Aleesah Darlison is the dynamic force behind this wonderful new initiative in providing critical support to creators and small businesses. The award-winning author and presenter kindly shares with us the logistics of her blossoming resource, Greenleaf Press. Thanks, Aleesah!
Congratulations on your newest venture with Greenleaf Press! What is your vision for this service and how did it come about?
I have quite a large vision for Greenleaf. At the moment, I’m developing and growing the business in terms of providing key services to authors and illustrators. Over time, I intend to offer additional services to business and corporates.
In a short space of time you’ve already established a ‘growing’ team and organised some popular events. Please run through some of the kinds of services you offer.
Presently, our main services include manuscript assessments, mentorships, editing, special events like seminars and writer’s retreats plus e-book guides to assist aspiring and emerging authors on their publication journey.
I saw that there were a number of gaps within this market and, having already been down the publication road myself and learned so much over years, I wanted to be able to help others. Another way I’m trying to help authors on my Greenleaf Talent Team is to secure them paid preschool and school visits – this creates opportunities for them to promote themselves and their books and also contributes in a huge way to their income. As time progresses, I intend to grow the business in other areas, namely through providing social media and marketing services and virtual assistant services.
Can you tell us a bit about the KinderFest events and how clients can get involved?
KinderFest is my own creation. It’s basically a mini-literary festival for very young children. Usually we have three authors/illustrators presenting at a KinderFest session at either preschools or schools. There is also personal time after the presentations where children, teachers and family members can get up close and personal to meet their literary stars. The concept has been receiving HUGE interest already, which is very exciting. If anyone is interested in hosting KinderFest at their centre of school, they can email us at admin@greenleafpress.net or visit our website at www.greenleafpress.net.
What have you found to be both the rewards and challenges to managing the Greenleaf Press business?
The rewards have been the positive feedback we’ve received so far and the ability to help people. The challenges have been trying to implement all of the ideas and products I have planned as quickly as I’d like to, but I guess these things take time. In the next six – twelve months I’d love to be in a position where I can employ more people to assist with the operational side of the business.
You, yourself, have many hats, including presenting at schools, running workshops for authors, and constantly expanding your wonderful list of children’s book titles, amongst others. How do you manage your directorship at Greenleaf Press on top of your other roles?
Over the years, I think I’ve become used to juggling a hundred balls in the air at any one time. I thrive on being busy. Somehow I manage to fit everything in.
What is your best piece of advice for authors and illustrators building their brand and managing the ever-growing list of tasks presented to them daily?
Planning is the key. Make sure you have a To-Do List for the day to day and a longer term, or yearly plan. Set your goals and work towards them. Continue to educate yourself too. You’ll never know everything, because life offers so many new challenges and experiences every day, that’s why you simply must keep yourself educated and informed. Learn. Network. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
What are you most looking forward to achieving with the business in 2017?
I’d love to be able to look back at the end of the year and have a clear view of all the authors and illustrators that Greenleaf has helped in some way – either on their publishing journey or their promotional journey. It’s all about positive results for me and maintaining a high standard of customer service. I want to lift others up so they can achieve their dreams. If I’m successful in doing that, then I’m achieving my dreams too.
Thank you so much, Aleesah, for taking the time to talk to us about Greenleaf Press! 🍃 😀
Thank you, Romi, for the opportunity to share this information about Greenleaf.
Aleesah Darlison has written over thirty books for children, including picture books, chapter books and novels. She travels throughout Australia and overseas to deliver talks and workshops to children and adults.
Find out more about Aleesah at her website, and Greenleaf Press at its website and Facebook Page.
