Though many mainstream publishers are interested in books that deal with special issues, some topics have too narrow an audience for a large house to market book successfully. In this case, many authors have elected to self-publish. If you get several personal rejection letters from editors who praise book but say audience isn't broad enough, you might consider publishing it yourself. But self-publishing should be approached cautiously; color illustrations are essential for picture books, making them very expensive to produce. And you must be prepared to devote at least a year of your life to selling and distributing your book. Most self-published books are sold primarily through direct mail. Can you purchase mailing lists of parents with children who could benefit from your book? Stories on adoption, specific childhood illnesses, or those that might fit in a pediatrician's waiting room or hospital gift shop are examples of books with a very targeted audience. Dan Poynter's The Self-Publishing Manual (Para Publishing) and The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross (Writer's Digest Books) are two good resources to check out before making commitment to self-publish.

# # #

For more information about writing children's books, including free articles, market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit Children's Book Insider's home on web at http://write4kids.com

Copyright 2001, Children's Book Insider, LLC

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN APPROPRIATE WRITING-RELATED WEB SITES, E-ZINES OR NEWSLETTERS. IT MUST BE REPRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY (EXCLUDING THIS NOTICE) AND MUST INCLUDE THE LINK TO WRITE4KIDS.COM.

Strategies to beat Perfection Syndrome

The first step in fighting Perfection Syndrome is to acknowledge that you've got it, and know that it's beatable. Any of strategies below will help.

* Morning Pages: first thing each morning, write three pages in longhand. The pages don't have to be about anything. You can write three pages of whining about situations in your life, or three pages of "This is stupid, I don't know what to write". Yes, but--- you're thinking: I'm supposed to write three pages no one will ever see, much less publish? YES. Just try process.

* Check in with your subconscious mind. Just wonder quietly about image you hold of your writing self. Either awake, while daydreaming, or in a dream, and image will float into your mind. If it's negative, change it to a life-affirming, encouraging and hopeful one.

* Set a target number of words for each writing session. However, set word target and quality LOW. Even on your worst migraine day you can write 200 words of gibberish. Or, promise yourself that whenever you turn on your computer, you will write 50 words on your current project.

* Keep a writing log for each writing session for a week. List what you worked on, how many words you wrote, and how you felt before you started writing and how you felt when you finished. Your writing log will convince you that writing can alter your moods: you'll feel better when you finish your writing session than you did before you started. It will also convince you that you can write when you're depressed, tired, or ill.

* Start a story prompts/ ideas file. A fresh idea may tempt you if you're resisting working on your current projects.

* Where else in your life do you expect perfection? If you're struck with Perfection Syndrome, it will manifest in other areas. List five of those areas, and several ways to combat each

* Perfectionism leads to procrastination: do one task each day that you've been putting off. Be willing to skimp on task, and do it badly, but do it.

Copyright © 2002 by Angela Booth

***Resource box: if using, please include*** When your words sound good, you sound good. Author and copywriter Angela Booth crafts words for your business --- words to sell, educate or persuade. Get in touch today for a free quote: ab@digital-e.biz Free ezine: Creative Small Biz --- subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Creative_Small_Biz/

**END**