Tag: how to make your book stand out

In today’s Feature Interview, I’m talking with international literacy consultant, reading specialist, author, and the founder and CEO of Creative Minds Publications, Kathryn Starke. In this conversation, Kathryn will shed some light on common writing mistakes and offer tips on publishing children’s books.

Kathryn, it’s a joy to welcome you to the blog today! Could you tell us where you’re joining us from?

Richmond, Virginia 

How did you hear about the Feature Interview series, and what made you want to apply?

I follow you on Instagram and subscribe to your newsletter, and I love to connect with fellow educators making an impact in literacy. Educators share a similar language. 

I was fascinated to learn about your work as an international literacy consultant. Your Twitter/X quote says, ‘helps schools achieve literacy success by helping teachers love teaching reading.’ I just love that! Could you tell us more about this?

Thank you! From my own time as an inner-city elementary school teacher to reading coach, I have found that reading is the most complex subject to teach. It’s also a subject that often gets the least amount of support. It’s human nature to be really great at something that you enjoy doing. I like to work directly with teachers in the classroom and in planning meetings to help them feel more confident and competent in teaching reading. When this happens, the teaching and learning process for students becomes so much better. 

What does the job of a literacy consultant entail?

A literacy consultant is essentially a reading specialist and literacy coach wrapped up in one. I get to work directly with teachers in elementary schools around the country through planning meetings, data meetings, PD opportunities, and even embedded coaching in the classroom during the language arts block. I can observe, model, and co-teach with the classroom teacher based on comfort and competency levels. 

What inspired you to pursue work in literacy?

I was a first-year second-grade teacher in inner-city Richmond, Virginia. I was given the standards of learning and required textbooks for my students to plan effective instruction. I quickly realized the materials were too challenging for many of my students who read significantly below grade level. While teaching full time, I went back to school to earn my master’s degree in literacy and culture to fully understand how to teach reading and writing. Reading is the one subject needed to be successful in any other subject out there. 

What types of books do you enjoy reading?

Children’s picture books, memoirs, and contemporary women’s fiction are my favorite genres. I love titles by Tara Jenkins Reid and Sheri Lapina. 

Which came first, consulting or publishing?

They actually evolved at the same time. I wrote and published my first children’s picture book, Amy’s Travels, when I was teaching second grade. I was also in graduate school, and a required assignment was to submit a proposal for Virginia’s literacy conference. My proposal on “Teaching with Children’s Books” was selected. After this presentation, I had requests to come work with their teachers. 

When did your kidlit publishing journey begin?

2005, when I wrote and published my first children’s book, Amy’s Travels. Based on the true story of my college suitemate, it became the first children’s picture book to teach all seven continents. 

Tell us about the early stages. How did it all start?

While planning my unit for the seven continents, I looked for a children’s picture book to read, and I couldn’t find one. I had to check out 7 informational texts from the library, one for each continent. I decided to tell the story of Amy’s Travels to my students using the world map and giving fun facts about each of the continents Amy lived on and wanted to travel to. 

-I love this mentality! You saw a need and filled it.

I sent the manuscript out to a local publisher, but in 2005, independent publishers were not publishing children’s picture books like they are today. He agreed to mentor me and guide me in the process, so my dad (the entrepreneur) told me to start a publishing company, so I did! I started Creative Minds Publications simply to publish, market, and distribute Amy’s Travels to schools around Virginia and the country. Twenty years later, I’m now helping debut children’s book authors bring their own books into the world through our award-winning company. 

-What an incredible turn of events— so inspiring!

Were there any writing resources (groups/contests/organizations) that you found to be helpful on your publishing journey?

I was fortunate to have a publishing mentor in the area to learn from while I read every nonfiction book you could imagine on marketing, distributing, promoting, and selling books. SCBWI was a great organization to be in as well as a new children’s book author. 

You’re also the founder and CEO of Creative Minds Publications. Could you tell us about how this came to be?

CMP was founded to help me share Amy’s Travels with fellow teachers around Virginia, the country, and the world. It was when I was speaking at literacy conferences that I was approached by fellow educators who wanted my help in bringing their own children’s book into the world. They believed in me early on, and now I have the opportunity to help so many debut authors. 

When was your company founded, and what is your goal/mission?

It was founded in November 2005 with the mission to educate, motivate, and support fellow teachers and young readers in loving literacy. It has thus evolved to allow us to help more authors bring their books into the world to help teach the world to read. 

I understand you’ve been a featured guest for various media platforms, as well as a guest speaker at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford University in England. That must have been an incredible experience! Could you tell us more about this? What topics did you speak about? And if you have photos, we’d love to see them!

This was such an honor! I was selected to speak about the 10th annual Tackle Reading event I created with the support of the National Football League and how my educational book, Tackle Reading, inspired the annual philanthropic event. I also shared  A Touchdown in Reading: An Educator’s Guide to Literacy as the framework for how I teach teachers how to teach reading and writing. 

Have there been any other notable author events that you’ve been able to participate in? Again, we love pictures, so if you have them, feel free to send them on over!

I was an author at the inaugural Virginia Children’s Book Festival, a keynote speaker for the PBS Kids’ Writing Contest, and a guest author for the Washington Commander’s Reading Day, to name a few. 

What feedback have you received from educators and readers?

As the author of 6 books now, I love hearing that a new reader has been introduced to Amy’s Travels. I’m always proud to hear that my books and work have helped a teacher in the classroom or a school achieve literacy success. 

What have been some of your greatest challenges on the road to publication, and how were you able to overcome them?

In 2005, independent publishers of children’s books were not as popular as they are today. I was dismissed by fellow publishers, predominantly male at the time, and questioned about my age and experience along the way. I learned to keep my head down and allow my sales, testimonials, events, and results to speak for themselves. I’ve sold close to 10,000 copies of my children’s book and educational materials and continue to expand the impact of my books and the books under my company’s imprint. 

-Amazing. I love hearing stories of resilience. Good for you!

What have been some of your greatest publishing moments?

Publishing my first book will always be the greatest! I’ve been fortunate to have 6 books published, including The Alternate World, a YA fantasy novel, and some women’s contemporary romance novels. I love that Tackle Reading was a book that started a movement in the collaboration of reading and football. I love helping new authors bring their books into the world! All publishers wonder who their Dr. Seuss or Judy Blume will be. 

Given your professional experience as a reading specialist and literacy consultant, as well as an author and publisher, could you give some examples of common writing mistakes that you see?

I know that editors make books great! Based on the casual writing behaviors people have today in spelling and grammar on social media, in texts, and in emails, I know that editors are essential. From the content perspective, don’t try and copy a great story that already exists. A wonderful story is something we’ve never heard before. Originality is key. 

“…Don’t try and copy a great story that already exists… Originality is key.” – Kathryn Starke

How can writers avoid making these mistakes and/or correct them?

Do your research, read every day, and don’t rely on AI. In fact, many of us in the publishing industry are not entertaining AI in manuscript or art submissions because it’s not creative, original, or from actual human relationships and interaction. 

What tips would you offer to anyone looking to publish children’s books?

Write about what you know and what can make an impact in children’s books today. It can be about an important topic, a life lesson, or something that sparks creative or critical thinking. Be creative and original. 

Any last words of wisdom you’d like to offer readers today?

I hope you get matched with the next best book for you to read! It doesn’t matter the genre or if you are reading to yourself or a child; I just hope you love literacy as much as I do! Reading opens doors for everyone. 

Thanks so much for being with us today, Kathryn! And now, it’s time for our giveaway.

This month, Kathryn is offering FOUR GIVEAWAY PRIZES to FOUR WINNERS (one prize per winner):

Prize 1. Autographed copy of Amy’s Travels

Prize 2. Autographed copy of Amy’s Travels

Prize 3. Autographed copy of A Touchdown in Reading: An Educator’s Guide to Literacy Instruction

Prize 4. Autographed copy of A Touchdown in Reading: An Educator’s Guide to Literacy Instruction

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

LIKE AND SHARE this article to X and/or Instagram and mention/tag my handle X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your entry! Don’t have X or Instagram? Enter the giveaway by LIKING and leaving a COMMENT at the bottom of the interview.

ENTRY DEADLINE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH 11:59 PM EST

Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books, or by requesting your local school or library purchase it! Using the affiliate links below to purchase also helps support this free blog.

Purchase ADHD and Me HERE

Purchase Amy’s Travels HERE

Purchase A Touchdown in Reading HERE