Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello, I am new to this site, and I`m already addicted:)

My true passion in life would be to write and illustrate childrens books. But, I need some help as to what type of business is right for me.

Maybe with my talents and hobbies, I can get some advice from all of you as to what business you think is right for me... I love to write, draw, paint, take pictures, and scrapbookbooking. But, writing and painting top that list of the things I absolutely love to do. I`ve done a couple of craft shows selling my handpainted items, and although they did turn a profit, I feel like something is missing. Any information and/or advice you may have, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

If your true passion is writing and illustrating children`s books, go for it!!!

What kind of items were you selling? Maybe you could paint your characters and frame them ... I think it would look cute to have some of those on my daughter`s wall. Maybe you could also custom-paint the frames to match the room!

Children`s books are a very competitive market that is difficult to break into by submitting to the publishers.  I`m not saying it is impossible and that your passion and talent could not take you there.  Go for it!

But...

If you want to start a business, the question is how could you do what is the essence of children`s books (creating characters and telling a story) without being at the will of the publishers?  I think Nikole jumpstarted a great concept.

What if you created wall art that is sold in a series of prints?  They would hang in progression and tell a story with words and illustration.  It would be like hanging framed pages of a children`s book.  That would be so fun in a kid`s room!

The stories wouldn`t be as long as they probably could in a book but it might be a way to hone your skills and find an audience.  If they become popular, then the experience and exposure would speak volumes to book publishers who prefer that over unknowns.  So it might eventually lead to children`s books.

You could also self-publish and self-market ... and sell them in the same booth as these prints, and maybe online as well.

That way kids could get hooked on reading the story and having these prints.

And if you get enough word of mouth marketing going ... and sales ... your chance of someone big picking up your idea is a lot better. You`ve already proven yourself to be able to generate sales!

Thank you for your comments and advice, they are really good ideas, and something that is a great possibility.

You should really try children bedroom themes. Since parents are always looking to keep the children young, you could insert some of your ability into crafting themes. Plus, you could look into removable themes that attach to walls that could be sold for other bedrooms once the child grows out of it, so the parents before that are rewarded with cash incentive to upgrade their theme.

Really good idea too, thanks