Your kid can now become a published author: Here’s how
Has your kid expressed their dreams of becoming a published author? If yes, then there is a way to make that happen! Many aspiring authors abandon their dream of writing a book simply because of the complicated and expensive process of traditionally publishing a book. One needs to have the first draft ready, select a publishing house and send the draft over to them, and if luck would have it, they will offer a publishing deal. Then, there is the lengthy process of working with editors to alter the text. This is just a description of the process in brief. It goes on and on over several months, maybe even a year or more. Additionally, one does not get to keep all the revenue the book earns.
However, the digital age brings with it endless opportunities for enterprising authors. With companies like Amazon allowing people to e-publish their books with their own preferences and at their own pace. In this process, the entire creative control is in the hands of the author. You can now encourage your child’s dream of becoming an author by helping him self-publish his book online!
Firstly, what is self-publishing?
In this process an author (or even musician, artist, etc.) publishes her work without the help of a traditional publishing house. The entire publishing process is the author’s responsibility- from writing the book and editing to formatting, designing the cover, etc. The author would also have to bear the cost of publishing which self-publishing platforms charge.
How you can help your young author self-publish
The process of self-publishing is quite straight-forward. Evidently, the most challenging aspect for your kid would be the creative process, from writing the book to selecting a cover. The actual publishing part is a breeze. Here is guide to help your child self-publish-
Help your child choose the topic: Does he want to write a fictional story or narrate a real-life story? What genre will it fall into? Discuss the topic your child is most interested in as well as the crux of the narrative. Help her in building the characters as well. A mind map can be used to outline character traits.
Structure the story: Guide your child in effectively constructing the narrative. Help her create structure around the story. It should have a plot, a build-up, a resolution and a moral (direct or indirect.) Explain to your child how continuity and build-up are key elements of an engaging book. Give her consistent feedback as she writes each chapter.
Teach him formatting: This is an integral step and must not be overlooked. Along with adding the basics like page numbers, chapter names and numbers, remind your child to also include a foreword, a dedication, an index, an ‘about the author’ section and a brief description of the book.
Discuss the cover design: “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” they say. But the cover is crucial, too. If your child has a flair for art, then she can proceed to design the cover on paper. This can be scanned and uploaded as the cover. Another option would be to click a photo and design a cover out of it using a basic editing software.
Be the editor of the book: After your child has the first draft ready, assume the role of the editor and proofread the entire book. At this point, suggest changes and give constructive feedback so that he can make the necessary alterations. You can also encourage him to share this draft with a few other people if he wishes to do so. A new set of eyes will always have a different perspective.
Talk about pricing and marketing: At this stage, the author has to price the book. Guide your child in understanding the financial aspect of publishing and help her select a suitable price. Also, explain the marketing aspect of it: Does she want to market it on social media or announce it at school? Discuss the best way to have her book reach a wider audience.
Assist your child in finally publishing the book: Your child will have to sign up to a self-publishing platform like Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and follow their specific process for uploading the book. Guide him through this process. A small amount will be charged on the website which will have to be paid using online banking or a debit/credit card.
And there you have it! Your kid is now a self-published author.