Guest: Karen Cioffi

This week's guest is Karen Cioffi. Karen, who lives with her husband Donald in New York City, is an author and freelance writer, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Children’s Writing Coaching Club, Writer’s Digest and Writer’s Market. She's also a member of several other writing groups.

1. Karen, now that you've got that first "book under your belt" as to say, what has been the best thing about your publishing experience so far?

I would have to say all the great authors and friends I've met in the marketing aspect of it--it's opened a whole new world to me.

2. The illustrations for "Day’s End Lullaby" are wonderful; how did you find an illustrator for your book or did you do the artwork yourself?

I looked for an illustrator in a school, but didn't get anyone interested and I couldn't afford to hire a professional illustrator so I did the illustrations myself. I know it's advised not to do that unless you're a professional, but it was me or no one. My first intention was to do the illustrations in black and white, but Robyn thought it would be better in color.

3. What tips do you have for other authors who may be considering to independently publish an illustrated children's book?

I would first say join a critique group and polish your ms as best you can - if you're not getting it edited professionally. As far as the illustrations go I would recommend looking around different groups to see if you can find an illustrator who will work with you. If you have enough talent, do them yourself. I read in one of the tours that Joy Delgado taught herself to do illustrations on the computer. There are some programs out there, such as PhotoShop Elements, that you can use for this. Finally, I would say to thoroughly research the PODs and self-publishing companies out there. If you can get a recommendation from someone who has already used a company with success that's even better.

4. How has the response been from others/the general public?

From the feedback I've gotten so far the book has gone over very well. I've gotten several reviews and they were all great. Wayne, from Stories for "Children's Magazine" gave it a 5-Star rating, my local paper did a three-quarter page write up about it, and my local librarian is working on getting it into the library.

5. What has been the hardest part of being a children's author?

For me, I would say keeping the words age appropriate. After that I think it's the learning aspect of writing specifically for children. There are a lot of rights and wrongs that go into this genre. It's important to learn the craft and that takes time and effort.

6. What do you enjoy the most about writing for children?

Children are such a joy and source of inspiration. My co-author, who happens to be my daughter, and I are both advocates of education and reading. Reading opens new worlds to children. It can enlighten them, it can open their imagination and it can teach them. Being a part of that is just a wonderful feeling.

7. Where do you want to be a year from now?

In regards to writing, I would like to have had my story, "Walking Through Walls," accepted by a publisher and my freelance writing published in paying markets.

8. And lastly, where can interested readers find out more about you and your work?

"Day’s End Lullaby" is available at Amazon, BookSurge, Alibris and Abebooks. It is also available through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide such as Books in Print, Global Books in Print and Baker and Taylor.

For more information about Karen and her work, please visit:

Children's Book by Karen & Robyn
Karen & Robyn Blog