your local bookstore is stocking your book, don’t show up on pub day expecting to see it on the shelves. Before I visit a bookstore, I’ll call to see if they have my book in stock and are okay with me signing a copy before I go in and visit.
MYTH: You have to do it all on pub day
REALITY: The 6-12 months lead up to publication is a great time to get things done, podcasts, interviews, blogs, social media and marketing posts etc. Don’t try to do it all on the week before or on publication day, or you’ll wear yourself out.
Q & A
What is your favorite part of the publication day?
I love when friends, family, and random people on the internet send me photos of themselves/their families reading my book. Sometimes they even send me notes or messages, about how much the book means to them or how their child asked to reread the story over and over. Also, I never get tired of people tagging me when they find my book in store or at the library.
Are you doing anything different for your next book launch?
For my second picture book, MADE FOR MORE, I was able to do the book launch with the illustrator, Gael Abary. That was a dream!
If you’re ever able to do a book event with the illustrator, do it! I love hearing about the art process and cohosting the event, it lessens the pressure/tension when there are two people. Plus, the more the merrier, it’s just more fun to do an event with a friend. But I think for my next book launch, I’m passing out more snacks. CHOPSTICKS ARE features a lot of food illustrations so I think it will probably make people hungry!
What inspires you to write?
I would say most of my inspiration comes from my childhood, stories that would have made me feel heard or seen. Books are a safe space for kids to explore their emotions, dreams, fears, who they are and who they want to be. I’m inspired by kids, and by trying to make the world a better place. That sounds cheesy, but it’s true, and I know a lot of other authors feel the same.
Any resources that have helped you to write so many picture books?
I have so many! One day I’ll make a list and share it on my website. But off the top of head, my two favorite classes/memberships are Inked Voices and Ebony Lynn Mudd’s The PB Retreat.
What are your goals for the future?
One is to finish my middle grade novel in verse. Another is to sell a humorous picture book. I love funny but all the picture books I’ve sold so far are lyrical.
Where can people find out more about you and your books?
You can find me on instagram or bluesky, chloeitoward and on my website, chloeitoward.com
Thanks for having me!
-Chloe
