Officially an Author

I released my first children's book, Slow Down Amaya, nearly two weeks ago, I'm now a published author!

I felt now would be a good time to share my reflections, learnings and next steps of my author journey.

Reflections

The Process

From the time when I first began Slow Down Amaya, near the end of 2023, up until now has gone extremely fast!

When I finished writing my manuscript I had no idea when or how I would publish my book.

Fast forward to the beginning of January and I was on a Zoom call with my editor and publisher, Eleanor Baggaley, discussing the publishing process.

I then contacted Natacha Galbano who became the illustrator of Slow Down Amaya. The illustrations in the book are beautifully detailed and vibrant. It is amazing having images from my mind when writing the story transformed into real life!

Together we all worked on bringing the book to life.

Writing my book almost feels like the easiest part of the process, which I wouldn't have thought at the start of this journey.

I've listened to various podcast episodes, watched YouTube videos and taken tips from Instagram accounts on how to spread the word about a newly published book.

I have marketed my work before, however marketing a physical product and to a different audience has brought lots of learning.

Learnings

Connections are key

Although my book is for children, I realised that I would mostly be speaking to adults about my book. I have shared a book reading of Slow Down Amaya and have arranged more sessions for children.

Yet the people who buy my books are adults either for themselves, their family members, children they work with or someone else. Which led me to widening my reach of where I could share my book.

I attend quite a few mum and baby groups, which is where word of mouth has gone well for sharing about my book. Through general conversations about work I naturally felt comfortable sharing that I was publishing and have now published Slow Down Amaya.

I have had lots of generous comments, conversations and feedback from parents and workers in the groups. It almost feels like I'm unintentionally networking.

I've met health visitors, teachers, children's counsellors, yoga teachers and creatives. It has been great to meet and connect with new and different people.

Get comfortable with the uncomfortable

During my author journey, I have learnt that I will regularly need to leave my comfort zone. Over time, this has resulted in feeling more comfortable and new opportunities.

It's not easy stepping out of your comfort zone. Do you agree?

Here are some of the things I have been doing as part of becoming an author behind the scenes.

Contacting museums and galleries

I’m sharing two Slow Down Sunday workshops for children and their families in May at the National Museum of Scotland. After networking at the National Portrait Gallery, I am waiting to confirm a date in winter to share a book reading for their monthly Sensory Friendly Sundays for Families.

Visiting and contacting local libraries

I have five library storytelling sessions across Edinburgh over the next few months.

• Oxgangs Library - 19th April - 1.30pm

• Colinton Library -7th June- 2pm

• Morningside Library- 15th June - 11am (booking will be via the library)

• Currie Library - 5th July - 2pm

• Balerno Library- 10th August - 11am

All the sessions are free with the option to buy a copy of the book at the end. 

YouTube and podcast interviews

I have felt more confident doing interviews and speaking after my first guest podcast on Umbrella Therapy. The YouTube and podcasts I have lined up will be released at varying times from next week to the beginning of 2025!

Lots of admin!

As you can probably imagine, organising events is a lot of emails, several Google docs and a couple of spreadsheets too. Other admin tasks included signing, labelling, packaging and posting pre-orders. I suspect I will be having regular trips to my local post office for orders!

Marketing and selling is a continuous cycle

Spreading the word about Slow Down Amaya is an ongoing job. Exploring new and existing ways to share my book with others will be a regular part of being an author.

I love chatting about it so I'm hoping it will continue to be an enjoyable experience. Although I acknowledge that there will be periods of challenges that arise throughout the process!

What's Next?

Launch Party

I’m excited to have my book launch party next Friday! The event is fully booked, i’m so grateful for all your support and I look forward to celebrating the release of Slow Down Amaya.

Markets

I haven't had my own stall at a market before. I am hoping to experience my first stall as a vendor at a couple of markets this year. I will share more on my website and mailing list about any upcoming market stalls.

School Visits

I would love to do classroom visits in schools, starting in Edinburgh schools to begin with, for primary 1 and primary 2 children. I'm aiming to start sharing school visits after the summer holidays, however please get in touch before summer if you’re interested in arranging a visit.

Are you a teacher or educator?

Find more information on author visits and enquire about a book reading at your school here.

Media

I am happy to be a guest on podcasts, YouTube or print/online press. If you would like to invite to chat about or read Slow Down Amaya please feel free to get in touch at hello@butterfly-minds.co.uk

Second Book

I am working on the manuscript for my next picture book and I hope to start the publishing process this summer. This book will be a mindfulness themed book too, however it will be focused on worries as the topic.

Keep Sharing

Lastly, I will continue to spread the word about mindfulness through storytelling with Slow Down Amaya.

Would you like to discover more about my debut book?

Find out about the background of Slow Down Amaya here.

Did you enjoy reading my book?

Reviews are the best way to help more people to see books, especially independently published authors. They provide valuable feedback and help increase the ranking and visibility on Amazon.

I would be grateful if you could spare two minutes to share your thoughts on Amazon, Goodreads or Storygraph. You can leave a review on the websites listedeven if you ordered a copy of Slow Down Amaya directly from me.