Picking My Head Up off the Keyboard

by Susan Reynolds Crane

Hello Again! You might remember last July Susan wrote an article entitled “Banging My Head Against My Keyboard!” explaining the frustrating process of self-publishing. This is the latest installment in her Journey. Enjoy!

Picking My Head Up off the Keyboard

Hello everyone! The last time you heard from me, I was frustrated, trying to get my children’s book published the way I wanted it. I was banging my head against the keyboard. 

Apparently, the banging did some good because after many, many (don’t ask HOW many) attempts, I was finally able, with KDP’s assistance, to create and publish my first book, Carolyn Carrot’s Amazing Day! 

Amazon.com is the most popular, but I still wasn’t able to get the size I really wanted. I was looking for an 11” X 8.5” landscape product and Amazon would only do an 8.5” X 11” portrait.

I watched more videos and found heathercashart.com on YouTube. I am still bad at the link thing, so just go out to YouTube and plug in Heather’s name. Her videos are wonderful and easy to follow. (Or click the picture above)

She has an entire video on publishing using Canva.com and Ingramspark.com. Through this medium, I was able to obtain the size I wanted.

The next book being released near the end of January 2025 is a tribute to my friend, Robin, called Ms. Robin’s First Day of School. I’m excited about it and can’t wait to see the author’s copy.

 Next hurdle: 

What I have found is that Ingramspark is not as user-friendly as Amazon.com. Ingramspark does have videos and reading material to learn to market books and that’s what I’m working on now, as my journey through the self-publishing adventure continues. 

I have set up, with the help of Heather Cash and her videos, a small website I created through Canva.com. It is reachable using https://susanreynoldscrane.my.canva.site (at least I hope this link is correct!). 

Next on my agenda?

Take copies of my books to libraries and bookstores and sell myself to them. This is not easy for an introverted old lady who grew up on Catholic guilt. 

For now, go grab a nice glass of wine and relax. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

Bio: Susan Reynolds Crane is a 65-year-old widow. She lives in Fall River, Massachusetts with her 29-year son and 2 -year-old rescue cat named Zodi.

Susan started writing for fun way back when she was a child. She wrote short stories, poems, and plays. She wrote adult romance novels but always wanted to write for children. Susan wrote two children's books during her education classes in college. One in English and one in Spanish. She has earned two bachelor's degrees, one in Early Childhood Education and one in Philosophy, and holds a master's degree in special education.

Susan enjoys cooking/baking and decorating for every holiday/ seasonal change. She listens to the oldie's stations but tries to keep up with current music. She has a wide range of musical tastes, from Gregorian chants to hard rock.

Susan's favorite pastime is thinking up ideas and writing children's books. Her first book, Carolyn Carrot's Amazing Day! was a joy to write and her second book, will be released soon.