Heidi Brooks, award-winning children’s book author and creative entrepreneur, shares many marketing tips on how she intentionally turns her books into brands.

We discuss Heidi’s new affirmation book, her Missy Moo children's book series, the coloring book, and how she expanded her characters into pajamas, hats, stickers, plushies, and more, plus why owning illustration copyrights is key to scaling with confidence.

https://mrs-bs-books.com/

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Burnout doesn’t happen because authors lack passion; it happens when there’s no creative system to support growth.Children’s book illustrator and author Kaelen Felix shares how she manages a growing series, a companion coloring book, and future projects without burning out. She breaks down the creative systems, intentional workflows, and mindset shifts that help her stay grounded, focused, and consistent.We talk about managing creative energy, maintaining illustration cohesion, organizing multiple projects, working intentionally with publishers, and building confidence as both an author and illustrator.This conversation is perfect for children’s book authors, illustrators, and indie creators who want to grow sustainably, without overwhelm, exhaustion, or losing their love for creating.Learn more about Kaelen: https://www.kaelenfelix.com/aboutSubscribe so you don't miss the full episode on February 12th!TIME STAMPS: 00:00 – Why some children’s book series grow beyond one book01:18 – What inspired the Wings and Whispers companion coloring book02:43 – Coloring book vs second book: which came first and why03:28 – Using original book illustrations to maintain cohesion04:57 – Choosing which illustrations belong in a coloring book06:13 – Doing your own layouts as an author-illustrator09:43 – Creative systems: managing multiple projects without burnout12:20 – How mentors and professors shaped her illustration style15:25 – Expanding into illustration work for other children's book authors (Crabby Abbey)19:39 – Writing tips for authors & illustrators: confidence, contracts, and consistency_______________________________________________________I’m JoAnn Dickinson, an award-winning children’s book author who has successfully self-published 15 books in just 4 years, and now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned along the way. This channel is dedicated to helping aspiring children’s book authors, illustrators, and indie publishers bring their stories to life through real conversations about writing, self-publishing, marketing children’s books, and everything in between. Connect & Explore:🌐 Website: https://joannmdickinsonauthor.com🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor🎧 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjhykL1T0fAuSJzcw6Ti#childrensbookauthor #selfpublishing #authortube #writingtips

Do your characters solve problems, or do they just talk about them?If you write children’s books, this question changes everything.Award-winning children’s book author and literacy educator Dr. Karen Nespoli will explore how strong characters, problem-solving, and show-don’t-tell storytelling help turn meaningful lessons into stories kids actually enjoy. This conversation is packed with insight for children’s book authors who want to teach with heart, without preaching.https://www.karennespoli.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drkarenn/

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Developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing all play a crucial role in shaping children’s books, but how do you know which your manuscript needs?

In this episode, I sat down with a professional editor who helped develop my first chapter book, Secrets of Hawthorne Manor, to break down each editing stage and how it supports children’s book authors.We explore how editors approach new and seasoned writers, when a manuscript needs deeper story development versus final polishing, and how to prepare your children’s book for publication.htpps://www.carriebturner.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriebturner/

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What does it take to turn inspiration into a children’s book series?
Children’s book author John Doriot shares the story behind his Oreo children’s book series, his creative process, and what inspired him to bring these stories to life. John offers insight and encouragement for aspiring and seasoned authors navigating their own writing journeys.

https://linktr.ee/joannmdickinsonauthor

Thinking about writing a children’s book or unsure what to do with a story you’ve already written?

In this episode, I sat down with Miriam Laundry of Miriam Laundry Publishing, and we discussed guiding authors through writing, editing, illustration, and launching children’s books. A valuable listen for aspiring and seasoned authors looking to streamline the publishing process.

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Are you a new or seasoned author making children’s book publishing mistakes without realizing it?

In this episode of Beyond the Book, editor and author Stacey Gittens shares her experience from working with authors, highlights common pitfalls she often sees, and explains why hiring experienced professionals can make all the difference before publishing.

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From his Madison Avenue creative career to his work with Autism Speaks, Bill Shea shares how creativity, kindness, and a cherished childhood memory inspired his debut children’s book A Grandpa Joe Day.

Learn how Bill turned a rainy day with his grandfather into a timeless story of hope, love, and the magic of family.

https://www.agrandpajoeday.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/agrandpajoeday/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grandpa-Joe-Day-Bill-Shea/dp/B0CT79KMQY

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