Self-Publisher Interview with Kimberley Paterson
1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?
At the beginning, I was a little hesitant to actually publish my first book, Frankie the Ferret. There are many animal books out there, but I felt that there was very little known about having a ferret for a pet. Frankie was unique and I felt that children would love to read about his silly adventures. But there was always the thought of failure in the back of my mind, what if my book was not well-received, what if children were not really interested in reading about a ferret. Once I became a grandmother, I made the decision to go ahead and publish the book by dedicating Frankie to my grandchildren. That was the best thing I have ever done. I am very proud of Frankie the Ferret and my grandchildren love the book.
2. What made you decide to write a book?
Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed reading books. I was amazed by authors who were able to bring their stories to life in such a fun way. I grew up with the Dr. Suess series of books and I knew back then that someday, I wanted to write a rhyming children’s book with colourful pictures. When my son brought Frankie home, I felt right away that a book about an adventurous ferret would be entertaining for children.
3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?
With Frankie being my first adventure in children’s picture book writing, it seemed very overwhelming to publish my first book. I started researching both self-publishing companies as well as book publishers. After extensive research, I decided that I wanted to publish my book with a Canadian company. FriesenPress appeared to be one of the most researched companies, they also had amazing reviews from other self-publishers. I filled out the contact form and received a quick return call from them. They supported me every step of the way from the very beginning and they are still available for support when needed.
4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?
It has been an amazing ride, taking my childhood dream and turning it into a reality. I learned so much throughout this process, so much so, that I published my second book, Mysty the Mystical Unicorn, and dedicated it to my only granddaughter Ainsley.
5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?
I really do not pay much attention to any of that, there will always be those who are negative. If this is something that you really want to do, then do it, try not to dwell on the negative, just focus on the positive. Good things will happen, dreams really do come true!
6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher?
Follow your dreams! You are unstoppable if you set your mind to it, never give up. There is plenty of support along the way, there could be some setbacks on your journey, but that only makes you stronger!
7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?
At the beginning, the fear of the unknown kept me from publishing my book sooner but once I started researching, I realized that I could do it! After going through the self-publishing path to becoming a published children’s book author, I realized that you really can do it, all you need is the desire to follow through.
8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?
I have personally struggled with the promotion and marketing of my books, mainly because of the fear of failure. It has never been my nature to promote my accomplishments on social media, I am a quiet observer who happily congratulates others on their accolades. For the future, I am working on sharing all of the successes that my books achieve.
9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?
There are many companies out there that have tweet/social media packages which I have used in the past. Story Monsters Inc, they specialize in promoting children’s books throughout public schools and libraries in the United States, I have found this to be a great way to promote. Both of my books are multiple award winners, Award Contests are an excellent way to get recognition.
10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?
A deeper understanding of the book publishing industry, especially the self-publishing sector. The satisfaction of publishing your own book increases your confidence and self-esteem. It is a great feeling when your book is first published, and you know that your hard work is being recognized.
11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?
Just like everything in life, self-publishing may not be for everyone. There is a lot of hard work and many, many things to learn as you go along. In the long run, it is definitely worth the effort!
12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?
You reap the rewards of your work ethics. Marketing and promotion are not easy, and it requires a tremendous amount of effort, time, and money to get your books seen out there. But along the way, you meet plenty of people just like you who are very motivated, interesting, and just wonderful people, authors just like you who started with a dream!
Dreams do come true, never, ever give up!
ABOUT KIMBERLEY:
Kimberley Paterson was born in a small rural farming town in Ontario called Uxbridge where her mother still resides. She currently resides a short drive south in Claremont with her spouse Doug and their two pets, Molly the chocolate lab and Tucker the orange and white tabby cat.
Her family consists of her daughter Melanie, spouse James, and her three grandchildren, Bryce, Ainsley and Preston as well as her son Shayne, spouse Natasha and her fourth grandchild, Colby.
Kimberley works in Human Resources for a global medical device company and enjoys working part time during income tax season.
Her hobbies include stained glass, swimming, jigsaw puzzles, and of course reading! Kimberley loves spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her grandchildren!
