Getting Published: A Documentary of My Journey

How does one go about getting published? I've already chronicled my trepidation of starting a blog. Well, getting published by an actual publisher (besides yourself) is another matter, and way more intimidating!

I am actually in the long process of trying to get a book published--a children's book--so I thought I would share with you elements of my journey via my blog.

I have several character and story ideas that have been harassing my mind for years. They seem to have squatted in my brain, and claim they will not budge (aside from bouncing off the walls of my skull) unless I find them suitable room and board, green pastures and all. I've been pecking away for years at notes on these stories, as well as going through several tragedies (such as some stories being stolen with my laptop last year) as well. Fast forward to the present, and I am currently doggedly and delightedly dedicated to finding them suitable homes.

The character I'm currently working on a story for is my Blue Jackal character. His name as it now stands is Kabu, and his picture can be found on my twitter profile, as well as on my website in several places. Here is a recent sketch I made of him:


It is my intention to both author and illustrate my book about Kabu.

Will I do it? At this stage my most honest answer is "I don't know". Maybe I'll take Kabu all the way to manuscript or dummy-book form, but he wont make it through the publishing filter in the end. But at least I can say that I'll have given it my best shot.

It can take years to author and illustrate a book, and then get it published. It is also a labour of love considering that most authors barely make the five grand mark on a published book. And perhaps it is best that way, for the process forces the author through a quest of their own; forces them to know the lust for the intangible grail that lingers somewhere in the last chapter of their own story. A story that forces them through the dark woods of their own minds to see what lies on the other side.

Typically, authors and illustrators labour quietly in the night, not letting us see their creations during this long journey of a process until the very end, when they are preened and polished. Glossy and ready for our prying eyes. I've decided to take a bit of a different route and open the doors on my creative process, as well as my scrabblings for finding for that creation a professional publisher. It is that quest I will be sharing with you in upcoming posts, and I hope it can be of service to others who hesitate on the fringe of the still inviting woods on a long dark night.

Continue reading to Part 2, Finding Inspiration.