Letting go of your stuff Archives ~ 50 Plusses

First Steps in My Writing and Publishing Journey

It’s been a long journey to writing and publishing my children’s picture book. I’ve been paid for writing, starting in high school, but always for non-fiction, whether for work, or as a free-lance writer. It wasn’t until I was a mother of two young children that I started to think about writing a children’s book. I started to jot down ideas based upon real incidents.

Something that happened when one of my sons was around three stuck with me as the basis of a book. I wrote out various ideas until I came up with a short plot. I bought or borrowed library books that offered advice on how to write a story and pitch to a publisher. I crafted letters to a local and a national publisher. Their rejection letters were polite but firm.

After rewriting and re-submitting, I still had no takers. I put the story aside, but saved my notes and rejections.

More Steps in My Writing and Publishing Journey

I continued to do free-lance writing, as well as newsletters and marketing materials for my business and for employers. Once in a while I would come across the folder with my story. Sometimes I would jot down more notes.

Years, and then decades went by. One day when my older son was about 20 and home from college, he suggested that it was time to clear out the very back of his closet where I had stored some childhood toys and stuffed animals. One of the stuffed animals was central to my story. I was reluctant to give it to a thrift shop, and the other animals due to the memories attached to them. My son suggested that I take photos of them so I’d have them to bring back memories, but not take up lots of space.

We gathered them all up and arranged them on the couch and he sat down amongst them. I took some photos, although I wish I had taken more and some closeups. This was in the days of film, not SmartPhones, so I didn’t know how the photos came out until I had them developed. My photos were pretty bad. However, my son’s idea was sound. I have been able to let go of things and give them away or donate them instead of storing them. I have also recommended this to others.

Amazon and My Writing and Publishing Journey

When my first published book came out, self-publishing by print-on-demand was just being offered. The book was a memoir that I was helping a female politician write. While I suggested trying the print-on-demand (POD) approach, she opted to pay a local printer to print a limited quantity to start. She sold and gave away dozens of copies and gave me several boxes. I sent some to an online bookseller, who periodically orders more. During this process, I learned about how to get and ISBN number for my book and other steps to publishing.

I investigated Amazon once it offered POD. I took a few InDesign and Photoshop classes as well as some on POD publishing. I hired a Graphic Arts student I met while working at the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni. She helped me design a couple of journal style books including one about craft beer and format them for POD on Amazon and through IngramSpark, which distributes to bookstores and libraries. I also sold collectibles and second hand items on Amazon through my account. This helped defray the monthly fee that I had to pay as IngramSpark was placing my books on Amazon rather that my doing it directly.

Bit by bit, I learned how to create eBooks and format paperbacks and publish them directly on Amazon. They weren’t the kind of books that a library might buy so I didn’t use IngramSpark. Slowly but surely I’ve added more books on Amazon, and it’s nice to get notifications that I will be receiving royalties for them.

Finding an Illustrator for My Children’s Picture Book

As I was helping another Graphic Arts student with financial aid, I put her to work on various projects at my job. One was a holiday card that was sent out to alumni. One recipient called up and asked if she could meet the artist who created the design. Next thing she hired the student to illustrate a children’s book that she had been working on. The student received two other commissions as a result. After seeing what she did for the children’s book, I decided I’d better get on her client list quickly, as it was filling up fast.

We huddled and I gave her my current draft of the book and my photos of the stuffed animals. She came up with a series of watercolors of scenes that I had described in my story. They helped me to better craft the book.

Writing a Children’s Book – Not as Easy as You Might Think

I confess I picked up and put down the project after getting the illustrations. I started to cut out words and scenes. I signed up for a couple of writing webinars, then courses, as I realized I still had a lot to learn. I knew children’s picture books should be no more than 32 pages. I learned more about structure and limiting words. Wow, did I cut out words and scenes. Some I had added since my original queries, thinking I needed more.

Using what I’d learned from formatting my other books, I designed a cover and interior using PowerPoint, which is a lot easier than InDesign. Still, I’ve done about 30 drafts, tweaking colors and revising images. I found a company online that would format my project into an eBook. And one of the picture book seminars I signed up for included help with keywords and other steps involving Amazon. But, every time I thought I was done, I wasn’t.

I changed my title a couple of times. It helped to have feedback from other writers during writing workshops.

I had several friends, librarians, and professors proofread my book. It took a village and I made more revisions.

Writing is One Thing, Publishing a Children’s Book Is Another

Ever after following formatting guidelines, it took several revisions to upload documents that were acceptable to me and to Amazon and IngramSpark. There was one revision uploaded that held the release date while I worked on it. Over several months, I took more writing workshops and reworked the manuscript. A couple of book designers picked my cover to critique and gave me valuable advice and insights. I liked the earlier edition, but always wondered if it needed a little more eye-appeal. Thanks to them, I created a brighter and more eye-catching cover and brighter interior.

And Then There is Promoting Your Children’s Book Before and After Publishing

While working on the book itself, during the writing seminars, I realized that publishing includes promoting. So, as I tweaked my book, I was also working on how to promote it. Hmmm…I had a website, but it had a glitch in the theme and I couldn’t edit it. Stymied. I hired someone on Fiverr, who said she was in the U.S., but was actually in Nigeria. There were disconnects with communication and a struggle to get the website where I was happy and I could end the relationship. I’ve usually been happy with those I’ve hired on Fiverr.
Anyway, authors need a website and an email list. I’ve had a blog, as well as the book website, but never got the hang of collecting emails. Another challenge and dimension to publishing. Keeping my brain active. I signed up for Convertkit to manage my email list. It’s used and recommended by one of the publishing gurus whom I respect.

I’ve joined writing groups on Facebook to learn from and share promotional ideas.

Homestretch to Writing and Publishing My First Children’s Picture Book

Well, not really the homestretch, as the journey doesn’t end when the book is released. Before and after the book is released there is getting the word out to my circle of friends and associates, and organizations that I’m involved with, plus doing select promotions online, etc. Luckily I can hire someone to help with some of the promotion who have been vetted by the experts whose writing seminars and workshops I’ve taken.

I’ve started to place notices and ads and created business cards announcing my new book. Remembering to bring and give out my cards is a whole other new exercise.

The best part will be when the publishing release comes as it’s been a long journey to being able to share the story with the public, however many I sell or give away. The story that I’ve wanted to capture and have others enjoy will finally be a reality.

Here is the link to the ebook version: How Shadowchaser Got His Name.

Here is the link to the paperback version: How Shadowchaser Got His Name.

My Journey Writing and Publishing a Children’s Picture Book Will Continue

Once my children’s picture book is published, as I mentioned, the promotion will continue. i will be updating my website, GrandmothersTrunk.com. My email list will grow, and I’ll be working on a newsletter.

Oh, and then there’s a sequel to my children’s book. My character, Shadowchaser, and his owner, get into trouble.

And there’s more to come from Grandmother’s Trunk Press.

Here’s an Author Talk podcast on YouTube when How Shadowchaser Got His Name was launched: Celebrating the release of “How Shadowchaser Got His Name: A Cat Tale ” (youtube.com)

Have you had a long journey to a life’s goal? Have you written, or want to write a book? Share your journey below.

So many beers and breweries, how to keep track?

If you want to keep more detailed records of where you went and what beer you enjoyed, you might like Keeping Up with Craft Beers: A Journal for Your Tasting Adventures. You can list up to 100 beers, as well as list breweries and brew pubs you liked as well as beer festivals.

Want to learn how to start a blog?

Here’s some courses to get you started: Start A Travel Blog

or Start A Blogging Business.

Want or need help with your blog or website? I’ve found inexpensive help on Fiverr.

Check out our Etsy shop, GrandmotherstrunkUS

Clear your clutter and cash in with consignment shops

If you’re 50-plus, you may be among the many empty nesters who are thinking of down-sizing. Or you want to refresh and update your space. You probably have accumulated a variety of mementos, decorative and seasonal items. And, maybe you have a collection of some kind.

You may want to try to cash in before donating or disposing of your unwanted items. Consignment is an option if you don’t want to have a yard sale, or have people come to your home, or sell them one at a time online or through Craig’s List or similar platforms.

What is selling on consignment?

Essentially a person or shop sells goods on a commission basis. They evaluate, price, and sell your items for an agreed upon percentage of the selling price. You are getting their expertise and a selling venue and access to buyers that you may not find on your own.

How does consignment work?

Usually the owner of the goods brings them to the shop. If there’s a large quantity and/or larger desirable items, arrangements may be made for pickup. That’s not common, in my experience.

The shops’ personnel will go over the consignment policy and rules, list and price each article that is accepted. Items are usually kept 60-90 days. They may make periodic markdowns. You are expected to pick up any unsold items by a determined deadline. If you don’t, per their rules, they may donate or otherwise dispose of them.

Once you drop off your items and do the paperwork you do nothing except collect a check or pick up leftovers.

NOTE: ALWAYS call first to find out what and when consignments are accepted. Many shops are by appointment only and don’t accept certain items. Don’t go to the bother of loading up your car only to get turned away.

My favorite consignment shop, Classic Consignments in Sudbury, Mass., accepts consignments by appointment only. The exception is furniture, but they still ask you to send an email with photos. If they approve your furniture, you can bring it when they are open, no appointment necessary.

Click here to see the consignment policies for Classic Consignments, which are pretty standard in my experience.

Cash in on your clutter with a Tag Sale by Consignment or Commission

Another method is to hire someone to run a tag sale for you, on a commission basis. Some people are in business to do just that. They keep mailing lists to notify their following and use their expertise to set prices that will sell the goods in your home without undervaluing them. They do all the tagging, set-up, advertising, and selling for you.

What happens if things don’t sell?

You can pick them up and move them to another shop, donate them or let the shop dispose of them. For best results, deal with several shops. Some stores do better with certain items, others have better commission rates. If an item doesn’t sell at one, it may, and for more at another.

For example, a vintage Christmas book of mine priced $10 didn’t sell at one shop, but sold at another for $100.

Tips to cash in with consignment shops

Always read the shop’s rules or consignment policy carefully. People who have had a bad experience with consignment often didn’t understand the procedures.
Check the length of the consignment period, the payment schedule and commission, fees, who sets prices, and any automatic discounts. In some cases, you may be able to set a firm price. Each item you consign should be listed and you should receive a copy of the list.
Note how and when you will be paid. While some shops mail out payments, others require you to come in for pick up. Unclaimed property may be considered abandoned and ownership may revert to the shop. The shop owners may have this in the rules so they can be free to dispose of the merchandise. Unsold pieces take up valuable space and are effectively worthless because the shop’s clientele just isn’t interested in them. I’ve seen funky, but originally expensive dining sets marked down to $100 just to move them out.

The two sides to a consignment agreement

There are two sides to a consignment agreement. The consignor is responsible for checking in at the end of the consignment period for payment and for retrieving unsold merchandise promptly.

On the other side, the shop owner is responsible for keeping accurate records of consignors’ goods. He or she should take responsible care of the goods, pay promptly and honestly, and rearrange and turn over stock regularly.

The best shops adhere to their rules, allowing for some flexibility. They may give extensions to consignors who just can’t make it in when their time is up. The worst keep minimal records and open ended time periods. A good rule of thumb is that the majority of items that are going to sell, sell within the first 30 days. If they hang around too long they may get buried, lost, or shopworn.

Setting prices and making money with consignment shops

Many shop owners reserve the right to set the prices. Others discuss them and come to an agreement with the consignor. Still others may ask what the consignor wants to get for an item, then add onto that amount. Some will list, price, and tag an item as it’s brought in. Some will ask you to call or come back for the listing, or to look it up via a password on their website.

If you have a collection of items in a certain niche, like sports memorabilia, pottery, dolls, etc., you may have more of an idea of pricing. But if you haven’t been keeping up, collecting tastes and values change. Take Beanie Babies, for example.

If you don’t agree with a shop owner’s price, remember these two things: First, the owner knows the clientele. Second, an item isn’t worth anything until you sell it. Also, you may make less on one item, yet make it up on another.

Each shop has its own audience and way of displaying stock. It pays to understand what kinds of things go well in one shop and not another.

To summarize: selling on consignment can be fun and profitable. As you drop things off, you may spy something that you can use in your de-cluttered, or revamped home. You usually can have a say in a selling price and little overhead or investment beyond your time. Best of all, while you are de-cluttering, you are recycling and being rewarded by cashing in with consignment shops.

Have you sold things through consignment? Do you have some tips? Please comment below.

Also visit my other blog posts about collectibles and consignment shops:

7 Reasons why I love consignments shops and not just for saving money

The British Royal Family: Memorabilia feeds collectibles mania

Check out our Etsy shop, GrandmotherstrunkUS

Want to learn how to start a blog?

Here’s some courses to get you started: Start A Travel Blog

or Start A Blogging Business.

Want or need help with your blog or website? I’ve found inexpensive help on Fiverr.