WORDS ARE THE LOOKING GLASS - Blog by Children's Book Author - Patricia Sloan

It is such a great feeling to have the WHERE DO THE MONDAYS GO? web site finally up and running.  It has been an incredibly long journey to get my first children's book published, however, in reality I know my journey has really just begun. 

I recently had my first author/story time at Barnes & Noble here in Houston, Texas.  Prior to the event, I learned that authors don't typically have business cards.  Authors have book marks which they use just like business cards.  The book mark should have information printed on the back with a short summary on what your book is about, where your book is available for purchase, the ISBN numbers, and ideally, your own web site address with direct links to purchase your book.  I had neither.  I knew I had to start working on both immediately!

I found a great site, www.iprint.com, where I could design my own book mark.  You have to create an account, but once you do, you can save your design(s) to their site and update/edit them later if needed.

I uploaded the picture I wanted on the front of my book mark and then inserted text for the title of the book and the author/illustrator information.  I wanted my Super-Duper MONDAY cartoon character on the back of the book mark so I uploaded his picture and listed the pertinent information underneath. 

For example - what the book was about (AN EDUCATIONAL STORY BOOK ON THE DAYS OF THE WEEK), where the type of book (E-BOOK/PRINTED BOOK) could be found (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, itunes iBOOKSTORE) along with the respective ISBN number. 

Since this was the first time I had visited iprint, I did check out their reviews from other customers before deciding to use them.  I also placed a smaller order of 250 book marks.  I wanted to make sure even with the reviews, that I would be happy with the quality of the paper/printing - which of course I would not know about for sure until I received my first order.

I am very happy to say that I have used iPrint several times now for my book marks and I just ordered 500 of them with my with my new web site address now on them! - www.wheredothemondaysgo.com.

It was a challenge to say the least, however, I have completed my web site and my book marks....give me five...give me ten....no give me fifteen!!!!!!!!!!!!!..... :)

Note:  If you have any comments regarding how to prepare for a successful author/story time event and other tips to share with first time authors/writers, we would love to hear from you.

Have a great 4th of JULY holiday! 

Sincerely,

Patricia Sloan