Why did you choose to
self-publish?
Firstly, I think I was
a little impatient! I did send my manuscript off to a couple of publishers, but
could not help myself continuing with the project! I kept editing and drawing
and by the time I heard back the manuscript was almost unrecognisable. Whilst I
am not sure that the process to publication happened any more quickly, I felt
that I was actively moving forward with the project with every new step.
The
opportunity to publish through another publisher did arise towards the end,
just as I was about to send to the printers, but I decided to see the process
through. I was able to make decisions around design and illustrate the story
myself and since this book was originally intended to be for my children as a
memento of living on Groote Eylandt this was important as I wanted the illustrations
to be reflective of the actual place.
I
also like a challenge, which is lucky as self publishing was a huge learning
curve for me. I knew very little before I started, but enjoyed learning and
developing my skills in so many different areas.
Why did you choose
Holus Bolus Books as your publisher? Holus Bolus Books is my
own publishing business. I started it to facilitate self publishing for this
project and the next that are coming along. I am also starting to work with
others who are interested in creating books, mostly for personal reasons rather
than as commercial ventures.
More
information about Holus Bolus Books can be found at www.holusbolusbooks.com
If you had your work
assessed and/or edited privately, can you give details please?
I was lucky to have
some very talented friends who edited my work and critiqued my design and
illustration: these ranged from teachers to graphic designers. I also
approached a number of authors I had distant connections with who were already
established and asked their advice. I was very lucky to find such generosity of
time and to have the opportunity to learn from them.
How long did it take
from starting the publishing process to receipt of advance copies?
Overall the project took about two years! Each
step of the process involved a new learning journey and the second time around
this should mean that, whilst there will always be a lot to learn, the road to
publication should be more direct. I do think it was necessary to have that
time to reflect and improve the story and illustrations however, so would not
want to rush the next project either. From
sending the final files to the printer and receiving the advance copies was
relatively quick -- a little over a month.
How many copies did
you get printed?
I decided to print an initial run of 1000
copies through Tien Wah Press. Because I live in such a remote location, the
shipping for me was and continues to be a large cost.
I
have also set up a print on demand option through Ingram Spark; however I miss
the glossy look of the paper in this version, which I think is so important to
children’s books. Also things like not being able to print on the end-papers
proved to be a limitation. I am printing my colouring book through them though
and I love how these have come up.
Are you happy about
the quality of paper, design and printing?
Yes, I am very happy
with Tien Wah Press. They were very helpful and the quality is great. But I
chose them because I had seen other favourite picture books printed through
them that I loved.
How will you
distribute copies?
My books are for sale via my website, www.rachelbarnett.com.au. I will also use an Adelaide
based distributor and will sell direct to some independent bookstores. Watch
this space!.
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