Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Holder.
Hi Helen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been writing children’s books since 1990. I retired from teaching first grade in 2003 and became more serious about publishing. Finding an agent for traditional publishing was difficult. I managed to illustrate one book and began looking at ways to self-publish. What I had done didn’t seem to fit any of the templates I found and printing off copies at home wasn’t working either. Then I found a local author who had used a publishing company right here in Austin that I didn’t know existed. In March 2020, I met with the co-owners of Fox Pointe Publishing. They accepted David’s Pretzels. I mentioned that I had 5 other stories ready to go and they took those also. There was a lot to learn! Before the books were printed there needed to be lots of back and forth with an editor, a designer, a project manager, and an illustrator. All 6 books were published. Then I had to become a business; collect sales tax; keep an inventory: learn how to use a credit card reader; apply to book fairs; get acquainted with independent book stores; and become a presence on social media. An old dog (77years old) can learn new tricks! I call being a published author an expensive hobby so far. Maybe as the pandemic eases, I can actually make a little profit, but the joy of opening a box of the books I wrote is worth more than the dollars I could earn. If you have a dream, keep your eyes open for ways to make it a reality!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle for me was seeking a way to be published. I only knew about traditional or vanity presses. Vanity presses would require having the book illustrated and I didn’t feel up to that task nor did I know someone who could do the job. I tried the traditional route a few times, but learned I needed to have an agent. I didn’t know how to go about getting one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write children’s books. They are for the 4-8 year olds and mostly intended to be read aloud although 2nd graders could read them on their own. Many of the books have lessons that can be learned but the story can just be enjoyed, too. Several of the books have facts included even though they would be considered fiction: I Painted a Magenta Flamingo, Glorious Gertie’s Fabulous Fireworks; David’s Pretzels; and What Goes Up Must Come Down. An Unusual Tale and Sleepover With Grandma are fiction. Terrific Tongues is classified as nonfiction
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The pandemic slowed down the opportunities to be out meeting people and introducing them to my books.
Pricing:
- The books range from $12.95-$21.95 depending on number of pages and hard or soft covers
Contact Info:
- Email: author.helenholder@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenholder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.helen.holder.5492216. https://www.facebook.com/booksbyhelenholder
