The world of writing and publishing children's books can be challenging to navigate without a road map. You must have a ton of questions and here to answer them all for you and then some is bestselling author and writing coach extraordinaire
Rosie J. Pova!
We will talk about the road to becoming an award-winning author, school visits, writing courses, retreats and the joys of reading, writing and coaching.
Welcome!
Her generosity of spirit, big heart, imaginative stories and creative genius, make her the perfect author to admire, coach to learn from and mentor to look up to. Her incredible story will move, inspire and empower as it fills you with hope. Whether you are a parent, teacher, librarian or an aspiring children's book writer, Rosie has something for you.
So, without further ado, it is my absolute pleasure and privilege to present to you my friend and bestselling, award-winning author,
Rosie J. Pova!
About Rosie and the Road to Publishing Children's Books
Rosie it is such a pleasue to chat with you. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about writing and publishing children's books. I would like to start with what brought you here. Please describe your journey to publication. When did you know you wanted to write for children and what did it take?
My journey to publishing children's books was quite long, lonely for the most part, and tough.
I’ve always had a passion for writing, ever since my childhood, but I didn’t necessarily know that I wanted to become a children’s author. In school, literature (which included reading and writing in Bulgaria), and foreign languages were my two favorite subjects. I was pretty good at those!
My first year in French language school (the equivalent of middle school + high school here) I won a writing contest with my sci-fi short story in French. It was a great boost in confidence!
Fast forward several years later when I immigrated to North America as a young adult, got married and started a family, I was reading picture books to my daughter and that reignited my love for storytelling. I wanted to try my hand at it and write picture books.
My English wasn’t fluent, and I was still learning. Plus, at the time, I didn’t even know how much I didn’t know about crafting a good story for this modern market in a different culture. In addition, I was absolutely clueless about how the publishing business worked. But I was determined to find out. It sort of became an obsession.
In the beginning, I made all the mistakes that most new aspiring authors make, and then some! A few years of trial and error followed. I felt like giving up many times, but it turned out I just couldn’t. By then, I had become so passionate about the idea of getting my stories published, that there was no turning back for me.
I found out about SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators) and became a member. Then I joined a critique group and that was a game-changer.
In the beginning, I made all the mistakes that most new aspiring authors make, and then some!
Rosie J. Pova
I also started going to conferences, seminars, workshops, and writing retreats, trying to hone my craft, learn about traditional publishing, and immerse myself in the kidlit community.
Meanwhile, I wrote, read books on the craft, read newly published books, learned from other authors, wrote more and more stories. They were mainly picture books, but I also attempted to complete a middle grade novel. And I did! It took me eighteen months, but I was quite proud of that accomplishment!
After about nine years since I had decided to pursue publication, I finally managed to attract an agent with that middle grade novel! It was query number 116 that received a yes!
I was thrilled and thought I’d made it, at last. But it was one of those highs that is followed by a low point. The agent didn’t sell the book and after our year-long contract expired, we parted ways.
I continued to query both agents and publishing houses.
Then in 2016 I received three offers of publication from a small publisher! They acquired my middle grade novel and two of my picture books. All three books were released in 2017 and they are still in print.
Since then, I’ve worked with five different literary agents (but have had more offers of representation and sometimes more than one offer at the same time), I’ve sold five books directly to publishers, my books have won awards, they’re distributed around the world, and I had a book featured in The New York Times and Parents magazine.
Like I said, it’s been a long road to get here—seventeen years now. But I truly love what I do!
Many aspiring writers doubt that they could write if English is not their first language. As a multilingual immigrant yourself, you are the perfect example of success once you put your mind to something. It could not have been easy, but you did it. What advice would you give to those interested in publishing children's books, but are hesitant to write because of the language barrier?
Yes, that’s a great question! I did struggle with that since English is not my native language and it’s not even my second language—it’s my fourth. I didn’t go to school here, I didn’t grow up in this culture, so there were definitely obstacles. But that’s not to say those obstacles should stop us or that they cannot be overcome. Like you said, when you put your mind to it, you find a way.
And in my case, all that was fueled by my passion for writing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to sustain the journey.
"This is a skill that you develop over time, and it is in your control, no excuses! It takes commitment, being open to feedback and learning how to implement.
It takes practice!"
Rosie J. Pova
So, to any writer in that position, my advice would be to read lots of books in the genre you write, to join a critique group, invest in your craft—courses, workshops, writing retreats, professional critiques etc. This is a skill that you develop over time, and it is in your control, no excuses! It takes commitment, being open to feedback and learning how to implement. It takes practice.
Which leads me to another thing you can do and that is to write a lot! Don’t get stuck on one story. Write many stories. Experiment. Revise a lot!
And finally, work on your mindset. You have to believe in your stories, in yourself, and in your calling.
When I work with clients and students in my writing courses and mentorship programs, those are some of the major aspects I address to help them so that they can advance their careers much faster than what it took me to become an author.
"...write a lot! Don’t get stuck on one story. Write many stories. Experiment.
Revise a lot!"
Rosie J. Pova
Talking about success, I have to bring up the New York Times. What an accomplishment! I think it is the one publication authors of all genres and walks of life aspire to see their names in. Tell us about the experience. How did you find out that you would be featured and what was it like when you saw your name in print?
I’ll never forget the moment when I found out—it was such a thrill and a total surprise! I was eating dinner at home, and I got a direct message on Instagram from the book’s illustrator, Amariah Rauscher, saying, “Omg!! Did you see our book is on the New York Times.com????” and she sent me the link to the online post. I was sooo excited! Someone had reached out to her to congratulate her and that’s how she found out. This was my reply….
Then I did a happy dance around the kitchen island LOL.
Our publisher didn’t even know it had been featured yet because of the time difference since they are based in the UK, and so I think Amariah and I learned about it before Lantana did.
I wasn’t sure whether the article would only be posted online or if it would make it into the print edition. But since my brother-in-law lives in New York City, I called him and asked him to check the Sunday paper book reviews, and if my book was in it, to buy me a few copies of the newspaper for me. I wanted to have those tangible memorabilia and the actual newspaper clipping to frame.
Then on that Sunday, I learned that I could actually find the paper in Dallas, too. So, I drove around town to a bunch of gas stations and bought all the newspapers I could find LOL. I think I got four or five. And then I did cut out the article and framed it. It’s on my wall now, I see it every day, and I am so grateful!
It really has been a long road for you, but well worth it. Looking back, what if anything, would you do differently? As someone, who has already earned a name for herself in the writing community, what would you say is one thing you have learned over the years, you wish you knew stating out?
I would probably do many things differently. For example, I’d focus on honing my craft from the very beginning rather than focusing on submissions when my work wasn’t ready to be sent out.
What I’ve learned over the years, I wish I knew starting out, is that looking for shortcuts ends up costing many wasted years and missed opportunities. And also, seeking community and support early on is invaluable!
"What I’ve learned over the years, I wish I knew starting out, is that looking for shortcuts ends up costing many wasted years and missed opportunities."
Rosie J. Pova
On Coaching Aspiring Authors - Publishing Children's Books with Traditional Publishers
Now you not only write but also provide coaching services for aspiring children’s book writers. Publishing children's books is not as easy as some may think. What was your motivation behind turning to coaching? How did it all start?
Yes, I am now coaching other writers and offer online courses. That work makes me so happy because it’s so rewarding to see that my clients are getting results, much-needed clarity, and how they’re shortening the learning curve significantly—all the things I wished I had access to when I first embarked on the publishing journey.
It all officially started shortly before the pandemic hit.
Well, I had been thinking about putting something together so that I could help other writers who are on the same path I was years ago, and just wanted to share what I’ve learned, show them how they can avoid many of the mistakes I’d made, and offer guidance and provide clarity, but I didn’t really know how to go about putting all that together. I was quite intimidated by the technology it might involve, so, I didn’t get to it or try to figure it out.
Then, when the pandemic hit, the founder and executive director of Writing Workshops Dallas had seen an author related post of mine on Facebook and he reached out to me to invite me to join his team as a children’s writing instructor. They had switched all of their classes online and I was supposed to create a course.
"...a course that provides a step-by-step process of what I thought every aspiring author needed."
Rosie J. Pova
Since we were all stuck at home with nothing much to do, I thought it’s time to put that idea I’ve been holding inside for so long into action. So, this finally gave me the motivation to create a course that provides a step-by-step process of what I thought every aspiring author needed. I looked back at my journey—from the very start to the present moment—and condensed all of my knowledge, experience, and wisdom into a system. I didn’t want to only teach on one element of writing or publishing, I wanted to give it my all.
That’s how my first writing course was born.
Then I created an extended Mentorship program. It was amazing to see my students advance with their writing so fast!
Since then, I’ve worked with many writers, and the feedback from them has been incredible! I’ve had many clients who have taken all of my courses as they advance to the next level, so they keep coming back to work with me. Being able to help them get closer to their publishing dreams feels wonderful!
The latest success story I’d like to share is my client and mentee, Blair, who was just starting out writing her first children’s story when she took my course, two of my mentorships, and a super intense in-person private coaching. As a result, she completed six manuscripts, pitches, and query letters, plus a targeted submission list.
She started getting publishing offers, and shortly after that, Blair signed with a literary agent. A few months later, she signed a contract for her debut picture book! Her book will be released soon, and I cannot be happier for her!
Just to give you the rough math on this entire process, from pen to publishing contract, it took her about a year. Back when I started, this process took me twelve years.
Please share with us the many ways you help KidLit writers who dream of publishing children's books. What programs and services do you currently offer and how do they work together?
My most popular course is WRITING FOR CHILDREN: FROM IDEA TO SUBMISSION IN 10 WEEKS and it’s geared toward beginners or intermediate level picture book writers.
For more advanced writers who have reached a certain level with their craft, want to build a body of work, and need one-on-one personalized coaching, I offer a 6-week mentorship. That one is by application only, and we have to be a good match for each other to be working together, so I am very selective with that program.
I also just launched two new workshops: WRITING PICTURE BOOKS WITH HEART on-demand webinar and BUILDING YOUR AUTHOR BRAND BEFORE YOU’RE PUBLISHED video training series.
All of these courses and trainings work together as they combine craft, business, and branding to offer a well-rounded system to help an aspiring author. There are also free resources that writers can download. All of those can be found on my writing workshops webpage.
Let’s talk about your incredibly comprehensive, one-of-a-kind writing course – Writing for Children: From Idea to Submission in 10 weeks. I am in awe of how much work you put into it and how helpful it is for any writer, beginner or not, to develop their craft and grow in their career. Tell us about the course and what can students expect from it?
Thank you, Ivanka, I appreciate your saying that. I am really proud of this course, and I love seeing how it’s helping writers. As I mentioned before, I developed it with an all-inclusive process in mind. I strived to condense everything I’ve learned up to that point in my career and put it into a product that I wish I had available to me in the earlier years of my journey.
The course lays a solid foundation and builds on that with ten weekly modules as it takes writers through the entire process from coming up with fresh ideas and evaluating them, to developing all elements of a story, then revising, writing pitches and query letters, all the way to preparing submission lists and sending out their work. It has a lot of resources, exercises, and bonuses included. The course is self-paced, and the material can be applied over and over to each new manuscript (of fictional picture book written in prose).
One thing I need to stress here however is that the writer must implement all that they learn in the course, do all the assignments, and complete the entire process. Remember, we only get results from work we complete, not from intending to do it. 
For those who are interested in checking it out, you can find the details, review the syllabus, and read the testimonials here. AND, exclusively to your blog fans, I am offering a special discount of a $200 off of the course tuition with this coupon code at checkout: IVANKA
"Remember, we only get results from work we complete, not from intending to do it."
Rosie J. Pova
That’s incredible. It seems like Writing for Children just launched and there is already a success story and many more to come, I am sure. For writers hoping to break into the world of publishing children's books this is definitely a game-changer to say the least. It is a ticket to publication if you will. Rather than wandering around year after year, rejection after rejection, like we did, you hop on this incredible, non-stop ride and go straight to being a published author. It must be so rewarding to see your students succeed.
It really has been rewarding, and I wish that all of my students who take this ride with me do get to that dream destination much faster! I do expect many more success stories from my students and look forward to helping many more new writers, too.
And while there are no guarantees as to when exactly a book deal would happen for each writer, we are in control of developing our craft, learning how the publishing business works, and doing our part of implementing what we’ve learned. In that regard, I am confident that the course helps writers propel their careers, bringing them closer to becoming published authors.
"...we are in control of developing our craft, learning how the publishing business works, and doing our part of implementing what we’ve learned."
Rosie J. Pova
You have something else coming up, that’s incredibly exciting - a Fall Writer’s Retreat. And what a perfect time to have it, right before the holidays and in time for all those new year resolutions. When did you come up with the idea and what motivated you to plan and host a retreat catered to KidLit writers?
Yes! I am super excited about the retreat! It’s called CHAMPAGNE & CUPCAKES WOMEN PICTURE BOOK WRITERS RETREAT.
Again, thinking of what I would’ve wanted in an event like that, I’ve been meaning to organize something awesome for writers. A while ago, I had planned to do a workshop with a Random House Editor, but unfortunately it got canceled because of the pandemic.
Now I’m back to planning, and this time it’s a retreat that will hopefully offer a valuable and memorable experience to picture book writers. I have a big vision to expand on those retreats and make them quite exquisite! You just have to wait and see…. But do register, of course, before they sell out because I will keep them small in size but spectacular.
"I have a big vision to expand on those retreats and make them quite exquisite! You just have to wait and see…."
Rosie J. Pova
In the world of writing and publishing children's books there are many opportunities to work on your skills as a writer such as conferences, writing residences and retreats. Conferences focus on the networking and learning the craft aspect, while residences are mostly about working in solitude. What I love most about writing retreats is that they offer the best of both worlds. For those new to the industry, why would you say a writing retreat is an experience every writer should have?
Well, a retreat gives you an opportunity to implement which I mentioned earlier is so crucial to advancing. In regards to my upcoming retreat, it’s a hybrid that will have the best elements of conferences, retreats, and workshops combined!
My idea is to include craft and business workshops, critique round tables, writing prompts, writing and revision time, networking, food, fun, games and giveaways, a “red carpet” reception and much more! Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what to call this event because it’ll be much more than just a retreat. 
Give us some details about your fantastic retreat. Where will it be, who is it perfect for and are beginner writers welcome?
The retreat is planned for the beginning of November this year, starting with a Champagne & Cupcakes reception and networking on Friday evening, 11/4/22 and closing on Sunday evening, 11/6/22.
The daily workshops will be hosted at a private residence in Dallas, TX, but the attendees will be lodging at a nearby hotel. It is for female beginners and intermediate picture book writers who are unagented and unpublished traditionally.
True to yourself, I am sure you have tons of amazing activities planned. What can you tell us about what’s in store for attendees without spoiling the surprise?
I shared quite a bit above haha, but there are more surprises planned for sure. I think this will be an uplifting, intimate, and productive gathering of kidlit women writers that attendees will love. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being a part of, I invite you to register as early as possible. Once we reach capacity, registration will shut down, so don’t wait. Give yourself this gift and treat your writer-self to this experience.
*To read more about the 1st annual Champagne & Cupcakes Womens Picture Book Writers Retreat check out my review HERE.
All About the Creative Writing Process
What is your writing process, and does it vary depending on the project?
My process varies with each project. Most of the time, I start my stories in a notebook and write the entire draft there. Then I go back and revise it until I have a decent draft. Next, I type into a digital document. More revisions follow. After that, I might send it to some critique partners or directly to my agent for feedback.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Anywhere and everywhere! My kids, my feelings, books I read, movies I watch, people I overhear talking, the news, an editor’s wish list, brainstorming…. Anything!
What are some of your favorite authors that have influenced your writing? Reading comp titles is incredibly helpful when working towards publishing children's books. Please share a few of your favorite Picture Books you have used as mentor texts.
Some contemporary authors who have influenced me: Kate DiCamillo, Mac Barnett, Peter H. Reynolds, Tammi Sauer, Pat Zietlow Miller, Tara Lazar, Ame Dyckman and many more.
I have used many books as mentor texts, but to mention just a few, Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf, Mostly Monterly by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Scott Magoon, Nugget and Fang by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Michael Slack, The Rough Patch by Brian Lies…. too many to mention them all!
You have been so gracious to offer not only courses, but critique services and an incredible Facebook group, as well. All that said, what is the best piece of advice you would give to writers interested in publishing children's books?
Hone your craft with intention and commitment, learn as much as you can about the business, and seek help from industry professionals along the way. Also, mindset is very important—don’t sabotage yourself and get the right support.
I want to invite unpublished, unagented PB writers who are serious about advancing their career to join The Unstoppable Writer FB group.
Rosie J. Pova on School Visits & Published Work
In addition to inspiring and coaching adults, you also work with a growing generation of readers and writers. Your school visits are an experience, leaving children uplifted and excited for weeks. Tell us about them and what can teachers expect?
I absolutely LOVE doing author school visits! My presentations are a combination of a mini writing workshop, inspiring students to pursue their goals, sharing my own journey to making a dream come true, and lots of interaction, so that through that experience we create a lasting connection.
Teachers are always pleased that there are plenty of elements that reinforce the curriculum, but they have also given me praise on how engaging my visits are and that makes me so happy to hear.
I am always booking school visits—both in-person and virtual— and would love to hear from educators who might consider inviting me to their school, so please reach out to me and let’s connect!
Other than school visits, you also do book readings in Libraries and Bookshops. What kind of events are you open to and what should librarians and bookstore owners know?
I am open to book signings, library events, and author panels. Whenever I visit schools, I love connecting the librarians with a local indie bookstore for any book sales for the school—those collaborations are a win/win and it’s great when they happen. It makes it easier for the parents, too, and I love how organized the process can be so that I can then sign all the books on the day of the visit.
I am sure kids have a lot of interesting questions about your relatable characters. Which one of your characters is your favorite and why? I know this may be hard, since I am sure you love them all, as we do.
This is a tough question! I do love them all and each of my characters has something special from me or my life in them. But if I must pick, I personally identify the most with Elliott from Sunday Rain.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? How old were you?
Honestly, I don't remember. I wrote a lot of poetry when I was little. I vaguely recall a poem about some yarn and a cat, so that might have been one of the first I wrote.
But I do remember the winning story that I wrote in French back in French school! We were given a prompt that was the opening sentence which we had to continue and develop into a story. The sentence was about people riding a trolley—you know, those ones connected to electricity—in the evening and then suddenly the power went out, everything went dark, and the trolley stopped.
What I wrote about was how then aliens showed up to warn people about saving their planet by being more conscious about energy sources and advising them to start using solar energy. Apparently, I was pretty advanced in my thinking back then LOL.
Final Thoughts
Rosie, I am so grateful for you taking the time to chat with me, as we can all see how much you have on your plate. I am sure my readers will appreciate your insights into the world of publishing children's books and generous discount offer. It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to bring all you have to offer to their attention. There is something for everyone it seems, no matter the age. What would you like to add in closing? What’s next for Rosie J. Pova?
In terms of writing, I am currently revising different manuscripts with the help of my agent as we are preparing more work to be going out on submission soon.
I am getting things ready for the retreat, working on more courses and webinars, and I have quite a few podcast interviews scheduled starting in August and going into the fall.
Of course, once the school year starts, I’ll be connecting with many schools for author visits, promoting my latest book, THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE: A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS, and hopefully working on a new book in the pipeline!
It was an absolute pleasure chatting with you, Ivanka, and being a guest on your gorgeous blog! I’m a big fan, so thanks for inviting me!
Last, but not least, would you please share with us your favorite inspirational quote?
"I never loose. I either win or learn."
Nelson Mandela
Rosie's Picture Books
Author Bio
Brief Bio: Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children’s author and kid lit Writing Coach. She’s the creator of Picture Book Mastery System™ that is proven to help emerging children’s writers advance their career and get closer to their publishing goals.
Connect with Rosie J. Pova:
- Join Rosie's Facebook Group The Unstoppable Writer
- Get a critique for your PB draft Here
- Learn more about Rosie's Writing Courses, Mentorship and Workshops
- Join Rosie J. Pova's Comprehensive Writing Course WRITING FOR CHILDREN: FROM IDEA TO SUBMISSION IN 10 WEEKS with an exclusive discount code: IVANKA for a $50 OFF
Follow Rosie J. Pova
Website: www.rosiejpova.com
Twitter: @RosiePOV [www.twitter.com/RosiePOV]
IG: www.instagram.com/rosiepova/
FB: www.facebook.com/RosieWrites
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-j-pova-childrens-author/
This post is all about:
the road to publishing children's books shared by Rosie J. Pova!
Writing course, school visits, best selling, award-winning Picture Books, publishing children's books and more by the incredible children's book author, Rosie J. Pova. To read more about the business and pleasure of writing for children check out our Top Resources for Children's Book Authors post.
Share and Comment
