How a Kid's Book Illustrator/Author Got Published!
Have you ever wanted to write and/or illustrate a children’s book? I have dreamt of doing this for a lot of years. Amanda Davis did too, and now she has been published! Of course, it wasn’t an instant process. There was imagination, planning, and a lot of work involved.
In this interview, Amanda gets really candid and honest about the steps she took to get noticed, and how she eventually landed a book deal. Read on as I ask Amanda some questions about what it takes to get there.
Chris: What inspired you to be an artist and a children’s book writer?
Amanda: I’ve always loved art and writing, but after losing my father at the age of twelve, I turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became my voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell my story. I was thus inspired to teach art and pursue my passion for writing and illustrating children's books. I love learning about other people’s stories and find that if we stop and really listen to one another, the world would be a much more kind, peaceful, and empathetic place. Art and writing have the power to highlight the beauty in our differences while helping us recognize we have more in common than we think.
Through my work as both an art educator and children’s book creator, I strive to empower younger generations to tell their own stories and offer children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again.
Chris: Wow! That is so powerful and I think your own story would be an inspiration to many young people dealing with loss.
From the time you knew this was the right direction for you, how long did it take for you to get published, and what was it like?
Amanda: In 2012, I took a continuing education course at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston called, Illustrating Children’s Books, with illustrator, Ilse Plume. This course was eye opening for me and kick-started my career in kidlit. I realized that children’s books combined all three of my passions: art, writing, and stories. After completing that course, I dove headfirst into the craft of writing and illustrating for children.
I joined SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), 12x12 (https://www.12x12challenge.com), and found a local and online critique group. I tried to soak in all the knowledge I could about the kidlit industry. I began to query literary agents and editors with a few of my stories. Looking back, I probably queried those stories too early, but hey, that’s part of the learning process. The story that finally landed me an agent and later a deal is my debut creative nonfiction picture book titled 30,000 STITCHES: THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE NATIONAL 9/11 FLAG, illustrated by the amazing Sally Wern Comport and is due out with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group in May 2021.
I first learned about the story back in 2011 when I facilitated an art lesson around the story of the flag with my art students for the tenth remembrance of 9/11. The story stuck with me and in 2018, I decided to try my hand at crafting a manuscript for it.
I have a background in Journalism, so it was a delight getting to research and interview primary sources for the story. From the Ground Zero Superintendent to Flag Tour Staff, the people who I spoke to about the flag, were incredible. Once I had the story polished up, which was many months later, I began to query agents and editors.
The process of landing an agent and book deal was filled with ups and downs. I had many passes along the way but most were positive and many had personalized feedback, so I knew I was on the right track. I even got a few requests to revise and resubmit. I submitted to WorthyKids by snail mail through the slush pile and after many months of not hearing back, I took that as a pass.
I continued to query the story and later, connected with agent, Melissa Richeson who signed me for the project. Seven months later, an assistant editor from WorthyKids contacted me to ask if the story was still available. Of course, I said a big and enthusiastic YES, connected her with Melissa, and the rest is history!
Long story short, it took me about nine years to get my first picture book traditionally published and from writing 30,000 STITCHES to publication, it took three years. Hopefully many more stories to come!
3). What words of wisdom would you give to aspiring children’s book illustrators and authors?
There is no right or wrong way to get published. Each person’s story is different. Sometimes it’s a short, smooth journey and sometimes it’s long and bumpy. Try not to compare. Instead, keep going.
With every pass (which has been many), I send another query out. This industry has taught me not to take anything personally. I want to work with an editor or an agent who is going to love my work wholeheartedly.
The truth is, not everyone is going to. And that’s okay. Art is subjective. With that in mind, there is strength in solidarity. This can be a very isolating business if we let it, so remember to reach out for help and to connect. The children’s book industry is one of the most welcoming communities I’ve been a part of. There is so much talent and wisdom. Connect with people. Ask questions. Never stop learning from one another. We are all on this creative journey together.
Chris: Thank you Amanda for your generous and candid account of your journey from aspiration to published kids book author! I know there will be many more and I can’t wait to read them!!
Amanda solely authored this story, however, plans to combine her illustrating with writing in future books. It’s interesting how many ways a book agent will package a deal, and Amanda has shown us that flexibility is another key to success. Way to go Amanda! : )
You can find Amanda on AmandaDavis.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.While you’re on Amanda’s website, don’t forget to sign up for the Newsletter to read about more kid book authors and their roads to success.
Have you written or illustrated a kid’s book? What are your dreams and aspirations for a career in this field? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Hey, did you know you could enter to win a signed copy of Amanda‘s new book 30,000 Stitches, to be published in May 2021?
Click the button below to enter to win a signed copy of Amanda’s new book, “30,000 Stitches” coming out May 2021!
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