Children's book author interview Grace Reddick

Children’s author Grace Reddick joins Yvonne Perry as a guest author to discuss her book ASHLEY'S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER.

YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line

GRACE: ASHLEY'S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER is about a young girl with a pet chimpanzee. The story is full of humor and the mischievous adventures of Tina, the baby chimpanzee. It also has fifteen full page beautifully colored pictures.

YVONNE: What ages might enjoy this picture book?

GRACE: Ages five to fifteen is what my publisher says. However, many age groups from eighteen to fifty love it. Also, younger children really like the pictures.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?

GRACE: Yes

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?

GRACE: About six months.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book?

GRACE: Self publish, through Xlibris--a self publishing Co. that uses "print on demand" technology. It was expensive for everything I purchased. I feel like a returnability program should be included but it isn't, and of course everything additional cost more. They took care of copyright and ISBN. The cover would have been included but I chose to use my own illustrator. I am not an expert with the computer, so they walked me through the process of submitting the book.

YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent?

GRACE: No

YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?

GRACE: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Borders, Xlibris and my website http://www.grace4books.com (which links to Xlibris.) All of these are online.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion?

GRACE: I've appeared on three local TV programs, three local newspaper articles and one magazine ad. I'm reading the Frugal Book Promoter and Frugal Editor. Therefore I'm spending a lot of time online applying this.

YVONNE: How did you manage to get on TV? What shows did you appear on?

GRACE: I contacted the TV stations, as well as newspapers. They were glad to promote a local author.

YVONNE: The Frugal Series is a great resource for authors. Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a dear friend of mine. How did you learn about her book?

GRACE: I subscribe to a lot of newsletters, search on other author's websites and follow up on a lot of advice that is offered. Carolyn's books were highly recommended. Everything I've learned & found has been through searching. I'm writing another book, for children, and have already paid Xlibris for it. I will probably go the traditional way after this.

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? Have you worked with a publicist on any of your books?

GRACE: No to both of these.

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?

GRACE: Writing is a passion, and I plan to do what is necessary to make things happen for my success.