Guest Post: Viv Lorkin on The Self-Publishing Road

- 

I often describe my ideas as niggles, but a more accurate description would be having a giant billboard in my head with a sign that says, ‘Do this cool thing next’. Sometimes I metaphorically drive right past, knowing it’s not a detour I want to take. Other times I’m exiting early with a carload of craft supplies and paper. In the case of my debut graphic novel, it was a billboard that would not go away; it was lit up at night, nudging the corners of my days with whimsical little ideas, characters that would join the scenes playing in my head, and a loose storyline waiting impatiently to be written

I made the turn towards my little gnomes early and with great excitement. As a collector of trinkets, my small-hatted friends have been companions in my garden for many years, and it brings me great joy to imagine their lives amongst the plants, playing survival of the fittest (the plants, not the gnomes). I knew there was a story there, but I didn’t know where it would lead me.

As I enter my fifth year of being a self-published children’s book author and illustrator, I’ve learnt an incredible amount of lessons from releasing nine books into the world, and I also feel like I have an enormous amount to still learn. But I love it, and even on the days when I announce to myself that I will never be a ‘real’ author or illustrator, something nudges me back on track. Sometimes it’s the reminder of the why, or it’s a kind-hearted person sharing their children’s joy in one of my books.

I’ll be honest, I am somewhat of a perfectionist, which doesn’t blend overly well with an ADHD mind. But it has given me the confidence to pursue creative works in an industry that can often feel like you’re waiting for a golden ticket. The self-publishing path is varied, and it's a choice to make. There are well-supported courses, free tutorials and a community waiting, but there are also scammers and AI lurking. So, like anything with up-front costs, go with eyes open and a bank that can readily dispute payments

To continue with being transparent, I don’t think I’d be doing children’s books if I couldn’t do almost every element of them. I sound like a control freak, and I am, but not about this. It’s just very economical that I have a specific skillset (said in a Liam Neeson voice). Every book is an investment of your time, energy, creativity and finances, and that’s poured into each page. Before my first book, I was a web and graphic designer, and I’ve done marketing, packaging, illustration, trade shows, and events, and I use all of those skills every single day.

I will always opt for an editor. I know my strengths and wordsmithing the finer details is not one of those skills! That is the beauty in self-publishing: you can pick and choose, but it’s also the danger, because it’s a mighty effort to go from words to a book in your hands.

Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure was two years in the making - from the idea, two rejections, countless iterations, a few redirections, 200 illustrations and an up-front payment to print 1,000 copies. Hand on heart, I never want to deter anyone away from their dream, but I feel it is important to be real. I wish I had known what it takes to self-publish before I started. I’d still do it, of course, because I’ve found so much joy and reward in the process, but some handy tips would have helped with a few bumps along the way.

Here’s my short, sweet and super handy guide to self-publishing:

1. Know When to Commit
   Is that just a giant shiny billboard with a cool idea, or is it something you actually care about? Know the difference between a fun idea, a good idea and just an idea. I prefer my pursuits to be good with a sprinkling of magic and whimsy. The outcome isn’t guaranteed, but it makes for a great story.
   
   
2. The Numbers Matter
   I’m not going to berate you if you don’t have it all sorted, but having an idea of the costing is important. I had to redo my print run numbers, RRP, and wholesale price balancing a few times before I landed on the right number. I have a distributor, John Reed Books, so if I went too low on my RRP, I’d be losing money. I technically work for free when I create each of my books, but it’s still time I don’t get back, so I factor in what a successful sale number looks like.
   
   
3. If It Feels Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is.
   This is stock standard advice, but it’s solid. Don’t lose the joy, but double-check the validity and credit of the people you are planning to work with.
   
   
4. Understand Your Path
   Everyone's journey to a book is going to look different. I start with a cover design first, for others that might be last on their list. I print my books offset, while print-on-demand services like KDP or IngramSpark are some of the most popular options. I use InDesign, and Canva works for others. It’s all about personal preference, but an outline of the steps, programs and services is helpful to stay on track.
   
   
5. Embrace the Process
   My books are not perfect, and I’ve never read one that is! I love the little quirks of my writing and prefer a messy illustration style because the mistakes look natural. Each redirection has led me to points of reflection, confronting self-doubt and ultimately embracing the messiness of the process.
   
   
6. It’s Serious but Not That Serious

It’s kids' books - it’s shaping young minds, and that’s serious business. But don’t lose yourself in the pursuit. The end goal is books in hands and hopefully smiles on kids' faces. Let’s not lose sight of the importance of our work or take the fun out of it. I’m drawn to kids' books because it brings out the silliness in me, and that makes for a seriously fun career.

7. Don’t Go Alone
   Writing and illustrating can be lonely; the majority of the time, it’s a solitary practice. It’s vital to have support and a community. I’ve moved two states in the last few years, and it cracks you open to the importance of connection. I immediately joined the Gold Coast Writers’ Association and was warmly welcomed into The Ten Penners writers’ group, which focuses on children’s literature. I went alone and walked away with both calendar and heart full. I also found immense support in the children’s literary space, from Storyfest to the CYA and The Cardboard Box Illustrators. There’s also plenty of online groups and forums with like-minded people. I always keep an eye out for close-by events, as I can often lurk but not engage in meaningful connections online, and meeting people in person is often easier for me as a yapper. Even if the people in your life don’t quite get what you’re doing, remember there are people out there, like me, who have been in the querying, editing and iteration trenches. You’re not alone. 

Whether you’re a book lover, have eager young readers at home or want to pursue your own publishing journey, I hope you follow the billboards of your dreams wherever they take you.

Liv Lorkin is a heart-led children's book author, illustrator and visual storyteller. Since packing books underneath her bed as a child, she’s loved reading, writing and colouring outside the lines. With a blended background in science and a career in design, she creates thoughtful stories that spread messages of hope and joy. Inspired by nature, magic and a dash of whimsy, her debut graphic novel, Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure, is set to be released in 2026 with great excitement. When not immersed in illustrating, she can be found exploring gardens, finishing a good puzzle and drinking her third cup of tea.

Get in touch with Liv via her website | Facebook | Instagram

Meanwhile here's my 'bonsai' review of what I loved about the first book in the Gnoming About series.

This delightful junior fiction series kicks off with Tree Mail Adventure. What I loved about this graphic novel encounter for under 8s is the subtle introduction to the notion of the world wide web ... of tree root communication. The mysteries and marvels of flora interconnectedness are slowly becoming more realised and appreciated, but I have never experienced this theme in a graphic novel for younger readers before! Brava to Liv Lorkin for addressing environmental awareness in such a fun and accessible way for youngsters. I am sure fans will anticipate further titles in this series with glee.