With her fourth picture book, Two Can Be Trouble (illus. Paul Nash), just released, we’re privileged to hear from author, Penny Macoun, who delves into her journey with self-publishing and all its glory, trials and tribulations. This route may not be simple, but it certainly has its rewards. Thanks so much for sharing, Penny! 🙂
Self-publishing isn’t for everyone. It can be daunting and sometimes even heartbreaking. However, it can also be extremely rewarding. There are pros and cons to self-publishing as well as traditional publishing, so allow me to share what my journey has been like.
When I was teaching in 2019, I was struggling with the challenge to find a school to support my accreditation. I began to explore and work towards my dream of becoming an author. I knew becoming an author wasn’t easy. I had heard of the disheartening stories about endless rejections from publishers, and I didn’t want to experience that, so I decided to investigate self-publishing.
That same year, I attended a workshop at my local library. It was run by a self-published author, who explained what was involved in self-publishing, the pros and cons and the costs involved. I remember walking out of the workshop feeling overwhelmed and wondering if I could even self-publish. I stopped writing and didn’t know where my career was heading.
In February 2020, I was booked for a casual teaching day. Covid-19 was starting to spread, as was the uncertainty of its impact. I said to my Mum before I left for the day, ‘If I don’t become accredited this year, I don’t think it will happen.’ That was my last teaching day in a public school.
           As part of a vulnerable household, I stayed home and began to try and work out what to do with my career. I knew that my dream was to be a published author. I also knew that the chances of my stories being accepted by a traditional publisher were slim. My only chance to fulfil my dream was to self-publish.
In April 2020, I began my self-publishing journey; setting up social media pages, a website and I found an illustrator. After some research I made the decision to use IngramSpark, who would distribute my books worldwide. I learnt how to price a book, how to calculate the publisher compensation (royalties) I would receive, and all the intricacies of how a book goes together, like trim sizes, binding and paper quality. When self-publishing within Australia, I discovered I was actually setting up a business as a sole trader and I would need an Australian Business Number (ABN).
           Further to the business side, as a self-published author you are also responsible for promotion, marketing and distributing. Unfortunately, relying on your distributor alone isn’t enough. You need to get yourself known – online, bookstores, libraries, schools, and the list goes on. I use social media to promote my books, along with the assistance from publicity agency, Books On Tour PR and Marketing. I use my website as a platform for author credibility and to sell my books, as well as word of mouth.
You might be thinking that this all sounds incredibly challenging. Well, it is, but I love it. As a self-published author, I have complete control over everything. Any mistakes wouldn’t reflect well on me as a professional.
I choose to self-publish my books because I love the journey and the independence of it, which makes me want to invest more in the process and make it my own. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Article by Penny Macoun.
Alongside writing and editing, Penny Macoun was a casual primary school teacher with the NSW Department of Education for 8 years, and now she is a tutor in a private coaching college. She also enjoys creating various forms of visual art and being in the garden.Â
Please find all of Penny’s books at her website.
LOOKING FOR TROUBLE?! It’s the TWO CAN BE TROUBLE #BOOKGIVEAWAY!
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Please find Penny Macoun at her website: HOME | Penny Macoun Author and on Facebook | Instagram and YouTube.
Two Can Be Trouble is available for purchase from Macoun Publications.
Illustrator Paul Nash can be found at his website: Paul Nash illustrations (nashyart.com) and on Facebook and Instagram.
Join in the fun antics with Penny Macoun and her mischievous tale, Two Can Be Trouble, splashing chaos to readers across the blogosphere!
#twocanbetrouble #siblingrivalry #teamwork #picturebooks #justkidslit
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