“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good…” (Psalm 106:1)

Dear Friends,

Many of you over the last several years have asked me, “how did you publish a book?” and “where do you start?”

The answer is one step at a time. It is a process with a lot of research, and trial and error. But, if I have achieved any real success it is because of God’s grace, and my VERY supportive husband!

I had wanted to write children’s books for a long time. My vision is to come along side Christian families and provide them with positive faith-based stories that are fun and relatable with endearing characters. But, the publishing world is incredibly competitive and an author without an agent has like a one in one million chance of getting published. Also, for a long time, self-published books were referred to as “vanity” books and were very costly.

Today, independently published books can be just as respected and sell just as well as some traditionally published books. So, I had hope! I started doing research, and you have to be very careful there are a lot of scam “book publishers” out there. I knew I wanted my book to be distinctly Christian, and because it is a picture book I needed a publisher who provides great illustrations. I decided on Christian Faith Publishing in Meadville, Pa., and they were easy to work with and my first book looked great! It was costly, but not in comparison with some other publishers, and I liked that they do not take any royalties until I have recouped my investment. In 2022, Seeds of Sunshine was launched with a great response that was super fun and encouraging. So, I while I was planning for my next book, I explored all the children’s authors sights and groups. I found Kidlit contests on X, and started following and studying the authors with good followings on Instagram and Facebook, and took note of what they were doing. I also did as many book signings as I could locally.

Then, I promised my husband if I could self publish with Christian Faith Publishing one more time, I could build enough momentum to hopefully be traditionally published for my subsequent books. In 2024, Sunshine Makes a Difference, was launched. It was at this time I was looking for Christian writer groups on Facebook and joined Christian Writers For Life with Denise George and Rebecca Pounds George:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/165448174730553/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Since joining CWFL, I have entered many contests and my non-fiction personal stories are now published in five anthology books, with more coming. They also have a student group with classes that have taught me how to write query letters, create proposals for publishers, terminology, how to write articles, how to write compelling stories with exciting beginnings and satisfying endings, and so much more. The student group has changed my life! Plus, CWFL introduced me to the Southern Christian Writers Conference which I attended virtually last year and was able to submit my third Sunshine story, “Lenny’s Team” to traditional publishers without needing an agent, and I signed with Lil Roni Publishers in December!

If you can go to a writer’s conference, go! In person is better, but virtually is great too, do it! You learn from the professionals and you will meet other authors, and publishers and agents.

Through the SCWC, I have entered every monthly challenge, and have submitted for their online magazine, Anchored. Successful writing includes so many things. I look for like-minded authors and groups on social media. I enter every contest I can. I submit stories, devotions and poems as much as I can. I keep trying to widen my circle.

Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart is under contract with Prolific Pulse Press LLC., because I pitched my story to an illustrator whose talent I greatly admired. She loved it and asked me to pitch Crabby Abby to her publisher. The publisher offered me a contract, and my story will be published June, 2026. This all happened because I am part of an author support group on Instagram. Networking with other authors is invaluable.

All of this takes time, and I haven’t even started on marketing and platform! I will save that for next time!

I always say this is my full-time, part-time job! But, I love it!

For now, keep writing, write everyday! Watch for the next blog and remember to spread kindness!

Love, Ellen