I met Jeremy Billups a few years ago at a local Comic Con and was instantly drawn to his art—it helped that he’s a super-nice guy, too. Since then, I’ve talked about all of his books and he’s been very generous with his time and participated in several things around here. Those of you who’ve seen the cartoon pilcrow I use here and on Social Media know a little of his work, too. Let’s hear a little about self-publishing for the Picture Book/Children’s Market.
Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Thanks so much H.C. for the opportunity to chat! My name is Jeremy Billups and I make attempts at writing and illustrating children’s books. I’ve self-published three so far. Bearded, Bearded Too, and Sea This and Sea That. I’m very close to wrapping up the manuscript for the third Bearded book. I’m also chipping away at a Christmas book and a book about being a dad.
I’ve also been working on some comics, Squirrel E. Jones and Tales of the Incredible. Both comics are very different from each other and the children’s books, but good creative outlets for me.
If so inclined, you can find all my books, comics, and other fun things at caffeinatedbeverages.com.
What kind of costs are associated with self-publishing a book? Do you hire one or more editors, or one editor for a couple of passes? Cover artist? Anyone to help with layout, design, etc.? Beta readers? Or do you take it all on yourself? Are you actually making any money at this, or are you still focused on breaking-even while building an audience?
The self-publishing money talk, huh? I actually think these are good questions to bring up. We could have a whole discussion on this alone.
I’m very thankful to have enough design experience from my day job that I’m able to handle the design and artwork for my projects. In fact, that was a big reason why I chose to go with self-publishing. Having the skills and knowledge with the design side of things gives me a lot more control over my projects and saves me a lot of money.
The biggest cost for me is printing. It took a while, but I was finally able to find a U.S.-based printer that does print-on-demand at a cost that works for me. I’m now able to put out new books without nearly as much financial risk. Saying this though, it makes me realize that I need to take advantage and put out more books!
I do work with one editor. With each project we go back and forth with each manuscript until I think it’s ready. I’m fortunate here as well because my word count is so low that she only charges me a very reasonable flat rate.
Though, nothing to live on yet, I am making money at this. It’s just enough to keep me motivated to continue growing my catalog and audience. I would love for this to be all that I do one day.
Your comment about word count will tie-in very well with what a Fantasy author says about that (and how he’s considered other genres because of it)
Yeah, I’m very thankful that word count is something I don’t have to take into consideration while telling my stories.
How do you promote your book—what things have worked best for you? What kind of lessons have you learned for things not to do (at least for you)? Do you do any in-person marketing, or are you all on-line (I assume predominately online)
So I started out on Amazon and only produced a digital version of my book, Bearded. Seemed like a good way to see if anyone would be interested. I was all in on Kindle Direct Publishing. At the time, it was exactly what I was looking for. I did all the things they recommended, took advantage of their promotional offers and saw some traction. The big download numbers always came when I offered the book for free. So I decided to lean into that and make the digital version of Bearded permanently free. And, then I offered a second book, Bearded Too as a paid follow up to the free book. With the change of Bearded to “perma-free” I saw significant downloads and good ratings for the free book, but those downloads never really translated to people buying the second book.
I have a few theories as to why I didn’t see the sales I was hoping for, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I decided to change things up and focus on in-person. There are a few local events that I participate in every year and it’s been so much better. I’ve made some great connections, sold some books, and get to see repeat customers face-to-face each year.
I didn’t give up on the internet entirely. I’ve recently updated my website with a shop so that I can keep selling online and I’m currently exploring Etsy as a option to sell online as well.
I don’t know that I’d have thought about Etsy for self-published books—but it make sense—what got you thinking in this direction? Have you considered other non-Amazon options?
I decided to give Etsy a try after noticing that a lot of the artists/creators that I follow on social media were using it to sell their creations. After exploring the site and buying some super cool things, I thought it would be worth trying out. At the very least, I think it’s a good way to expand the reach of my products beyond what I’m currently doing with my website.
As for other non-Amazon options, I haven’t really considered anything other than Etsy. But, I am a little curious about selling directly through Instagram and/or Twitter. If Etsy doesn’t work very well, that may be what I try next.
What made you decide that self-publishing was the direction you wanted to go? How often do you question that choice? How do you get through the self-doubt?
It really came down to my lack of patience, and a bit of naivety. I didn’t want to sit around waiting for approval to tell my stories. I just wanted to tell them. Self-publishing gave me that capability immediately and so I dove right in. I definitely questioned the decision early on. But now, after all that I’ve learned and experienced, I know it was the right decision, and I’m excited and proud to continue telling my stories this way.
The self-doubt comes in on whether or not to go all in or not. Today I have a day job that pays the bills and supports my family. When to take a leap of faith and devote my career to more books, I’m just not sure about yet.
Have you thought about trying to get a deal with major (or indie) publishers for upcoming works, or are you planning on sticking with self-publishing?
I have thought about this. Especially since it may be the quickest path to getting to do this full-time. If it was a partnership that worked well for both parties then I’d definitely be open to it. There is a bit of self-doubt here too. Am I good enough? Can I meet their deadlines? Can I continue to produce as much as I think I can?
At the very least, I’m open to entertaining the idea if someone were to reach out.
Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it! And do know that there are many of us out here who appreciate and applaud what you do (and our number is growing)!
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and all the great questions! I enjoyed the discussion and look forward to the next one. I also appreciate all that you do and the love and attention you give self-publishers like me. It really means a lot!
Your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews/etc. are going to love Billups’ work! Be sure to check out all of it!
Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
The 2023 Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Logo was made by Witty and Sarcastic Book Club
Picture books about bears are everywhere—I have a hard time believing many kids get out of the picture book stage without exposure to at least 4 of them (and that’s before they’re at the Pooh or Paddington stage). But how many of those bears have been bearded?
