CHILDREN’S book author Renee Price has successfully navigated the many hurdles of publishing on her way to getting her first book, Digby’s Moon Mission, in print.
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Price, from Georgetown, has two children, Leroy, three, and George, six months. She calls herself a ‘‘mother, educator, musician and writer’’.
She had always written stories for her own children, but decided it was time to take the next step after the birth of George.
‘‘I wanted to do more than sit at home and write things in a notebook,’’ she said.
It took her five months to write the Digby book, which she hopes will become a series. She got editing help from Tania McCartney, founder of the Kids Book Review website, and encouragement from local writers and editors including ChoeChoe Brereton, Megan Buxton and Katrina McKelvey from the Hunter Writers Centre.
After nailing down the story, aimed at children ages two to seven, the next major task has been raising funds. But Price astutely turned to crowdfunding through the pozible website and has struck it lucky. As of this week, she has pledges for $5215 of her target of $6000, clearly in reach of her August 27 deadline.
She planned a campaign on facebook to boost interest and it has worked.
‘‘People have been so supportive,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s fantastic, very humbling.’’
Her pitch on pozible includes an original song on a video featuring her and son Leroy. It’s fresh and catchy – Price also played in a local music duo, Great Big Hits, with her life partner Aaron Hipwell.
‘‘It’s been a big learning experience,’’ she said of the publishing journey. ‘‘I knew I was confident in my ability. To write a children’s book is a whole ’nother ballgame.’’
She first got a taste of it as working on the magazine Newcastle’s child. She took an avid interest in reviewing children’s books, and learned the ropes of publishing along the way.
The illustration of the book is contracted to Anil Tortop, a Turkish-born artist now working in Brisbane. The production will be done by Tadaa, a children’s booksmith.
‘‘I am completely trusting,’’ Price said of her illustrator. ‘‘They’ve already shown they are willing to work with me. Everyone needs to be happy. I’ve purchased some of her [Tortop] books. She does fantastic work.’’
The book will be published through Lightning Source, an imprint of Ingram Content Group. The first run of 300 books should be ready for delivery in early December.
Find out more at facebook.com/DigbyFixit and pozible.com/project/183556
