<![CDATA[Gabby Correia Illustration - Blog]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 08:50:56 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[How I Went from 0 Clients to a Fully Booked for a Year (most of which are return clients)]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:55:58 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/how-i-went-from-0-clients-to-a-fully-booked-for-a-year-most-of-which-are-return-clients
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Starting out, I had some knowledge in art and illustration, but children’s books were something completely new to me. It’s a different animal than any other art form and you need to learn the basics and fundamentals of the niche. I was living on my sister's couch at the time, broke and anxious about my future. I wanted to make illustration my full time career and I did not want to "get a real job" to pay the bills
So how exactly did I go from 0 clients to fully booked for a year? 
  • First I had to make a decision, I had to believe that I could do it and change my mindset. I visualized myself as the person I was going to be in the future. I decided that I would do what it takes and work as hard as I could to get to where I wanted to be.
  • Then, I Started with my portfolio; I needed a children’s book style in order to attract clients. I didn’t have any previous work so I created my own children’s book project illustrations that looked like they have come from a children’s book.  Then I had to get it out there! I posted my work on Facebook groups and forums.  I love the SVS learn forums where you can illustrate the monthly prompt and other illustrators can offer critiques. I landed my first children’s book project “And that's Why I think I prefer a rainbow horse” by Tiarra Nazario through a Facebook group. 
  • Once I landed my first client, I put my everything into it! Client satisfaction was my biggest priority. I took my time learning about bleeds and page size specifications and I made sure to check in with my client regularly with sketches, character designs, and updates with each page I completed for approval from her.  This also brings up the question of how much you should charge as a beginner. I started very low at first in order to get my foot in the door and gain experience. Because it was my first book, I was not confident asking a large amount. I went with a number that I felt comfortable with, and then as I gained experience and confidence, I increased my price with each new client. 
  • Then once the first book was published, I could use that in my portfolio, post it on social media to gain some social proof and trust and land my next job. Which was Jessica Lisk’s “Oh the seeds you can sow”. Jessica did a really good job at marketing her book. And the cool thing about that is, other authors see your name on the cover and they start reaching out to you instead of you looking for them. This is the secret to getting more clients. In the beginning it’s an uphill battle trying to find clients, but at some point, if you have delivered good service and client satisfaction, there is a breaking point where word of mouth brings clients to you and you won’t have to go looking. 

I basically just repeated that over and over again, continuing to learn new skills in illustrations, continuing to bring more value to my clients and continuing to update my portfolio with each new book published. The more books I have illustrated the more my illustrations get seen and the more clients come to me. It’s like a snowball effect. 

I have done 2 more books for my first client Tiarra and 2 more books for Jessica in the years following. When you have a few clients who keeps coming back and you have new clients that come to you from word of mouth your bookings will quickly start filling up. 
Don’t expect immediate, overnight success. It took me 3 years to be fully booked for a year in advance. It started out with getting clients month to month, then having 2 clients booked ahead of time then 6 months. The main thing to remember is to do your very best now. Treat your clients like they are paying you 1 million dollars for your illustration work and they will come back. Most of my bookings are from clients who have worked with me in the past. Do your absolute best to deliver your best work possible and to give your clients a good experience, remember that they put their trust in you to make their book come to life. This is a very exciting time for them and you are a big part of their experience. If you make it a good one, they will come back to you when they want their next book illustrated. ​
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How to keep clients coming back to you: 
  • Check in regularly and communicate clearly. Be friendly, but professional. Create a relationship with them, ask them how their weekend was and share a few personal details with them. 
  • Deliver the best quality work you can possibly produce 
  • Share each step with them. They want to be part of your process! Ask for their opinion and approval on sketches, character design, and final illustrations. 
  • Keep adding extra value! Think about what else you can offer them? Think coloring pages, PNG files for sticker sheets, end paper pattern designs, graphics for their kickstarter campaign. How can you help them be more successful with their book?  
  • Support them after they have published. Share, like and comment on their post. Help them get the word out. If their book becomes a success, so will your illustrations! 
Other tips for illustrators:
  • Put 30% of each commission away for tax 
  • When you have a good month, put some of it away in savings for leaner months 
  • Always go the extra mile and do more than what your clients expect of you. 
  • Bring more value to your clients to earn more 

Where to from here?

I have been so blessed for getting to work with amazing clients and I am so grateful for being booked up for over a year and having a waiting list for 2024 that I want to share in my success. I want to help other illustrators and children's book freelancers find and build a long term client base so that they can ultimately be successful in their own careers and be full time freelancers. I am launching my Children's Book Freelancer directory, Caterpillar Collective at the end of January to showcase other illustrators, editors, graphic designers, coaches, animators, formatters, etc. and help them find clients. If you are a children's book freelancer or author looking to hire a freelancer consider joining the launch team. Sign up here: 
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See 4 Mistakes I have made as an illustrator: 

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]]><![CDATA[Indie Author Spotlight Kim Ann]]>Wed, 28 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/indie-author-spotlight-kim-annPicture

​I have the honor of bringing you the amazing Children's book author Kim Ann! She is a 10x bestselling and award-winning self-published author who has published more than 20 children's books and has sold more than 85 thousand books around the world! Her titles include   Ninja School Rules and Ten Little Sandpipers, as well as the popular Ruby the Rainbow Witch®, Goldy the Puppy®, and the Go On Vacation book series. Thank you Kim for taking the time to share your wisdom with us!

How did you get into writing children’s books?

​I have always had a love of writing and reading, but once I had my own children I knew that I would one day write my own. 

Tell us a little bit about your latest children’s book?

​My latest book is Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? It is a fun, rhyming story about where pirates might go if they had some time away. It is part of a collection asking similar questions. These books inspire creative thinking and inspire children's imagination. 
Get Kim Ann's Books on Amazon:

What made you decide to go the self-publishing route vs traditional publishing?

​I attended a writer's conference a few years back. At the end of the second day, the speaker basically told us that you can go ahead and send in a manuscript, but it would be put in a pile with a million other submissions and most likely you will never hear back. After that I started researching how to self-publish and that seemed like the best option for me. 

What was a challenge you had to overcome during your self-publishing journey? â€‹

Like many self-published authors, I was affected by the paper shortages and the shipping delays. I relied heavily on print-on-demand during those times. â€‹
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​What is one thing you wished you knew before you started?

​So many things, actually. When you start out, you don't know what you don't know. I struggled with putting the right team together, at first. Now, I have awesome people that help me with editing, formatting, and printing. My illustrator, Nejla, she has been amazing since the start!

​Is there a lesson you have learnt in your journey that you would like to share?

​Ask for referrals and references. 

​Who are some of the people that have helped you make your book a reality?

My amazing illustrator, Nejla Shojaie, my sometimes co-author Yobe Qiu, Misty Black, Amy Weaver, Shannon Jade, Brooke Vitale, Robin Katz, to name a few. 

​Where can we find out more about you and your books?

​ I have a website authorkimann.com, and I am on all major social media platforms as authorkimann. 

​What is your favorite children’s book?

Green Eggs and Ham is my son Aidan's favorite and mine too! 

​If you wrote a book about your career so far, what would you title it? Why? 

​From small town girl to bestselling author. Because I am really proud of how far I have come. 
Kim Ann also provides coaching services to aspiring self-publishing authors, you can read more about what she offers here â€‹https: //authorkimann.com/product-category/coaching-sessions/
If you are an aspiring children's book author who wants to self-publish or you are a children's book freelancer join the Caterpillar Collective Launch Team. The children's book freelancer directory will be launching early 2023. Get a 30 day free trial to list your services or find a vetted illustrator if you join the launch team before 31 January 2023
]]><![CDATA[Indie Children's Book Author Spotlight Jessica Dailey]]>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:11:27 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/indie-childrens-book-author-spotlight-jessica-daileyI am so excited to chat to the inspiring Jessica Dailey. She is the self-published author of the children's book My Tiny Pet Elephant, a wife, mom of three, SA advocate, photographer and she has her own podcast. Jessica took the time out of her busy schedule to share some words of wisdom with us. 
"There are people who will say things and possibly leave reviews that will most likely make you so sad it will make you want to quit... happened to me. We all make mistakes and like everything else in life, it's all an opportunity to grow and learn."

How did you get into writing children's books?

I have always been a creative and actually enjoyed writing stories as a child. I have always wanted to write a book and kept ideas over the years. Growing up I had a traumatic childhood and would often find myself escaping reality in the pages of Dr.Seuss or classic fairytales. I have had the honor of working in the field of social services and with at risk youth just before having our third child. As a survivor of childhood trauma I was feeling overwhelmed with my work in the field, after our third child was born I found this was the perfect time for me to focus on my family and self. I wanted to work on something that was full of happiness and that would contribute joy to the world.
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Tell us a little bit about your latest children's book?

My Tiny Pet Elephant is all about encouraging the imagination. It's about a little girl who wonders what it would be like to have her very own tiny pet elephant. In this story readers explore every day activities with the company of a tiny pet elephant. The story ends with various activities to keep children engaged, and to add interactive components to the story. My background is an occupational therapy, and when I worked in the pediatric setting, I would use books all the time during treatment. I My Tiny Pet Elephant includes a search and find activity, gross motor activity, fine motor activity, STEM activity, 10 fun elephant facts, and parent teacher prompts. The illustrations are vivid and captivating, increasing a child's engagement and curiosity. It's a very fun book! 
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What made you decide to go the self-publishing route vs traditional publishing?

Self- publishing just feels right. I would like to have full control over my book and future books.

What was a challenge you had to overcome during your self-publishing journey?

Oh gosh! Just 1? Haha 
I guess I'd have to say staying true to my vision. It's very challenging when bringing other creatives into your project. That's why I feel so lucky to have found the perfect team of professionals to work with.

What is one thing you wish you knew before you started?

That I need to book my illustrator sooner than later because she is super talented and fills up quick. 
Also, that marketing will take almost all my time up!

Is there a lesson you have learnt in your journey that you would like to share?

There are people who will say things and possibly leave reviews that will most likely make you so sad it will make you want to quit...happened to me. We all make mistakes and like everything else in life, it's all an opportunity to grow and learn. A famous publisher was quoted saying "there is no perfect page". I love this quote because it's the truth, who defines perfect after all. My lesson learned is I must stay focused on the positive and know that my purpose in this journey is giving joy, it's that simple. Don't give up on your dreams because someone thinks you should. I am thankful to the amazing community of authors I have surrounded myself with, find your people.
Buy My Tiny Pet Elephant on Amazon

Who are some of the people that have helped you make your book a reality?

If it wasn't for my husband's support this would not have happened. He definitely pushed me the entire time. He's gotta be my number 1 fan! My whole family was a huge support in bringing this book to life and all my original backers too!!

My book would not be what it is without my talented illustrator, Gabby and incredible book designer Praise. My coaches Yobe & Kim Ann and my author besties!

Without the support and help of these people this book would not exist!

Where can we find out more about you and your book?

You can find me on social media @partypresspublishing and on my website www.partypresspublishing.com
Email: info@partypresspublishing.com

What is your favorite children’s book?

So many!!! My top favorites…

The Giving Tree
Go Dog Go
and
I'll Always Love You
If you are an aspiring children's book author who wants to self-publish or you are a children's book freelancer join the Caterpillar Collective Launch Team. The children's book freelancer directory will be launching early 2023. Get a 30 day free trial to list your services or find a vetted illustrator if you join the launch team before 31 January 2023
]]><![CDATA[4 Mistakes I've Made Illustrating Children's Books]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 08:31:05 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/4-mistakes-ive-made-illustrating-childrens-books
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In the last 4 years working full time as a children’s book illustrator for self-publishing authors I have illustrated about 25 books and in doing so I have made quite a few mistakes and learned a lot in the process. My aim is to help you avoid making the same mistakes and also to encourage you to make your own mistakes and learn from them. ​

Mistake nr 1: Not Charging Enough for my Illustrations

When I just started out, I had no idea what the standard rates for children’s book illustrations were and I under-valued myself badly. I did not know what my value as an illustrator was. Yes, I just started out with children’s books, but I have been illustrating for other industries for almost 10 years. Under charging yourself in the beginning of your illustration career is not a train smash though, you can always raise your prices as you gain confidence and skill. The more value you bring to the client, the more you can charge.  ​

Mistake nr 2: Illustrating the Words not the Story 

Illustrations are meant to enhance and support the author’s written words, drawing exactly what is written in the text is redundant. Authors sometimes request that you draw everything that is in their text, I have made the mistake of agreeing to this way too many times. You end up trying to squeeze what should be 5 scenes into one illustration. When reading the manuscript, imagine the story in your head like a movie. What is the most action-packed scene that you can freeze frame? Illustration fills in the gaps and draws in the reader. You could even include a secondary story line inside of your illustrations, or add hidden humor for children to discover.  ​
When reading the manuscript, imagine the story in your head like a movie. What is the most action-packed scene that you can freeze frame?

Mistake nr 3: Not having a contract in place ​

When I first started out, I had no contract of my own in place. But working with multiple authors made me realize that I need to protect myself too. Some common things to keep in mind is :
  • How many revisions will you allow before charging 
  • How much time do you need to complete the illustrations 
  • Exactly what will you provide and what will cost extra (for example end sheets, PNG files, PSD files,etc) 
  • How long are you willing to wait for feedback from the author 
  • What is your payment schedule? Do you ask for a deposit? What will you do if there is a delay in payment 
  • If a client books you in advance but then ghosts you without canceling in advance, is there a cancelation fee? 

Mistake nr 4: Over Booking and not Giving Myself Enough Time 

I absolutely HATE showing clients away, I want to help everybody and I feel so bad when I have to say no. That is the reason why I started the Caterpillar Collective freelance directory site for Children’s Books.

I am a bit of a workaholic, I love being productive and I absolutely LOVE my job. I spend my whole day drawing illustrations for amazing children’s book authors. So I try to squeeze in as much as I possibly can and sometimes I bite off more than I can chew, life happens, delays happen and I end up over booked and scrambling.

​When booking clients in advance, I advise giving yourself more than enough time, if you finish earlier, you can always ask your client If they are ready to start earlier. Always ask ahead of time how many illustrations will be needed, this will give you an idea of how long the book will take. Some are short and will be done quickly and some will be longer with more illustrations. Also schedule in enough buffer time for revisions. 
Sign up to be part of the Caterpillar Collective Launch Team. Join the Children's Book Freelancer Directory
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Take-Away Tips for Children’s Book Illustrators :​

  • Know the project specifications before you give a quote 
  • Keep revisions in mind when scheduling clients 
  • Charge for extra revisions and put it in your contract 
  • Always strive to improve. Find ways to do better with each illustration and with each new client 
  • When you are just starting out and you don’t know what to charge, start lower with an amount you are comfortable with and then raise your price with each new client. ​
Making mistakes is inevitable, don't let it stop you from doing what you love. Learn from your mistakes, let it sculpt you into a better illustrator and a stronger person. I heard a saying once "If you are not making mistakes you aren't pushing yourself hard enough". Mistakes are part of life and if you shy away from making them, you aren't living to your fullest potential.
I want to take this opportunity to let you in on an exciting new venture I am taking on. I am creating a freelance directory for children's book service providers. I want to invite you to join the launch team and help me make this site the go-to place for self-publishing authors to find vetted freelancers to help them create professional and beautiful children's books that will brighten the lives of children all over the world. If you are interested in joining the launch team and listing your illustration services, please sign up here:

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]]><![CDATA[14 Best Self-publishing Companies of 2023 and Who you Should Avoid  at All Costs]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:09:58 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/14-best-self-publishing-companies-of-2023-and-who-you-should-avoid-at-all-costs
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Self-publishing companies assist and support authors in their self-publishing journey by providing a service or a platform to distribute their books. There are 4 main types of self-publishing companies: Aggregator, Distribution Service, Author services and Self-publishing Education. 

What is an Aggregator?

An aggregator is a middle man that distributes your book for you through digital services on a global scale.  ​

What is a Distribution Service?

A distribution service takes your book from the printer and distributes it to retailers.  ​

What are Author Services?

These are companies that package up services like editing, illustration and design to help you create your book. ​

What is Self-Publishing Education?

This includes courses, coaches and mentors that help, support and educate you along your self-publishing journey.​

What is a Vanity Press / Vanity Publisher?

A vanity publisher puts themselves out like they are a traditional publishing company but authors have to pay to have their book published by them. They profit, not by distributing author’s books, but by charging authors publishing expenses. ​

What to be aware of when choosing a self-publishing company:

There are a lot of scams going around these days. Don't be taken advantage of, be aware of these following traps and don't fall victim of them:
  • They charge a reading fee 
  • They require you purchase your own book 
  • They charge “traditional publisher fees” 
  • They guarantee a bestseller  
  • They require you to make a minimum amount of sales 
  • They have overly restrictive copy rights that don’t benefit you ​
If you are unsure about whether or not you are dealing with a fake publisher, take a look at this list of questionable publishers to stay clear of: ​https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/thumbs-down-publishers/

List of the Top 14 Trusted Self-Publishing Companies 

Now that you know a bit more about self-publishing companies and what you need to watch out for when choosing one are you ready to make that children's book a reality? Download this self-publishing action plan workbook to get you started.
]]><![CDATA[4 Reasons why it would be a Bad Idea for You to Self-Publish Your Children's Book.]]>Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:16:04 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/4-reasons-why-it-would-be-a-bad-idea-for-you-to-self-publish-your-childrens-book
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 You have written an amazing children's book manuscript. Your friends and family love it, your kids want you to read it every night before bed and you really want to publish it and get it into the world. Traditional publishing sounds way too difficult, you would rather self-publish. But before you do, consider why it might not be such a good idea and why going the traditional route might be a better fit for you.

1.​ You don’t have money to invest 

​When self-publishing, all the initial costs are on you. You need to hire an editor, illustrator and designer. You might have to hire a coach to help you through the process. Not to mention distribution and printing costs, marketing costs, storage costs, website costs, etc.

​There are ways around it though. If you don’t have the money up front to invest, you could run a Kickstarter to raise the funds to cover printing and illustration costs.

Traditional publishers carry all the expenses upfront, but you do not have creative control over what your book will look like at the end of it. ​

2. You want to make quick, easy money

Self-publishing is a labor of love. You can't just set it and forget it. You need to put in a lot of effort and work in order to have a successful book that will make you profit.

​Because of the high initial expenses and the relatively low costs of books, it might take you quite some time to make your money back and start earning profit. That being said, if you are patient, you will get 100% of your profits where traditional publishers will only give you around 20% of the royalties. ​
The success of your book is 50% product quality and 50% marketing. You can have the best children’s book ever, but if no one knows about it, it won’t sell.  ​

3. You don’t want to put yourself out there to market your children's book​

The success of your book is 50% product quality and 50% marketing. You can have the best children’s book ever, but if no one knows about it, it won’t sell.  

You need to be willing to market yourself and put your book out there. You will have to do school visits, book signings, sell your book online and talk about your book everywhere you go. Amazon sells about 60% of all books including more than 1.4 million self-published titles. There is a lot of competition and if you want to be heard you will have to show up and make yourself known.
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When you go with a traditional publisher, they won’t necessarily do the marketing for you, but they will be able to get your book in the bookstores. 

4. You think you can do it all yourself ​

I have seen so many authors make the mistake of thinking they can do it all themselves. They liked to draw when they were a kid so they DIY their illustrations, slap a random font on the cover and call it done. Don’t expect to get amazing sales on Amazon if your book looks unprofessional. If you truly believe in your story, invest in it with time and money!  Don’t rush it and don’t cut corners. The better your cover looks the better it will sell so it is worth it to invest in a good illustrator and graphic designer.
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Tips for self-publishing success

  • Get professional illustrations and graphic design. This is paramount for creating a book that looks professional and stands out from the crowd of children’s books.
  • Hire an editor, and proof readers. Edit, edit, edit. Don’t rush this step! Have your story super polished, you should feel confident putting your work out there. Remember that with picture books, less is more. Let the illustrations describe the details. You do not want embarrassing mistakes in your manuscript. 
  • Ask for advice from other self-published authors in the field, join groups and connect with the community for support. 
  • Start a mailing list way before you hit publish. The earlier you start with marketing the better. Let everyone in on your journey. Get people on your wait list or launch team so that when you are ready to publish you have raving fans waiting to buy from you. ​
You might like this Free Self-Publishing Action Plan Workbook 

Where can I find professional freelancers to help me make my children's book amazing?

Join the Caterpillar Collective launch team to find amazing children's book illustrators, editors, graphic designers, book trailer creators, etc. When you join the launch team you will get 30 days free to browse the directory of service providers, view their profiles and contact them directly. Caterpillar Collective is launching in February 2023.  Click the sign up button to join the Launch Team
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]]><![CDATA[Self-Published Author Spotlight: Sarina Siebenaler]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:05:29 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/self-published-author-spotlight-sarina-siebenalerI am so excited to introduce to you: Sarina Siebenaler, self-published author of the "Do NOT Wish Series" including "Do NOT Wish for a Pet Ostrich" and " Do NOT Wish for a Birthday Unicorn"​. Sarina lives with her husband and 3 children in the beautiful sunny Arizona. She took time out of her busy schedule to give us some insider advice about the journey of self-publishing.
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 How did you get into writing children's books?

When my children were younger, they would ask my husband and me if they could have exotic pets to
bring home when we would go to the zoo or read about them. I'd ask them how they would care for
them, and they would have such silly and entertaining answers.  
My son, who was diagnosed with Autism at 22 months of age was non-verbal until the age of 5. We read
a lot of picture books to help with his language skills. He was always motivated by funny and outlandish
stories. I wanted to be a part of helping children, with verbal delays by writing stories that were silly and
fun too. This was my inspiration for how my debut book, Do Not Wish for a Pet Ostrich! was created.
Tell us a little bit about your latest children's book?

The second book, "Do Not Wish for a Birthday Unicorn!" is the sequel to book 1, Do Not Wish for a Pet
Ostrich! I am currently working on book 3, which will be released in 2023. I hope to have one book
released a year if there are readers that continue to enjoy them.
Each book reveals a new character for the next upcoming book. In doing this, I thought that it would be
fun to create an element of surprise for children and give them an opportunity for excitement to read
the next book and the book after that too. What's unique though is that each book can be read as a
standalone story or can be read as a series too.

In book 2, Kat gets a unicorn for her unicorn-themed birthday party! The surprise delivery of
Starlight, the unicorn from the Uni Express becomes an unexpected sight for eyes for Kat and
her friends. With a little teamwork, compassion, empathy, and kindness, Kat and her friends uncover her
true beauty. 
At the end of the story, Kat reveals the character of book 3 (A Christmas Elf) when she blows out her
birthday candles and makes a new wish! Look out for book 3, Do Not Wish for a Christmas Elf! Coming in
2023.
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What made you decide to go the self-publishing route vs traditional publishing?

In self-publishing, I get full control of what I do and when I want to do it. I enjoy working with the
talented illustrator, Gabby Correia, that masterfully creates art that children love. The creative talents of
an Editor and Graphic Designer add magic to a story idea and helps provide a quality product that
readers deserve. These components are scheduled each year based on each of these team players. Once
it is completed, I get to set my launch plans based on my schedule. Since I am a mom first, this alleviates
the pressure and stress of getting a book released and the marketing that follows.
What was a challenge you had to overcome during your self-publishing journey?

Learning the process of how to create a children's book and finding the right team to allow my vision to
become a reality was a difficult part of my self-publishing journey. Since I have now learned so much and
have established a dream team, the ongoing learning process continues.

Marketing can also be challenging and a full-time job if you really want to see results. There are so many
social media outlets that require attention and work. I'm still working on improving my knowledge of
the advertising space and how to get greater reach. My next goal is to improve SEO and traffic to my
personal website. I'm not very technical, but I have found that research and reading are critical to
keeping up with the competitive market. The efforts of putting in the time to understand the next steps
and seeing results can be very rewarding.
What is one thing you wished you knew before you started?

To create a quality book, finding a team of talented creators is so important. I write in rhyme and my
editor ensures that my story is fine-tuned with correct rhyme and meter. She doesn't change my story,
which is one reason I love working with her. My illustrator whom I found on social media is the perfect
chemistry for my stories. She's not only talented, but I find our working partnership invaluable too. My
Graphic Designer has a creative brain that showcases the book to its top-notch potential. I can't speak
enough about finding a team of talent that will help release a quality book. I couldn't do it without each
of them and I adore each moment I get to work with them individually.
Is there a lesson you have learned in your journey that you would like to share?

Firstly, hire the right talent. Never publish a book without finding an editor. This is so important,
and I can't say this enough. Hire an illustrator that does original work and be sure the chemistry of a
working relationship is the right one for both of you.

Secondly, keep learning and studying the market. It's important to learn from like-
minded peers in the industry. I read lots of children's books as a guide that tells me what the
market wants. My children will also let me know what they like in a story and what they don’t.  

Lastly, do not rush the process. If it takes you 2 years to publish your first book, it's okay.
Quality should always come first. Find beta readers and make sure your interior design and text
are looked over by your editor before you publish. Mistakes are easy to look past when you see the
same project over and over. Another set of eyes can save you time and money.
Who are some of the people that have helped you make your book a reality?

My dream team: Nicole Fillipone, Gabby Correia, and Praise Saflor.

Also, I could not have done this without the beautiful connections I have made with writing peers,
YouTube readers, video creators, Instagram and Facebook friends, mentors, educators, librarians,
family, friends, and all who are reading the Do Not Wish…series. To every person who has reached out
to me to support my journey, I am truly grateful.
Where can we find out more about you and your book?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NQH5LDD

Website: https://www.sarinasiebenaler.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarina_siebenaler

Facebook: https://facebook.com/sillybooksforkids

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarinasieb

LinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/sarina-siebenaler-48933631

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@sarinasiebenaler
What is your favorite children's book?

I have too many favorites! This is such a hard question, but on the top of my mind we have loved
reading Jon Klassen's This is Not My Hat Trilogy. My son and I read "This is Not My Hat." The cover was
so simple wish one silly fish with a hat on. We had to read it. It's pure entertainment and had us
laughing too. I have recommended it multiple times. The originality of this author and illustrator is
awesome!
I hope you have enjoyed this insightful interview with the amazingly talented and inspirational self-published author Sarina. If you are looking to self publish your children's book download this free workbook to get you started on your journey.

Find your self-publishing dream team with Caterpillar Collective. Join the Launch Team to get a free 30 day access (sign up before 31 January) and connect with vetted Children's Book freelancers.
]]><![CDATA[This is me 4 years ago...]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:06:44 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/this-is-me-4-years-ago
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I look happy, I look like I have my life in order, but I was living with my sister who let me stay in her child's room temporarily. I was broke, hardly any income coming in, with no vision for my future, only a bicycle to get around, an old pc and a Wacom drawing tablet.

I felt anxious, lost and totally behind in life. My 30th birthday was fast approaching and I knew something had to change. I realized that no one is going to save me. I had to make a choice and take charge of my own life.
Firstly, I had to change my mindset. You can't get anywhere if you can't believe it first.

Since I was a little girl I wanted to be a children's book illustrator, but I had been doing portraits and other freelance artwork here and there instead. I finally listened to my gut and took action.

I created my first children's book illustration and I put it out there in the world. Out of pure luck I got my first children's book to illustrate. I was way out of my comfort zone but it just felt right. After that it just snow-balled into a full time career. I aimed to improve with every book I did. I never stopped learning and I always try to go above and beyond for my clients.

4 years later and my schedule is fully booked for a year in advance and I have a waiting list for the year following. I could buy my first house with the man of my dreams and I don't have to cycle my way around town anymore. 

I feel so lucky and thankful to everyone who helped me on my journey and who continue to support me in my journey ahead. 

My new venture Caterpillar Collective is to help more people in the children's book community. I want to put the professionalism back into self-publishing. I want to help authors find freelancers that can help them create a professional book that will sell. And I want to help freelancers that are struggling to find work, by putting them in front of the clients that are looking for them. Win win.

Join the launch team if you want to try out the platform for free for 30 days when it launches at the end of Jan https://mailchi.mp/caterpillarcolle.../sign-up-to-email-list
​
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]]><![CDATA[What Does It Really Take To Be a Children's Book Illustrator?]]>Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:38:07 GMThttp://www.gabbycorreia.com/blog/what-does-it-really-take-to-be-a-childrens-book-illustrator
There are always so many debates going on about illustrators charging way too low or charging way too high. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. If you want your book to sell, draw attention and enhance your story, you need a professional illustrator that has the necessary skills to do the job. It's not enough to just be able to draw a picture.
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If you are looking for an illustrator or if you are a budding illustrator wondering what it takes or what you need to work on, focus on the following skills:
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  1. Perspective: Do the elements in your illustrations fit correctly in space? Do your scenes look 3 dimensional. Do you know the difference between 1 point, 2 point, and 3 point perspective and what the use is for the different types?
  2. Anatomy: Both Human and animal. Do you know how to draw a human or animal figure in any pose? Do you know the difference in proportion in a child vs an adult?
  3. Character Design: Can you create an original and unique character that children can relate to and whose personality shows through and matches the story?
  4. Consistency: Can you keep the characters looking the same in different poses all throughout the book? Is the style of the illustrations/ colors/ and theme consistent and matching?
  5. Expressions: Can you accurately portray different expressions on the face as well as body language?
  6. Color Theory: Do your colors trigger an emotion in the reader and express what is happening in the story?
  7. Story Telling: Without reading the text, can you tell what's happening in the story just by looking at the illustration?
  8. Composition: Can you direct your reader's eye to where you want it to go. Can you create a focal point on each page?
  9. Communication: Do you understand how to ask the right questions to the author in order to bring their vision to life? Do you stay in touch and send updates frequently?
  10. Time Management: Can you successfully manage your schedule and meet deadlines to not delay your client's book launch.
  11. Humble: And lastly, can you take criticism? The only way to keep improving is to stay open to constructive criticism and to meet your client's needs.
Every day I am working on improving these core skills. As an illustrator, you never stop learning. Your work takes time, dedication, and patience. ​
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