Several months ago a client sent a link to a video regarding writing and illustrating children’s books. It contained (in over 80 minutes) a massive amount of information, much of which I already knew and some I didn’t agree with. But what caught my attention was the claim that in 48 hours you could not only write a children’s book but have it illustrated and published and be making money.
He claimed his technique would help you churn out a project equivalent to such acclimated classics as from “Dr. Seuss” or the successful “Diary of a Whimpy Kid”. I believe his intent was that you could create an illustrated book that rivaled the quality of the illustrations in those best selling authors.
The focus was using Fiverr.com as the source of professional but inexpensive illustrations. Thus we decided to test this theory and ultimately started the “Fiverr Project”.
THE FIVERR PROJECT
For the next several weeks I will be chronicling the journey—from start to finish. I first setup the “goal” list, according to the claims in the video.
- write a book in 48 hours
- have it illustrated (for $5 an illustration)
- get it published to ebook
- make money
Sounds simple, right? Well, as you will see, the journey, like most fiction, is taking on a life of its own. Of course I added the extra element of two collaborative minds on one project. However, I believe you will not only find the journey enlightening, but the final product amusing—perhaps even best-selling. :)
So welcome to our Journey….
THE JOURNEY
Follow us on our journey through the Fiverr Project. I’ll detail the obstacles, time, costs, frustrations, and everything in between on creating a “best-selling” book.
- To Trend or Not to Trend
- Writing Your Story
- What to look for when Choosing the Illustrator (technique to match your story – cost to match your budget; usage rights)
- Book Cover Design (again, to trend or not to trend)
- Publication (ebook and print)
- Final Breakdown (cost and time)
- The Missing elements
