January 26, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - January 28, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
Traditional publishing is just one path to getting your stories into readers’ hands. In this two-part short course, award-winning children’s book author Darcy Pattison reveals the secrets of successful self-publishing, from identifying which stories thrive independently, to reaching readers and marketing your work with confidence.
Across two 75-minute sessions, you’ll gain insight into how to manage the creative, technical, and promotional sides of publishing your own books.
In this course you’ll discover:
- What stories work best for self-publishing,
- How to reach your audience without a traditional publisher at the helm,
- How to hone the skills you need market yourself and your stories,
- And much more!
This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information.
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Monday, January 26th (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
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Wednesday, January 28th (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat.
- The sessions will be recorded if you can’t attend live.
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You’ll have access to the recordings through February 28th, 2026.
Why This Workshop?
Self-publishing offers a direct, empowering path between you and your readers. But it also requires you to wear many hats: writer, editor, designer, and marketer.
In this information-packed short course, Darcy Pattison will share her hard-earned lessons and strategies for making self-publishing both manageable and rewarding. You’ll learn what kinds of stories succeed in this space, how to connect authentically with your audience, and what pitfalls to avoid as you build your publishing career.
You’ll explore:
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Genres that work best for self-publishing;
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Strategies to keep readers reading (and buying!);
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Do’s and don’ts of self-publishing;
- and more!
Please note: If you cannot attend the session LIVE, you will receive the recording following the class, with access until February 28, 2026.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are starting out as an author and/or illustrator for children’s books, and want to understand the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing.
- You’ve been trying to break into traditional publishing and want to learn about other paths to publication.
- You have started your path towards self-publishing and wish to know what to take advantage of (and what pitfalls to avoid).
- You’re looking for something short and smart! This is not a full workshop; these are short sessions meant to engage and build an understanding of the opportunities presented when it comes to self-publishing.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.
All Times are Eastern Time.
Part 1: Monday, January 26th, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
Part 1: Self-publishing 101
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Why self-publish?
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After the manuscript: your self-publishing to-do list
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Genres that work best for self-publishing
- Q&A
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Part 2: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm EST)
Part 2: The Business of Self-publishing
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- Promotion, publicity, marketing, oh my!
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Strategies to keep readers reading (and buying)
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Do’s & Don’ts of Self-Publishing
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Business and finances of self-publishing
- Q&A
Learn More About This Kidlit Self-Publishing Workshop
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect?
In this mini workshop on kidlit self-publishing, you can expect:
- Limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
If you’d like to learn more, see our note on feedback in our programs.
How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Kids crave all kinds of stories. This course can help you explore how to get your story directly to kids.
Will the Workshop Be Recorded?
IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:
- If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through February 28th, 2026.
- Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.
