How do you write a book?

​One of the questions I get from kids is: "How do you write a book?". This is why it's a difficult question. Editing is such a substantial process. Even with the children's books which are much easier, I write the concept, run through it about 20 times to get it close. I then run that writing through my professional editor. I then make changes upon suggestions provided, and it goes through edit again. Usually I'm good to go on the base doc at that point, but you need to get an edited doc, so you have to repeat edit as many times as needed.

Then you have to establish a story board. This is a general rubric for illustration that serves as a guideline. It's mostly initial thoughts on imagery although I've always left room for artistic interpretation. The books turn out much better if you don't stifle creativity at any point. I also find that it helps to have inspiration images to submit along with the vision.

You submit this all to the Illustrator. In the case be of My Little Luminaire we've gone through 7 image edits prior to Layout, and one since. Each one requires a mock up and feedback cycle to get the imagery writing and storyboard to align.

After illustration it goes to layout to get it into book format.

After layout you need to get a proof copy. I find that we miss stuff in digital format but in print imperfections in imagery and story line are magnified. With My Little Luminaire there we character inconsistencies such as a slightly shrunken arm on page 15.

Then you go through more image edit, more layout, and another proof copy. That's where we are at now with My Little Luminaire. Repeat as necessary (More money, more time).

So it's a really big question. The process takes 4-6 months for a ready children's book and there's little you can do to shorten the process or cut costs. It basically a large scale project management roll when you are a subcontracting author. This is why publishers are so expensive.

With all that said I'll be releasing my third children's book in just over one year, in a couple of weeks. I'm getting better at it, super proud of My Little Luminaire.
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Thank you for all your support ❤️😉
Much love,
Arlo

​#Feltitinmyheart