Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 10

October 4, 2020

Have a Spooktacular Halloween at Home


















By Tonya Duncan Ellis 

The pandemic makes the idea of going out to celebrate this Halloween as nerve wracking as watching a horror movie. Fearing parties could increase COVID-19 cases, health officials are calling trick-or-treating a “high risk” activity. If you must socialize with others, keep it outside and maintain the standard six feet of social distance. To be safe, be sure costume masks have at least two layers of cloth material and cover both the mouth and the nose. Handing out candy at the door is also a no-no. It’s best to leave out small grab bags for those who may stop by.  

Despite the needed precautions, Halloween at home can still be Spooktacular. Here are a few alternatives to make your holiday just as thrilling this year as it was in years past. 

Make DIY Costumes – Google or brainstorm no-sew costumes to show off on social media. Meet up with friends on Zoom to model your creations.  

Watch Horror Movies – Nail-biter films are especially exciting on Halloween night, and heartwarming classics like It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown are also fun. Serve candy corn, and other Halloween treats along with the regular popcorn to keep things festive.  

Read Spooky Books – Let your imagination run wild by reading suspenseful and Halloween-themed stories. Turn down the lights or use colored light bulbs at story time to set the mood.  

Play Halloween Karaoke – Sing Halloween classics like “Ghostbusters,” or “The Adams Family” Theme.  

Have A Halloween Dance Party – Recreate your favorite dances from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” or do “The Monster Mash.” Take the party to Tik Tok for even more fun. 

Trick-or-Treat at Home – Everybody dress up in your favorite costumes. Have family members hand out candy in different areas of the house. 

Stage an At-Home Haunted House – Go to town with decorations, inside and outside your home. Set up booby traps in various rooms. Play eerie music to add to the ambiance.  

Plan a Zoom Murder Mystery – Create clues for players and give gift cards as prizes.  

Halloween Playlist – “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “Ghostbusters” “Theme by Ray Parker Junior, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “The Monster Mash” by Bobby (Boris) Pickett, “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry ft. Juicy J, “Witchy Woman” by The Eagles, “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell, “The Addams Family” Theme by Vic Mizzy, “Freaks Come Out at Night” by Whodini, “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley, “Disturbia” by Rihanna. 

Halloween Movies – Halloween, The Nightmare on Elm Street, Scary Movie, Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Get Out, Us, It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Ghostbusters, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Goosebumps, Twitches, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Monster House, Hotel Transylvania. 

Spooky Reads – Sophie Washington: Class Retreat by Tonya Duncan Ellis, The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste, Goosebumps by R.L. Stine, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon bestselling Sophie Washington children’s book series for readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook@tonyaellisbooks
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Published on October 04, 2020 16:53

October 1, 2020

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

sophie washington the snitch book cover
















October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

My illustrated chapter book for kids ages 8-12, SOPHIE WASHINGTON: THE SNITCH, shows Sophie and friends encountering a bully in school. Through October, ebooks of the award winning story are just 99 cents on all platforms!!

Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted aggressive behavior, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly half of U.S. students report being bullied either in person or online.

How can parents and teachers stop bullying? Follow some of these tips:

Teach About It – Make kids aware of what bullying behavior is. Read books about bullying to spark discussions.

Help Kids Make Friends – Bullies are more likely to target social outcasts.

Get Kids Involved in Confidence Boosting Activities – Bullies tend to steer away from confident, secure children.

Keep Lines of Communication Open – Bullies thrive on secrecy. Let kids know you are there to offer support and to thwart threats of retaliation.

Model How To Treat Others – Use positive and affirming communication styles in your own interactions.


















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on October 01, 2020 10:47

September 28, 2020

Sophie Washington: Class Retreat Preorders Live!!


















SOPHIE WASHINGTON: CLASS RETREAT is now available for preorder on Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com!! Message me a copy of your preorder receipt to be entered into a drawing for a Sophie Washington drawstring bag.

Book Description

There’s no such thing as Big Foot, or is there…

Sophie Washington and friends meet “monsters” real and imagined, during an adventure-filled class camping trip. This illustrated chapter book is the newest release in the bestselling Sophie Washington series for kids ages 8-12.

Here’s what reviewers say about  SOPHIE WASHINGTON: CLASS RETREAT:

“There are several morals in the story that will teach children it’s all right to be different, to look different, and that words can offend, even if it was not intentional.” Readers’ Favorite

“The primary concept within the plot teaches children that things that seem frightening or terrifying are rarely as scary as their imagination has built them up to be. The racial aspects integrated into the story are an ingenious way to raise the awareness that not everyone is respectful of others’ feelings or differences.” – Readers’ Favorite


















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on September 28, 2020 12:37

September 15, 2020

September is National Library Card Sign Up Month!

September is National Library Card Sign Up Month! 

I’m proud that Sophie Washington books are on shelves and available digitally at over 70 public libraries! If you’d like to read the series FREE at your neighborhood library please request that your librarian orders Sophie Washington books using the codes listed below. Most libraries offer curbside and digital service now even if doors are closed. Happy Reading! 

Queen of the Bee (ISBN 978-1732706002)
The Snitch (ISBN 978-1732706019)
Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie (ISBN 978-1732706026)
The Gamer (ISBN 978-1732706033)
Hurricane (ISBN 978-1732706040)
Mission: Costa Rica (ISBN 978-1732706057)
Secret Santa (ISBN 978-1732706064)
Code One (ISBN 978-1733776301)
Mismatch (ISBN 978-1733776363)
My BFF (ISBN 978-1733776387)


















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on September 15, 2020 05:16

September 12, 2020

Why I Write

These are my babies. I started thinking about writing my Sophie Washington book series when they were small, and I put pen to paper  a couple of years later. Now they are teens and taller than me! 
 
I write because I want ALL children to be seen. Growing up, I loved to read, but few of the books I enjoyed starred characters who looked like me, and those that I remember were sharecroppers or slaves, which I definitely learned from but didn’t always directly identify with. Things hadn’t changed when I started reading with my kids years later, and today, Black characters still are featured in just 11 percent of children’s books, less than animals and “others” (toys, robots, etc.), which make up 29 percent of featured characters in children’s books.
 
This is not what I see in my community in Houston, where I could walk into a Panera Bread pre-pandemic and spot Blacks, Whites, Asians, Latinos, and Arabic people in the same space.
 
As the great educator Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop says, books should be “mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors,” allowing ALL children to see themselves and to learn about others. I write to be a part of this movement to provide books that entertain, educate, and inspire youth from all backgrounds.
 
What inspires you to do your work? What is your why?













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Published on September 12, 2020 17:57

September 7, 2020

Top of the Class: Middle Grade Books Featuring Black Characters In School


Most kids are back to school, either virtually or socially distanced on campus. Though this term is different than any we’ve ever experienced, teachers are working hard to ensure that our children continue to learn and grow. If your kids are missing their former school time routines, check out some of these middle grade books that feature Black characters in school settings. 






























Class Act by Jerry Craft – Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted?

As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself? Buy HERE (October 2020)






























Jada Jones: Class Act by Kelly Starling Lyons – As a candidate for class representative, Jada is ready to give the campaign her all. But when rumors start to fly about her secret fear of public speaking, she isn’t sure who she can trust. And the pressure to make promises she can’t keep only adds to her growing list of problems. Is winning even worth it when friendships are on the line? Buy HERE






























President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston – Brianna Justice is determined to raise enough money for the big class trip to Washington, D.C., but she’s up against a lot: classmates who all pretend to be something they’re not, a new nemesis determined to run her out of office, and the sinking feeling she’s about to lose her two best friends for good. But just when she begins to lose hope, she comes to realize that sometimes surprises can turn out even better than the best-laid plans. Buy HERE






























Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee by Tonya Duncan Ellis – If there’s one thing 10-year-old Texan Sophie Washington is good at, it’s spelling. She’s earned straight 100s on all her spelling tests to prove it. Her parents want her to compete in the Xavier Academy spelling bee, but Sophie wishes they would buzz off. That’s until her irritating classmate, Nathan Jones, challenges her. There’s no way she can let Mr. Know-It-All win. Studying is hard when you have a pesky younger brother and a busy social calendar. Can Sophie ignore the distractions and become Queen of the Bee? Buy HERE






























Crunchy Life: Recess Detention by Glen Mourning – Life’s not easy for kids growing up in the city. First, there’s the big state test. Then, there’s the violence that happens in the neighborhoods, and the bullies that kids have to face on a regular basis. If that isn’t enough stress, there’s the thought that at any moment your teacher might quit and leave you without ever saying goodbye. For ten-year-old Charles Anthony Thomas, it was only a matter of time before school became too overwhelming. Will he have what it takes to successfully navigate through the fifth-grade and lead his sisters down a positive road? Or will life in the charter school system prove to be much more than Charles can handle? Buy HERE






























Ruby and the Booker Boys: Trivia Queen 3rd Grade Supreme by Derrick Barnes – Eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn’t hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she’s finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She’s sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings.

And now, bring on the spotlight! Ruby Booker is ready to shine! Her chance is coming up: There’s an animal trivia contest at her school, and the winner gets season passes to the Chill Brook Zoo for everyone in his or her grade! The problem is, she needs a little help… Buy HERE






























Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble by Karen English – Deja is dismayed to learn that her teacher has had an accident and a substitute will be taking her place. Under the new sub’s care, nothing is the same in Room Ten. A few of the class troublemakers plot to take advantage of the clueless teacher, and soon other students join in. Should Nikki and Deja go along with the rest of the kids in tormenting him? Should they help him out by tattling on their classmates? Or is there another way to handle the situation? Buy HERE






























The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: The Wall of Fame Game by Crystal Allen -Nine-year-old Mya Tibbs is in a triple heap of trouble. As the Tibbs household prepares for the new baby, Mya is extra excited to spend time with her mom watching their favorite Annie Oakley marathon before her new sister arrives. Until she’s cornered into a bet with her number-one enemy, Naomi Jackson, that she can beat her in the famous fourth-grade Wall of Fame Game—which means Mya is stuck studying every night instead of hanging out with Mom. As if that wasn’t enough, Mya just entered Bluebonnet’s annual chili cook-off, even though she doesn’t know how to cook! Holy moly!

Can Mya find a way to beat Naomi, win the chili cook-off, and get some special mom/daughter time before it’s too late? Buy HERE






























The Carver Chronicles: The New Kid by Karen English – Third-grader Gavin and his friends aren’t sure what to make of the new boy in their class, Khufu. He sure doesn’t look or act like the other kids . . . and they suspect that he stole Gavin’s bike! Meanwhile, Gavin’s great-aunt Myrtle is coming to stay with his family again, and Gavin is sure she’ll be teaming up with his big sister to boss him around the whole time. Buy HERE


















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on September 07, 2020 20:18

August 25, 2020

Sophie Washington Series Playlist

Have you seen the Twins the New Trend YouTube show? Watching teens discover classic hits for the first time made me think of playlist songs that would go along with Sophie Washington series books. I’ve included some oldies and modern tunes in my list. What songs make up the playlist of your favorite books? 






























Sophie Washington: Queen of Bee– Sophie competes against “Mr. Know-It-All” in the school spelling bee. (All I Do Is Win, DJ Khaled).



















sophie washington the snitch book cover










Sophie Washington: The Snitch – Sophie and friends stand up to the school bully. (Mean, Taylor Swift).



















things you dont know about sophie book cover










Sophie Washington: Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie – Not telling the truth to fit in with the “cool” kids gets Sophie into deeper and deeper trouble. (Would I Lie To You? The Eurythmics).



















sophie washington the gamr book cover










Sophie Washington: The Gamer – Shenanigans ensue when Cole, Sophie’s little brother, gives up playing video games for 40 days, and Sophie gives up tattling. (It’s All In The Game, Tommy Edwards).






























Sophie Washington: Hurricane– The Washington family flees Houston when a storm blows through, and Sophie learns lessons about gratefulness. (The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Missy Elliott).



















sophie washington mission costa rica book cover










 Sophie Washington: Mission: Costa Rica – Sophie and friends have a wild jungle adventure during a spring break trip to Costa Rica. (Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N Roses).



















sophie washington secret santa book cover










Sophie Washington: Secret Santa – Sophie gets daily gifts from a mysterious Secret Santa. (Santa Claus is Coming To Town, The Jackson Five).



















sophie washington code one book cover










Sophie Washington: Code One – It’s girls against boys in the school computer coding contest. (Run the World (Girls) Beyoncé).






























Sophie Washington: Mismatch – Sophie enjoys being on the tennis team until she’s partnered with the class “oddball.” (Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar).






























Sophie Washington: My BFF – Sophie and her bestie’s friendship has more ups and downs than a roller coaster. (You Got A Friend In Me – Randy Newman, Toy Story).


















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on August 25, 2020 04:46

July 26, 2020

Activity and Coloring Books With Black Characters

Summer’s in full swing, and “I’m bored,” is a common refrain when it’s rainy, or too hot for kids to play outside. Check out these activity and coloring books featuring Black characters to give them hours of creative, screen-free, fun. 


















A Is For Ancestors: My Black College ABCs Coloring Book –by Erica Stovall White -This interactive ABC coloring book uses rhyme and vibrant pictures to explore the history and value of an education at historically Black colleges and universities. Buy HERE






























Black History Matters: A Coloring Book of African Americans Who Changed the World by Jacquie. L Jones – Filled with leaders in politics, business, sports, and civil rights, this coloring book for children of all races celebrates Black lives. Buy HERE






























Black Mermaids All Ages Coloring Book by A.C. Washington – Created to celebrate diversity and representation in fantasy art, this book features beautiful Black mermaids. Buy HERE






























Coily, Kinky, Curly, Afro Princess Hairstyle Coloring Book by Danielle O’Neal – Fun illustrations of different hairstyles, such as braids, updos, and afros, are included in this book that inspires girls to love their natural hair. Buy HERE






























Feyi Fay’s Boredom Squashing Activity Book by Simisayo Brownstone -This book is filled with over 100 pages of fun, brain-boosting activities, featuring characters from the Feyi Fay chapter book series. Buy HERE






























Nefertiti and Ramses Coloring Book – Wonders of the World Book and Toy Store –  Travel to Egypt with over 75 coloring pages of Prince Ramses, Princess Nefertiti, and all of their friends. Buy HERE






























Sophie Washington’s Super Fun Activity Book by Tonya Duncan Ellis – The fun from the 10-book Sophie Washington chapter book series continues with over 100 pages of coloring and activity sheets. Buy HERE.






























Talee and the Fallen Object Coloring Book Adventure by Jacquitta A. McManusEach page is a scene from the fantasy adventure story. Buy HERE.






























The 5-Minute Mindfulness Journal for Kids by Amanda Lynch – This journal helps children understand brain science, identify their emotions, embrace challenges, persevere, and manage their emotions through mindful breathing and awareness. Buy HERE






























You are Beautiful by Nicola Joshua – This coloring book for teenage girls includes motivational quotes and affirmations to help them increase their self-esteem and confidence. Buy HERE






























Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on July 26, 2020 19:15

July 13, 2020

Covid-19- Should I Send My Kids to School?

Schools start back up in about a month in my area, and I’m on the fence about whether my kids will physically be in classes or not. One in five adults who come down with Covid-19 are hospitalized, and one percent of those who contract the disease die. That’s 10 times higher than the fatality rate for the flu. It’s a scary decision. How safe will my kids be if they go to school? And what is the risk to other family members? I called a pediatrician friend to get her take on what’s going on, and here are highlights of our conversation.

What do you think about schools opening back up?

“I think it’s a recipe for disaster. There’s going to be a lot of people dying. I would be in favor of at least halving the student body, or maybe sending 25 percent of the kids, or having a lot of things online.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued a statement recommending that children return to school for mental health issues. Do you agree?

“All the people of means I know are not sending their younger children back, but I do understand the mental health issue.”

What are the risks to kids?

My friend shared statistics from a July 2, 2020 AAP report that showed kids make up few of the United States Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths, 0.8 to 2 percent and 0 to .5 percent respectively. Seven percent of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the U.S. are children (people ages 20 and under). Though kids don’t suffer as severely from the virus as adults do, they can still spread it to more vulnerable people, she said. Sending them to schools that are unprepared for social distancing and safety measures is a societal risk.

Any other risk factors?

Children and adults who are overweight have more problems with the disease than those who are lean, as do those who have a Type A blood type.

Classes in China

What’s going on in countries where schools have reopened?

“They have a level of compliance that is not seen in the U.S. In other countries, you go to jail if you don’t comply. It’s against the law to do things against keeping cases down. In Singapore, for example, they have temperature scanners. If any kid has a sniffle they are out. They track every person. Everybody has an app on their phone for contact tracing. A friend of mine who lives there says her husband was jogging, and his app beeped that someone who had corona was near him.”

When will this end?

“A Covid-19 vaccine is expected in the first quarter 2021 and scientists are hopeful that things should settle down in the next year or two.”


















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
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Published on July 13, 2020 05:17

July 4, 2020

So You Want to Publish A Children’s Book

You’ve written that children’s book you’ve been dreaming about, and family and friends give it the thumbs up. You’d like to get your work published but aren’t sure how to go about it. What are the next steps?

Publishing a children’s book is a bucket list goal for many, and I often get questions about how to move a book from the manuscript stage to market. Hope these answers to questions I was recently asked help in your journey!

1. Should I self-publish, or go through a publishing or literacy agency who will accept my manuscript? Which one would you recommend? Especially regarding costs and such. It depends on your time frame and skill set. There are three main options: Traditional PublishingGetting published through a traditional publishing company can take years (1-2 years to find an agent, one or more years for the agent to get the book sold, around a year for the book to get published after it’s purchased). If you do get your book published traditionally you will have company backing to have your books sold in book stores, shelved in schools, and public libraries, etc. The book will be edited, illustrated, formatted, and distributed at no cost to you.  You’ll have less control over the process than if you published yourself because the publishing company will have the right to make changes to your book and will choose the cover and illustrations. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) offers writing critique groups, scholarships, and grants that might help you get your book published traditionally.  Hybrid PublishingThere are hybrid companies you can pay to set everything up (book formatting, editing, getting it on Amazon, etc.) that cost from $1,500 on up. The benefit is that they do the leg work of putting the book together for you like a traditional publishing company would. Some of these companies are not reputable, however, so I would suggest looking at ratings on the Alliance of Independence Authors to see who they recommend and warn against, if you decide to go that route. Self-PublishingYou can do everything yourself (format your book and upload it on Amazon to be sold).  It can take time, but it is not difficult. There are many YouTube videos, podcasts, and online articles that give detailed advice on how to self-publish (see blogs by self publishing experts – Joanna Penn, Jane Friedman, Mark Coker). Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) also gives step-by-step information and has a call-in center for questions. Self-published books are print-on-demand, so your only costs are what you pay upfront for editing, your illustrations, and cover, and the book formatting. You upload the books for free online.  This option gives you the most control over the process since you choose everything that goes into creating the book.  A downside is that you will need to do all your own book marketing. It can be difficult for a self-published author to get books in libraries and on shelves at brick and mortar bookstores.  2. How would I go about acquiring both hard and soft covers for my book? Publish your book through IngramSpark to get hard covers, which can also be sold on Amazon. It costs about $25-$50 to upload the book. Sometimes Ingram runs promotions for free book uploads.  3. Should I use my own illustrations? I am fairly skilled in drawing, so I have been hand drawing my illustrations and will most likely upload on photoshop to add details.  How do your personal drawings stack up against illustrations you see in books on the market? Look at lists of top selling children’s books and compare your drawings to them. If you want to sell your book in a larger market you need to make sure it looks professional. If needed, step up your game in this area by hiring a professional illustrator, who you can find on various Facebook groups for children’s authors, or a website called Reedsy that has listings of vetted publishing industry experts (editors, illustrators, graphic designers). 4. ISBN and copyrights. Does this come with the final touches of publishing your book?  Ingram and Amazon offer free ISBNs, but I would recommend you buy your own through Bowker, so you aren’t limited on the platform your book can be sold on. Bowker has a website where you can buy ISBN numbers. It costs about $125 for one, or $300 for 10 ISBNs. 5. Last, but most importantly, costs. As an estimate, how much does it cost to write and publish a book? It’s free to upload a book on Amazon, but self-publishing a sellable illustrated children’s book can cost from $1,500 on up. That includes your ISBN, editing, formatting, cover and illustrations. You should also factor in costs for marketing your book and getting a website if you want to reach a larger audience.  
















Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks













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Published on July 04, 2020 08:00