Self-Publishing for Authors and Illustrators

How to contact Beth: Beth. Snider. Art@gmail.com In this episode of Self Publishing for Authors and Illustrators , Beth sits down with author Jonathan Alexander to talk about his journey into writing and his work on the Variety KC children’s book series. Jonathan shares how he got started, how he approaches writing from a child’s perspective, and what it takes to tell authentic, meaningful stories...

In this episode, Beth sits down with illustrator Laura Muncie to share her journey from Scotland to Germany, how she became a full time illustrator, and what it was like attending the world renowned Bologna Children’s Book Festival. Laura gives a behind the scenes look at the Bologna Festival, often considered the biggest event in the world for children’s books and illustration. From industry tren...

Izzy B is not your typical children’s author. He’s doing 99 school visits a year, dressing up like a goose to deliver books, and creating stories that are actually impacting kids in a real way. In this episode, we dive into his journey from being a teacher to becoming a full time author and illustrator. We talk about rejection, self publishing, the grind behind the scenes, and why kids today need...

I sat down with illustrator Stewart Long to talk about his journey from drawing as a kid to creating powerful children’s books with real meaning. We get into how he went from treating art like a hobby to realizing it was something much bigger, how his faith shaped the work he creates, and what it actually looks like to pursue creativity while raising a family and working a full-time job. We also t...

In this episode, Beth sits down with illustrator Heli Pohjoisaho to talk about her journey from Finland to becoming a professional children’s book illustrator. Heli shares how a simple decision in her 30s turned into a full career, what it really takes to build an illustration portfolio, and how she created and published her own book from start to finish. They also dive into working with authors,...

In this episode, Beth sits down with children’s book illustrator Brian Martin for an inside look at what it really takes to bring a story to life through art. Brian shares his full process from reading a manuscript for the first time to developing scenes, characters, and the overall feel of a book. He talks about working with both self-published authors and traditional publishing houses, how he ap...

In this solo episode, I share a more personal look at my own illustration work and the projects I am currently juggling behind the scenes. I talk about what it is like handling multiple books at once, why giving authors room for feedback matters, and some of the challenges and rewards that come with the illustration process. I also take you inside one of the most meaningful projects I have been pa...

In this episode, Beth sits down with Tammy Dever, founder of TLC Book Design, for a conversation packed with insight for both authors and illustrators. Tammy shares how TLC Book Design got started, what goes into creating a professional quality book, and why the relationship between an author, illustrator, and designer matters so much. They also dig into the differences between print on demand and...

In this episode, Beth shares honest insights from inside the children’s book world as both an illustrator and agency owner. She discusses the real differences between traditional publishing and self publishing, why so many authors chase legitimacy through publishers, and how to avoid costly vanity press traps. Beth also breaks down practical decisions every author faces, including offset printing...

In this episode, Beth answers the most common questions she receives from authors who are just beginning their self publishing journey. If you have a finished manuscript but feel unsure about what to do next, this conversation will walk you through the real process of turning your story into a professional children’s book. Beth explains how illustration, book design, pricing, timelines, and creati...

In this episode, Beth Snider sits down with illustrator Noelle Paramo, one of the artists in Beth’s agency, for an honest conversation about building a creative life with purpose. Noelle shares how homeschooling, a big entrepreneurial family, and a parent led “talent time” shaped her work ethic and helped her develop both her art and her love for horses. They talk through the real illustration pro...

In this first episode of Self Publishing for Authors and Illustrators , Beth Snider shares her personal journey from hobby artist to full time children’s book illustrator. She talks about how she built a sustainable career in self publishing without art school, without waiting to be picked by a major publisher, and without racing to the bottom on pricing. Beth walks through how she found her path...