Course curriculum

  • 1

    --> Start Here!

    • A Note from April Cox
    • Using this Course
    • How to Create a Successful Children's Picture Book
    • -> A Few Quick Questions
  • 2

    Overview of the Self-Publishing Process

    • A Word of Caution
    • Overview: Goal-Setting & Strategy
    • Overview: Planning for a Quality Book
    • Overview: Create & Publish Your Book
    • Don't Give Up - You Can Do This!
    • Assignment: Do Your Research
    • BONUS - Self-Publishing Activities / Cheat Sheet
  • 3

    Avoid Common Mistakes that Could Cost You THOUSANDS and Delay Your Project by Months!

  • 4

    The Truth About How Much it Costs to Self-Publish Your Children’s Book (The answer may surprise you)

    • Budget Template and Walk-Through
    • Assignment: Fill Out Your Budget
    • Need Help with Funding? An Intro to Crowd-Funding with Lisa Ferland
  • 5

    Writing it Right: Tips from an Award-Winning Author/Editor

    • Tips from Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Editor, Bobbie Hinman
    • Create a Book Mockup (aka Book Dummy)
    • Check-In: How are you doing?
    • Assignment: Update & Submit Your Manuscript for a Professional Edit
    • Milestone #1: Final Edit Complete
  • 6

    All About Book Marketing

    • Marketing Message from April
    • Assignment: Create Your Avatar
    • Marketing Part #1: Background / Research
    • Marketing Part #2 - Your Goals
    • Marketing Part #3 - Building an Email List
    • Marketing Part 4: The Press Kit (aka Media Kit)
    • Marketing Part #5: From Brainstorming to an Action Plan
    • Marketing Part #6: Your Author Page
    • BONUS: Marketing Plan
  • 7

    The Illustration Process

    • Finding an Illustrator You Will Love to Help Bring Your Vision to Life
    • Take Months Off the Illustration Process & Work with Your Budget
    • BONUS: Author / Illustrator Agreements
    • Milestone #2: Marketing Plan Complete
  • 8

    Get Ready to Move Forward with Self-Publishing!

    • Next Steps -> Don't Stop Now!
    • Is the SPMS Author WorkGroup Right for You?
    • Course Evaluation
    • Recommended Resources