After three years of planning, collaborating with my daughter, writing, editing, proofing — re-writing, re-proofing, re-editing — STEM Super Stars is nearly official!
It started with podcast conversations over the past five years that turned into an idea: normalizing women in STEM careers for girls — because representation matters.
I contacted women from my podcast for the book, got suggestions for others, collected photographs of them on the job as starting points for Emily’s illustrations, and wrote simple bios for the illustration pages and longer bios for the back.
Then Emily went to work creating the illustrations. We sent packets to the women who wanted to be included, and we also had to get releases so we could use their images. I had to learn how to assemble a coloring book, how to use Amazon KDP, how to buy an ISBN number and barcode, what an ISBN number even is (International Standard Book Number - a unique identifier for my book in the publishing world), figure out pricing, and decide where to sell the book — I truly learned (and am still learning) an entirely new industry and business.
Which brings me to today — when I hit the “upload” button and the book is ready to be printed for me to proof! I am beyond excited.
Once the book is ready to be purchased — estimated for November 4 — I can start marketing. Initially, that will mostly be online, and hopefully it can become a fun and meaningful holiday gift. I’ll also approach some local businesses to see if I can get the book into stores. After the holidays, I have some other marketing ideas (and have already gotten great suggestions from others).
I’m just thrilled to be at this point — it’s finally becoming a real book!
Great job Kathy! I'm excited to see the final product.