Kim Ann is our latest indie author sharing her tips and tricks. Her colourful stories have come to life as children's books. Discover the simple and effective methods she is using to create and sell these gorgeous stories.
How many books have you written and how many have you published?
I have written eight picture books, six are published and two are in progress. They are with my illustrator, Nejla Shojaie.
Where do you sell your books?
My books are available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. I also sell books at author visits, book festivals, and on my website.
What’s your best sales channel, and why?
For me personally, Amazon. I think it’s the convenience of it. You can order everything you need and want, plus books for your kids. I also have the most success with advertising on Amazon.
Marketing your books can be hard. What’s one thing you’ve tried that’s worked well and why?
Just putting yourself out there. I am active in a lot of author social media groups. I like to support other author’s and have them support me. We join together for book launches and book promotions, for example, and we share for each other among our own friends and social media platforms.
One of the beautiful colourful pages from Ruby the Rainbow Witch
What is something you’ve tried that didn’t work at all?
I’m still learning my way around advertising. I am confident with Amazon advertising, but have not had much luck with running Facebook or Instagram ads.
What would you say to someone thinking of writing their first book?
Just sit down and start. Whether you like to use your computer, write out your thoughts, or dictate into your phone, just get the ball rolling. I use a combination of all of these methods, depending on when an idea comes to me.
Can you share a lovely moment you’ve had as an author?
I’ve been lucky to have a few, I can’t believe this is happening to me, in a good way, moments. I think one of the best was when an author friend of mine messaged me and asked where she could find a hat like my character Ruby wears in my books. She went on to explain that her daughter’s birthday was coming up and she wanted a Ruby the Rainbow Witch party. It warmed my heart to think my books left such an impression on her. I was really honored.
Kim Ann is a bestselling children's book author. She lives in Southern California with her husband, their two children, and their dogs.
For several years, Kim Ann worked as a freelance writer and published many feel-good articles about families, but she always dreamed of writing the fun, imaginative, colorful books she enjoyed reading.
You can find out more about Kim by following her on Facebook and Instagram. You can find her books on Amazon here.
Where to Next?
We hope you enjoyed this insight into Kim Ann’s author life. Her approach to building a community of support is a great one for new indie authors. We’ll be sharing more author stories and the best way to keep in touch with these is through signing up to our newsletter. You can also get tips on publishing in our free indie author guides. Plus of course, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
