Self-Publishing - How I found some success--but still itching for more

About ten years ago I decided to extend my illustrating hobby and explore the idea of writing children's books. I spent a year working on a middle-grade book (Solving Damian Dermite) while working part time as an educational assistant and attending McMaster University.
Unfortunately, I was rejected by many literary agents simply because my story (at the time) was too 'telling' and wasn't what the publishing houses were looking for.
No worries, I was lucky enough to find some success in Newspapers in Education and Solving Damian Dermite and the next two sequels landed in the hands of thousands of children all over North America.
Yay me.
But there were still the 'rejections' lingering over me and it took a while to realize this was just another invitation to explore other genres and age groups.
And then it happened--
One day, I decided to create a DIY children's book titled, "How to Sneak your Monster into School."
I created a book trailer on Youtube and linked it to my website. Somehow, the video reached thousands of viewers and it wasn't long before I started making sales through my website. As months went by, I realized my target audience were teachers, looking to launch a language unit on procedural writing. At this point, I changed the title of my YouTube video to "Procedural Writing." I then created a private full video of the book that can be ordered along with a PDF/Ebook.
I also published the book on Blurb and TeachersPayTeachers, where sales continued to increase.
At this point, I'm selling roughly 40 books/month, which may not sound like a lot, but for me, it is a success.
What is your success story?

ASK THE AUTHOR!

 Dear Teachers, Students and Parents,

Welcome to my Blog - Below are the first four Serial Stories available to you.  Being a teacher and an author, I would be delighted to hear from you. As you read these stories, feel free to send me messages, ask me questions, or simply say hello. You can also reach me at chris@nextpagestories.com.

Regards,

Christopher Francis
www.nextpagestories.com
www.francisart.com

 When eleven year-old Alex Thomas meets a new boy in his class named Henry Greenfield, Alex’s wild imagination gets the best of him. Convinced that the new boy will steal his chances of becoming popular, Alex decides to humiliate him. In the process, Alex finds himself dealing with socially awkward situations that begin to spiral out of control. However, everything changes when Alex finds Henry on the playground being picked on by Damian Dermite, the meanest boy in school. Alex is suddenly inspired to do the right thing and stick up for Henry, even if it means getting himself suspended. Ultimately, Alex learns vital lessons about respect, friendship, and himself.

An impulsive eleven-year-old boy named Alex Thomas has just angered Damian Dermite. Sadly he realizes he will likely have to spend the sixth grade finding clever ways to escape the vengeful bully. Alex soon discovers that hiding in the boy’s bathroom, stinking up the cafeteria, pulling the fire alarm and running away, are not the answers. When he finds himself standing with no clothes on in front of the entire school, Alex quickly realizes things have gotten way out of hand. With help from his brother, and a calculated plan in place, Alex faces his greatest fear...and finds the giant inside himself.

Haunted by a boy named Riley Grayson, twelve year-old Wesley is suddenly confronted by three things he fears the most in life: Love, Bullying and Ghosts. 

While on a grade eight camping trip at Lake Stoneway, Wesley struggles with his fears, trying to find ways to get the attention of Michelle Heartly while stopping his best friend from picking on a new boy named Simon.

Thinking the world is coming to an end, Bailey and Margaret watch a strange object hurtle from the sky. The two nervously investigate the mysterious crash and discover an alien has landed on earth. A teenage farm boy named Sheldon joins them as they try to help the lost creature return to its home. However, they soon realize this alien is not alone. This story highlights friendship, loyal, respect and leadership.

Top 10 reasons not to read my books

Top 10 reason why nobody should read my books:

10: The messages in all of the stories are too important which promotes character development 
9.) There are too many cliff hangers in the chapter stories making me want to read more 
8.) The stories focus on personal events and experiences rather than cheese and cliches
7.) The characters are too easy to connect with 
6.) There are too many illustrations in the picture books
5.) The author gets too many of his ideas from his own students
4.) The writing shows the reader what is happening, rather telling the reader
3.) The author is secretly trying to get your to read this top 10 list so that you will actually want to read his books
2.) The author's website is too cluttered www.francisart.com
1.) Christopher Francis spends too much time interacting with his readers (answering questions and engaging in general conversations about writing)

Madelyn Featherton

Latest Book Bubble for "Remembering Kaylee Cooper"

http://bit.ly/1NoWOWl

Remembering Kaylee Cooper

Top Ten Books I read as a Child

10.) A Wrinkle in Time
9.) The Magic Far Away Tree
8.) The Twits
7.) The Secret Island
6.) Fantastic Mr. Fox
5.) The Giving Tree
4.) The Velveteen Rabbit
3.) Calvin and Hobbes Series
2.) Tuck Everlasting
1.) Asterix and Obelix Series

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