WRITING & ILLUSTRATING my own CHILDREN'S BOOK after being REJECTED

I was in a similar situation. I submitted my stories to dozens of agents and publishers over the years, with no success. So I decided to launch my own publishing company and my first picture book will be released in early June of 2024 with more stories ready to go. It’s a great feeling doing it on your own, doing it the way you want to do it. More power to you and best of luck.

Large quality work takes time. Give yourself the time you need. If funds get low work on making money, then go back to it. You might not finish in the time you want, but it will be of the quality and standard you want in your work. Nobody will comment on how you got the work done in the anticipated time frame. They will comment on what you produce. What you produce is your reputation.

I have no idea why YouTube suggested this video to me but OH MY GOSH you are soooooo talented!!! I was shocked when I watched you painting and I cannot understand why no publisher responded to you. I am truly sorry for you but also think you are better on publishing it yourself! All the children's book look so similar nowadays but your style truly stands out! I do believe it will work out for you!! ❤❤

I'm shure your book was supposed to be rejected so you can make it fully yours, which is even better and more personal. It IS a masterpeace, so I don't believe that your illustrations weren't deserving it to be rejecting. Love your work 💙

I looove this attitude! I think waiting for any agencies /labels (in other industries as well) to be "kindly accepted" is overrated. Good luck!

I absolutely understand why you are doing it so big. Like the illustrations that use Adobe or Procreate for the tablets and PC, they can zoom out to get the fine detail that they want. Once they zoom back in, the detail is smaller but it makes a big difference in the piece. It’s the same with how you are doing it. Since you are not able to zoom in and out. You are in the “zoom out” phase of your illustration. Once you photo it, it will be in the “zoom in” stage. Love what you are doing. Great work.

the painting reminds me of Laura Stern!! it’s so cute! Laura Stern is a super popular german children’s book series about a little girl called Laura that helps a hurt little star that lost one of it spikes.. pure nostalgia!!! Your painting turned out really beautiful

I’ll buy one. 100% I will. Sometimes you just have to take things into your own hands!

It’s really great to see an artist who is genuinely passionate about their work. You hear a lot about people who do things solely for monetary gain or five-seconds of fame, but it’s clear how much you love what you do. I truly admire how much detail and attention you put into a single piece of artwork. Good luck with your book!

This video randomly got recommended and it made me happy, I hope this dream comes true for you and the book is a massive success!

wow im blown away!!! i simply dabble in watercolour and I hadn't even imagined you could do this on such a SCALE! BLOWN AWAY!!!!!! absolutely incredible work💘 it's so nostalgic and sweet. i love the vibe of it i hope you can stay on track and finish it next year😮 much love!!

Retired writer here. I've had 37 books published by 2 major publishers, and a 25 yr career so.. some inside advice. 1st, Children's books are actually the hardest genre to sell. You must have the age group target locked in before you start. (I-3, 3-5, 6-8 etc) Find a book on the shelves now that is similar. those are the houses and editors you submit first. (Same goes for any book) See The Writer's Market for names, addresses, requirements of each Publishing House. 2. Illustrations and manuscript by the same person is a big difference. If you do not have illustrations, the publisher will choose and you have little say in the matter. Submit manuscript and art as ONE manuscript. Be open to editorial changes, even art work changes. That's the price of writing. You have to know how to and be willing to, edit yourself. Another point in your cover letter is to add in references to what you have produced and sold of your other works. No work, just the links and refences. It's showing you have reliable professionalism. An agent will help open the door and get on the desk of the editor you want. To Editors, the agent means you passed the first gauntlet of publishing. You submit to the agent 1st, and if you have submitted to a House prior, you must tell the agent. Have TWO books, ready to go. I have never met an editor who wanted to buy the one-book only writer. They always want 2 books from a new author. The sales of those 2 will determine your 3rd book purchase and release. They need to know you can produce and do it on time. Accept that rejection and growing a thick skin is the hallmark of being a published writer. I once had 2 series proposals = 7 stories, rejected in one day. As a new writer, that would have ended me, But I'd had 18 books by then. So... I revised them and sold them bother to other publishers.

Girl, good luck!!! I wish you the best and it's so lovely that you bring us along for the ride. YouTube seems a better medium for this than Instagram I really hope all your dreams come true

SO inspiring and visionary! And your art style is incredible: warm, nostalgic, and expert all in one. This will be a core memory for the children who read it!!

omg i absolutely adore your art style!!! it feels so whimsical and nostalgic and the colours are stunning and really takes me back to books i used to read as a kid. can't wait to follow you on this journey 💖

you go girl! i'm so proud of you i LOOOVE that attitude. just wow. may blessings come your way

i love this, so beautiful i’m crying you are so talented and i can’t wait to see this evolve ❤

"Numbah 2: It's iconic" Girl I LOOOVE you lol. I'm working on a graphic novel, and I've been considering drawing each page by hand on a large scale. I'm so inspired. Thank you!

This is simply stunning, congratulations, hope the best for you really, your style is such a breath of fresh air and I love it

Your art is fabulous! I wish you utmost success with this book and all of your future books!