Non-Print Markets: Audiobooks and Apps by Tracy Detz

Hello fellow authors and writers!

I'd like to share some interesting experiences I've had publishing my stories in less traditional formats.

Audiomagazine

On the road to publication for my story Icky Berg, I decided to Google children’s literary magazines accepting unsolicited submissions. I submitted Icky Berg to Smarty Pants Magazine for Kids in March 2021, and they accepted it for publication about two months later. To say I was thrilled is an understatement! They paid for my story, too—not that we’re in this writing business for the money. 🤣100% INSANE PASSION!

The editor at Smarty Pants Magazine told me she was surprised my story hadn’t been snatched up by a publisher, and if Smarty Pants published it, they needed exclusivity for one year (after which I’m free to publish it in print or audiobook elsewhere). So, I thought about submitting to publishers, but got caught up writing MG books. Finally, seven months later, I decided to publish my story in Smarty Pants.

Smarty Pants Magazine brought my work to life in an audiobook with fun illustrations, putting the whole thing together about a month after I agreed to publish with them. They chose the illustrator and voice actor and made a crossword puzzle based on facts I provided. I think their model of a combination of ebook and audiobook is very savvy.

Audiobook

Speaking of audiobooks, in 2020, I made one through Amazon audible for my book, No Fish for Charles (Warren, 2019). My contract with Warren allowed me to make my own audiobook (other publishers may have different agreements with their authors/illustrators). It was very affordable, and I got to interview voice actors for the project. The fun part was listening to all the interpretations of my characters/story.  I chose a mother/daughter team, with the daughter reading Charles’ words. 

App

Back in 2019, an exciting new family video-calling app, Caribu, which integrates children’s books and activities, contacted me out of the blue. They said they were acquiring new books for their library and ran across my book, No Fish for Charles, a few months after I had published with Warren. I signed a contract with them, and guess what? I get paid every time someone reads my book (paid quarterly). 😍

I think using different and fun formats for publishing our books, like apps or audiobooks/magazines, is just another way to reach new audiences, enabling readers to fall in love with our stories.

Tracy Detz is an award-winning children’s book author and therapeutic riding instructor, owner of Forever Free, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities learn to ride and overcome obstacles through the way of the marvelous horse. Tracy’s first picture book, No Fish for Charles, debuted in April 2019 from Warren Publishing, along with her second book, Valor & Victor and The Zombies from Earth September 2021. Her third book, Icky Berg: An Iceberg Tale launched as an audiobook published by Smarty Pants Magazine For Kids in February 2022. Tracy’s focus is on the well-being of every child, to help, inspire, and encourage them to bloom with all the unique gifts they have to offer the world. You can subscribe to her  monthly newsletter "Notable News" and join a community of storytellers, teachers, librarians, artists, parents, and children. If you sign up you'll receive her audiobook Icky Berg, An Iceberg Tale! complete with a game and a simple science experiment!

Visit Tracy online at:

https://TracyDetz.com

 https://twitter.com/Tforeverfree

 https://Facebook.com/TracyDetzAuthor

 https://www.instagram.com/hookedonbooks123/

Book Birthday Blog with Laura Barens

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators. 

 

Congratulations to Laura Barens on the release of Boats Can't Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I came up with the idea for this book after attending a seminar on March 3, 2020, just 10 days before we were all introduced to the realities of a pandemic.  Heather L. Montgomery was one of the presenters, and she totally had me hooked on writing non-fiction.  She was so energetic and the most important words she said were “Don’t Do Boring!”. Up to that point my writing felt like I was regurgitating facts. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I hope that readers take away the importance of The Soo Locks, but also enjoy seeing this marvel of Michigan.

What inspires you to write?

I am inspired to write because I must, or else where would all these words go that are inside my head?!

What are your marketing plans for the book?

My marketing plans for this book are promoting it on Facebook and my website. I am also going to do some school visits and getting it into some independent bookstores and gift shops in the Soo. It will also be available at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids and Okemos.

What's next for you?

I have already spoken to Don Lee, my illustrator, and we have plans on doing another book or two with the same theme. The next book is titled What's That Freighter Carrying? which I have begun researching. Follow That Freighter, coming after that. I better get to work!

A little bit about the book . . .

From rushing rapids to smooth sailing, Boats Can't Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks, brings to life an engineering marvel vital to the Great Lakes region, our nation, and the world.

A little bit about the author . . .

I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan just minutes from The Soo Locks. The sights and sounds of the locks and the magnificent freighters are ingrained in my memory.  I loved reading and writing from a very young age. My writings were mostly poetry and short stories, which were shared with family only.  After working as a school secretary and elementary school librarian for 20+ years, I realized that writing for children was a wonderful retirement venture. So here I am, better late than never!

Website: https://laurabarensbooks.com/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/laura.c.barens

Email: laura.barens21@gmail.com

Book Birthday Blog with Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators. 

 

Congratulations to Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer on the release of The Youngest Disciple and The Mouse in the Manger

 

 

How did you come up with the idea for your books?

Our passion is to write books that help children better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. When we learn the context of the stories in the Bible, we better understand what the authors of those stories were trying to communicate. Both of our new books tell familiar Bible stories but in a new and fresh way. Through the words and illustrations, we get to teach about the original context of these stories.
 
The Youngest Disciple is the story of John as he walks in the footsteps of Jesus. When we learn about discipleship in its 1st century context, we learn that the disciples would have been quite young – probably teenagers. John could have been as young as 13 years old. Jesus believed that John could be like Him. The Youngest Disciple shows children that they are never too young to be a disciple of Jesus.
 
The Mouse in the Manger is a story about a little mouse who wants to give Jesus a special gift when He is born. This story is set in the correct cultural context of the Christmas story. Instead of Mary giving birth alone in a barn because there was no room in the inn, it is much more likely that Mary and Joseph were welcomed into a home and that Mary gave birth surrounded by the women of the village, who lovingly took care of her. In our book, the Christmas story becomes one of radical hospitality – through the eyes of a little mouse.  

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your books?

We hope that after our readers read our books they will have learned something new about God and the Bible. We hope that they have a new excitement and understanding of the stories in the Bible. Ultimately, we hope that our readers know how much God loves them and that they are then inspired to love others in the same way.

What inspires you to write?

We have two children, and we love seeing when a simple story has a profound effect on their hearts. When our books can teach both parents and children something that they had never known before it is incredibly exciting. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to create resources and tools that help families grow in their faith and love of the Bible.

What are your marketing plans for the books?

To market our books we have a launch team that is helping us get the word out. We are also planning multiple school visits, podcast interviews, and in-person book events. We are excited to get these two books out into the world. 

What's next for you?

We are currently working on an activity set for the season of Lent that includes a picture book, a 40-day family devotional, and plush toy to hide around the house. We are also excited about a new picture book project that will be published by Zonderkidz and released in the spring of 2024. 

A little bit about the books . . .

The Youngest Disciple

You are never too young to be a disciple. Join John, the youngest disciple, as he responds to Jesus’ call and follows in His footsteps. 

From the shores along the Sea of Galilee to the empty tomb in Jerusalem, The Youngest Disciple takes children of all ages on a journey to discover how they are called to be disciples too. 

Walk with John as he learns how to be like Jesus.

 

The Mouse in the Manger

Little Mouse feels small and insignificant, especially compared to all the other animals in the Bethlehem house where he lives. He wishes he had a special talent to share or an important purpose to fulfill.

Then one night, a couple named Mary and Joseph arrive looking for somewhere to stay after a long journey. The usual guest room is full, but the family members offer radical hospitality and make space for Joseph and Mary to be comfortable and warm.

That same night, Mary gives birth to a baby boy named Jesus. Little Mouse wants to do something special for the new baby but feels like he has nothing to offer.

Will Little Mouse think of a way to give Jesus a special gift?

 

A little bit about the authors . . .

Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer are both storytellers at heart. Eric is an award-winning filmmaker and music composer. Meredith is an award-winning journalist and news anchor. Eric has his Masters of Divinity and leads biblical study trips to Israel and Jordan through his ministry The Acacia Project. Meredith is a certified Enneagram Coach and facilitator. Together they created Fresh Wind Studios where they create resources that help children and families better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. They are the creators of the award-winning Christmas resource, The Wandering Wise Men and authors of Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening, The Youngest Disciple, and The Mouse in the Manger. Eric and Meredith live in Grand Rapids, MI with their two children, Meryn and Judah.  

Eric's Social Information

Websites:

https://www.theacaciaproject.com/  

https://www.ericschrotenboer.com/

https://www.freshwindstudios.com/

Author Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EricSchrotenboer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.schrotenboer.9

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eschrotenboer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericschrotenboer/?hl=en

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericschrotenboer

 

Meredith's Social Information

Websites: https://www.meredithterhaar.com/  

https://www.growingwiththeenneagram.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredith.schrotenboer

News Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithTerHaar 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithterhaar/?hl=en

 

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Amy Nielander

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators. 

 

Congratulations to Amy Nielander on the release of My Name Is Not Ed Tug

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

The idea for My Name Is Not Ed Tug formed when I was volunteering in my daughter’s kindergarten computer classroom years ago. The kids were asked to find a computer with their name on the screen. It wasn’t long before I heard a frustrating reaction from one of the students. His name was Aidan, but his computer displayed his name as “Aiden”. This kindergartner was so upset at the error, I immediately empathized with him. My maiden name had been misspelled often growing up. I tried to fix the problem but couldn’t because I was not an admin, so poor Aidan had to click through a learning activity he was clearly uninterested in for the remaining class time. The experience made me wonder about misspelled names and how they affect a student’s sense of belonging in the classroom (in turn impacting their focus). That afternoon, I decided to write a story about a boy with a name that was difficult to spell, difficult to pronounce and difficult to remember. I wanted to give readers a character they could identify with, root for and celebrate with, when a misunderstood name was finally understood...and appreciated. Almost ten years later, that hope became a reality!

 

 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I want readers to feel empowered to own their identity and to celebrate their name no matter how challenging the circumstances are.

What inspires you to write and illustrate?

I love writing and illustrating stories that are hopeful, fun and filled with big-hearted characters. If my stories can make kids laugh, ask questions or express an opinion, then that’s a win for me.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I have a product design background and love looking for ways to extend a reader’s story experience. For My Name Is Not Ed Tug, that means finding ways to celebrate names beyond the book! I designed a “Name Journal” for my book launch as an alternative to name tags. I wanted the process of learning names to be fun and meaningful for kids and adults. The first 50 guests will receive a blank pocket journal for collecting names (or sketches!) of people they meet at the book launch. I also designed a giant crossword style sign-in board for families to add their names to when they visit the bookstore. I can’t wait to see names connecting to others! I plan on taking the board to book events and school visits too. 

What's next for you?

I have a few bookstore/library visits coming up. Dates and times are posted on my website. My book launch is October 15th at Sidetrack Bookshop in Royal Oak (if you preorder, please email me. I'll send you a fun giveaway gift: a delicious family soup recipe inspired by the book!). Future visits will be at Schuler Books, Serendipity Books and the Royal Oak Public Library. Outside of book events, I'm working on a new picture book I hope to submit in January 2023.

A little bit about the book . . . 

Edimorwhitimormiligimmus Tug has a very special name. But his teacher thinks it's too long and hard to say. One day she shortens it to. . . Ed. But he loves his name just the way it is. So Edimorwhitimormiligimmus comes up with a plan—if he can teach everyone his name, maybe they'll love it too! Sweet and whimsical, My Name is Not Ed Tug empowers readers to own their identities and proudly celebrate who they are.

A little bit about the author . . .

Amy Nielander is a designer and children's book Author-Illustrator who loves creating playful stories for kids. Growing up, she had her name frequently misspelled by others. Her third picture book, My Name Is Not Ed Tug, is inspired by this experience and by her time volunteering in her children's classrooms. To learn more about Amy, find her on social media.

 

Social media handles:

Twitter: @nielanderamy

FB: @nielanderamy

Instagram: amynielander

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Melanie Hooyenga

 

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators. 

 

Congratulations to Melanie Hooyenga on the release of Chasing the Moon

 

 

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book? Is this part of a series?

Chasing the Moon is the third and final book in the Campfire series, so the inspiration for this book was a bit different than the start of the series. One of the main characters, Melody, tried to steal the spotlight in book two, Chasing the Stars, and I knew I wanted to tell a story with her perspective.

The series follows teens as they camp and fall in love during celestial events (solar eclipse, camping at a dark park, and now a lunar eclipse) and I’ve had my heart set on throwing people into the Grand Canyon and seeing what happens. SPOILER: lots of good and lots of bad happens. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

There are several themes in this book, but a key thing I hope readers take away is that life is full of surprises and most likely won’t go exactly as you plan — no matter how determined you are to stay on track. And that’s okay. Because the fun comes in the unexpected moments and that’s what makes things interesting. 

What inspires you to write? 

At the heart of everything I do, I love telling stories. Since I was a little kid, I’ve loved seeing the crack of a smile or hint of tears in someone’s eyes over something my brain came up with, and even though it can take months before I get that payoff because novels take so long to write, those reactions are what keep me going.   

What are your marketing plans for the book?

As with all my books, I have a list of things planned:

• sending advanced copies of the book to early readers in exchange for honest reviews
• having a book launch party at my local independent bookstore (The Bookman in Grand Haven)
• enlisting fellow YA authors to share news of my launch in their newsletters
• submitting a press release to local newspapers
• radio interviews at my two local stations
• running Facebook and Amazon ads
• posting on my social accounts

It's a little tricky with the end of a series, because as authors, we really want people to start with the first book, but it's important to share the news of each release!

What's next for you?

I’m torn between two book ideas. I’ve had one idea for well over a year now and that’s what I’ve planned on writing next, but then a shiny new idea interrupted my plans as I was finishing edits for Chasing the Moon, so now I’m not sure which I’ll write first.
 
I have a couple events in the last quarter of the year, including teaching a session called How to Write a Novel at a workshop hosted by my local library. I’m hoping that after a dozen novels, I have a few thoughts worth sharing. I’ll also be with SCBWI-MI in Ann Arbor at the beginning of December!  

A little bit about the book . . .

Two best friends. One tiny tent. An attraction that's impossible to ignore.

Melody
Being a semi-famous science tokker epically rocks because I get to make science accessible for girls. Until I make a mistake and a jerkface tokker ridicules me to his fans. I need to prove I’m not a hack before my followers bail and I ruin my credibility—all before I graduate from high school.
 
Just one problem: my family’s hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, where I won’t have signal for a week. Oh, and I’m sharing a tent with the Bestie Brigade—my two best friends—and I’ve crushed on one of them for longer than trends last on TikTok.
 
Dating Steph would make Jess feel left out and I vowed I’d never do that to her again. Do I risk hurting my closest friend for a chance at love?
 
Stephanie
Senior year was rolling along just great until my parents announced they’re getting divorced the same night I broke up with my girlfriend.
 
Spending a week offline in the Grand Canyon to watch the lunar eclipse with Jess and Mel is the perfect way to pretend my life isn’t falling apart. Except we’re camping with people who insist on talking through EVERY FREAKING PROBLEM around the campfire.
 
And I’m not ready to share.
 
The time away with Mel makes our connection even stronger, but I’m scared whatever she’s hiding could change our friendship forever.
 
Book 3 in the Campfire Series is filled with grand adventures, secret kisses, and an epic eclipse you won’t soon forget.

A little bit about the author . . .

Multi-award winning young adult author Melanie Hooyenga writes books about strong girls who learn to navigate life despite its challenges. She first started writing as a teenager and finds she still relates best to that age group.

Her award-winning YA sports romance series, The Rules Series, is about girls from Colorado falling in love and learning to stand up on their own. Her YA time travel trilogy, The Flicker Effect, is about a teen who uses sunlight to travel back to yesterday. The first book, Flicker, won first place for Middle Grade/Young Adult in the Writer’s Digest 2015 Self-Published eBook awards, and The Rules Series has won ten awards, including Finalist for MG/YA in the 2019 BookLife Prize. The first book in her newest series, Chasing the Sun, won gold for young adult general fiction in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and was named one of the Best Indie eBooks of 2020 by Barnes & Noble Press.

When not writing books, you can find her wrangling her Miniature Schnauzer Gus and playing every sport imaginable with her husband Jeremy.

 

Website: https://www.melaniehoo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieHooyenga 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieHoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniehoo/ 

 

 

 
     

Featured Illustrator Nico Ridge

 

Meet Nico Ridge! Nico is an illustrator (see our new fall banner) and is one of our newer members.     How has being a member of SCBWI benefitted you?

The SCBWI membership has offered me the opportunity to display my work on The Mitten’s website. I hope it may lead to other opportunities to do so in the future and may lead to other networking opportunities.

 

We’d like to get to know you! Tell us about your past creative work in the area of children’s literature or related areas of interest or expertise.

 

My name is Nico Ridge, 32 years old. I’m a self-taught artist who started drawing when I was young. But it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I started to get serious with art, I’ve been spending time working on improving my drawing skills and started dabbling in painting when I’m not working. I decided to start attending school at KVCC last year and am hoping to make a career through art. I won first place in the KVCC art show for a watercolor painting I did—that’s about as much acclaim as I’ve ever received for my work lol, so that was pretty cool! 

What in your childhood or youth piqued your interest in illustrating? What were some of the major influences that led you to this road?

My uncle Ryan Roxbury is probably my main inspiration. He’s also an artist, mostly working in acrylics. I remember him painting when I was maybe 7 or 8, and ever since then drawing was something I did often. 

Please share anything about your current projects or what’s ahead in your creative work. We’d love to hear about it!

 

I’m planning on doing some artwork soon that highlights political/social struggles that the nation faces. I have a painting that I’ve been working on in starts and fits that would be the first in a series of these works with a couple more kind of planned out …dealing with the justice system, American exceptionalism, class struggle, social solidarity, and the power of corporate interests and big tech exerts on our political system.

 

In our emails you shared some wonderful news you might want to share with our readers. Here's my question: What's new in your life, Nico?

 

My son Evander Robert Blue Ridge was born on the 24^th of September, healthy as can be. Mary, my love, had a short labor, only ten minutes, everything went smoothly. We brought him back to meet his big sister of three, Nyx Lynell Faye Ridge, a couple days later. She was suuuuuper excited to meet her baby bro that she had heard so much about the past 9 months.

 

Thank you, Nico, for letting us get to know you and for designing our fall banner! And congratulations to you, Mary, and Nyx on the birth of Evander!

 

--Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

SCBWI Michigan Outreach Coordinator

 

Book Birthday Blog with F.P. LaRue

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators. 

 

Congratulations to F.P. LaRue on the release of The Legend of the Serpent Witch

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I wondered what Ollie, Mellie, and Scotty would do if they came face to face with an evil witch. Now I know.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I hope the readers will enjoy Ollie, Mellie, and Scotty’s adventure. I also hope that they enjoy the friendship that Ollie, Mellie, and Scotty have. They are committed to helping each other, no matter what the circumstances are. 

What inspires you to write?

I want to encourage children to read and to show them reading can be fun!

What are your marketing plans for the book?

My marketing plans are to use my website, social media, school visits, library visits, and interviews to promote my book.

What's next for you?

I am writing a third book in the Scary Shivers series. This book will also involve Ollie, Mellie, and Scotty. It will be out in 2023.     

A little bit about the book . . .

Two boys have gone missing. Ollie, Mellie, and Scotty set out to determine what happened to them. As they do, they are forced to confront an evil witch with snakes as pets, scary spells and wicked curses. They discover nothing is as it seems. They come face to face with pure evil and don’t know if they’ll survive long enough to solve a mystery centuries in the making.

A little bit about the author . . .

The Legend of the Serpent Witch is the second adventure in the Scary Shivers series by F.P. LaRue. Her career has been in education, where she progressed from a teacher to the Dean of Academic Affairs for a small Michigan college. During that time, she authored Stalking: Surviving the Hidden Terror and co-authored Discover Your Inner Strength, both adult non-fiction books.

When not writing, F.P. LaRue loves to travel, having visited all 50 states in the U.S.A. and 53 countries worldwide. When COVID hit, F.P. took to writing again. She loves a scary story and looks forward to sharing her own scary stories. She is hoping her stories encourage children to discover the wondrous adventures reading can bring…no matter what their age.

https://www.fplarue.com/

https://www.scaryshivers.com/