Instructor Stories: Darcy Pattison

Darcy Pattison will be teaching our very first self-publishing course for children’s books, and I don’t think we could have found a better teacher. Darcy has been teaching through her own website, blog, and newsletters for years, as well as speaking at conferences. While Darcy has sold some of her books to traditional publishers, she has published most of her books herself.

I will be giving away one of Darcy’s books at the end of this blog post.

Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, a Notable Social Studies Trade Books, and an Arkansiana Award. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature. She blogs at IndieKidsBooks.com. For Darcy’s books, see MimsHouseBooks.com.

Darcy Pattison's Books

Darcy writes prolifically for a variety of children’s book categories, and as mentioned above, her self-published titles win awards that usually go to traditionally published books. They’re also very much at home in book stores.

I’m just going to drop the covers of a few of her award-winning books here for you to admire. If you want more learn more and/or buy any of these books, you can go to the award-winning section of Darcy’s Mim’s House Books website. 

Self-Publishing Children's Books

I’ve already established that Darcy’s bringing many years of experience and success to our new Self-Publishing Children’s Book course. Arree is so excited for this course that he’s purchased a spot in Darcy’s mentored critique group.

So, let me tell you why I’m excited about this course. Among other things, it’s going to include:

  • advice for surviving as a business
  • advice to help you plan your distribution
  • how to hire a great illustrator
  • a look at formatting options
  • marketing strategies for prepublication, launch, and ongoing sales.

We’re still in the process of making this Self Publishing Children’s Books course, so it isn’t available to purchase on our website. We hope to have it available by the end of January. If you’d like a free preview of the course, Darcy will be teaching a free live workshop on January 12, which you can register for here. The handout and replay will be available on our challenge page, whether you register or not. If you’re in our Makers Pro membership, you’ll automatically have access to the new course with live workshops in mid-January.

Book Giveaway

I’m giving away a copy of one of the books featured above, or any book of Darcy’s on her website. The winner can choose. Just comment on this blog post to enter. 

For additional entries, you can share the post on social media and post a link to where you’ve shared in the comments (preferably as a comment to your original comment so that all of your entries are grouped together). If you attend or watch the replay of the free live workshop on January 12, let me know one thing you learned in the comments, and I will add another entry. 

I’ll close the contest at midnight, Pacific Time, on January 18. Thanks for reading and sharing!

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Myrna Foster

Myrna Foster writes and edits content for Storyteller Academy and the WriteRiders Newsletter for SCBWI Nevada. She has spent a lot of time teaching and coaching children, including five years as a preschool teacher. She's also worked as a journalist, and Highlights High Five has published six of her poems.

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54 thoughts on “Instructor Stories: Darcy Pattison”

  4. Susie Jones

    I am so excited to hear Darcy Pattisin talk about self publishing tomorrow. Her books look very interesting. I’m sure she will give us her personal insite on what to know and how to go about it. Thank you so much for having this free week with all the wonderful speakers. I am really enjoying it!

    Reply
  6. Sheri Tidwell

    What a delightfully intriguing collection of work. I’m at the very beginning of my own journey into creating children’s literature and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to start learning the ropes from Darcy.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Janina Castillo

    Hello. I learned about defining the character, problem, ending and a few other points when writing a children’s book. It’s been very inspiring.

    Reply
  9. Martha Hollenhorst

    I am looking forward to Darcy’s session. I am new to this pursuit and am trying to absorb all the possibilities. Thank you for this opportunity.

    Reply
  13. Julie Kurtz

    I am looking forward to Darcy’s preseentation. As a retired school librarian,I recognize some of these covers and am intrigued by the others and totally impressed by her award list.

    Reply
    1. Andrenetta Dennis

      I’ve learned so much through Storyteller Academy and self publishing is definitely an area worth consideration. Teach us what you know please Darcy!

      Reply
  15. Shelly Porter

    Thank you, I loved reading this post. Darcy is a genuine Arkansas diamond. I received my pre-ordered copy of “Friday Comes on Tuesday: An Adventure at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art” yesterday, and, in true Darcy fashion, it is a fun and fantastic book to be shared widely.

    Reply
  20. Morgan

    It takes a lot of work and perseverance to be published and certainly self-published. Darcy gave a lot of great points on what to consider before diving in. Would love to take her course!

    Reply
  21. Victoria

    Great zoom session! Learned a lot about the options of self-publishing and got an idea of the income that could be generated from it! Thank you, Darcy, for generous advice.

    Reply
  23. Jana Lage

    Thank you for providing the opportunity to learn this week. Darcy has a wonderful presence. I learned as a self-publisher, not only do you need to have a amazing stories, you need the fortitude (and money) to get your books “out there” by targeting and marketing to your potential audience and building relationships to grow your business.

    Reply
  26. Samantha Rosa

    I learned a lot from this session. Darcy really gave a good overview of options in the self publishing world and her key questions were helpful to think about.

    Reply
  31. Lorrie

    I’ve learned that self-publishing is a bit like running a business, so I need to be prepared for that – so I’m looking forward to taking Darcy’s course and learning what I can about self-publishing. =)

    Reply
  34. Cara D.

    I’m so happy to have found your site! Looking forward to learning more and getting excited about books that I can share the inspiration and enthusiasm with!

    Reply
  37. Zankhana Thakkar

    It is fun to get the Storyteller newsletter. I learnt about Darci Pattinson and her books here and loved every title that was shared in this blog post! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of Darci’s books! Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Esther Lee

      Darcy and all of the other workshop facilitators provided so much sage advice. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the workshops I watched last week! Thank you for fanning the writing flame in me. 🔥

      Reply
  43. Miki Matsumoto

    Darcy is so impressive when I heard her speak. Her books are so varied but all relevant. She also talked about the importance of finding a good illustrator and managing the business of self-publishing. She sounds very accomplished and experienced.
    The truths and myths of self -publishing portion of her talk was eye-opening.

    Reply
  44. Patricia

    Wow, Darcy! I am really impressed by the variety of book styles. I am looking forward to attending your class this term. I am sure that I will learn a lot from your experience. Thanks for sharing it at Storyteller Academy.

    Reply
  47. Stacy Schilling

    Thank you for breaking down the different areas of publishing: self, author, etc. in terms of where your audience is located. It now gives me a better idea of where to publish my book based on my target audience. Great advice!

    Reply
  48. Natalie

    I just discovered this group and the challenge. I’m an artist who has always wanted to write and illustrate books- and all the speakers, including Darcy, are lighting a fire under me! Thank you!

    Reply

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