You know the expression “Do not judge a book by it’s cover?”
Up until recently I was a firm believer that this expression applied to everything and anything BUT books.
Readers, absolutely judge a book by the quality of it’s cover, it’s layout, and illustrations. This is especially true of children’s literature. There is a certain stigma with self-published children’s books- the belief that these books are often amateurish in both illustrations and writing. One look at the FREE and 0.99 sections of most ebook publishers, and this opinion is difficult to dispute.
The misconception that children’s books are easy to write and easy to sell, may be behind the trend of poorly illustrated, poorly edited children’s ebooks.
These writers often fall into two categories:
- Those who believe they can make a quick buck.
- Those who have all of the right intentions, but simply make common writing mistakes.
The expression “do not judge a book by it’s cover.” can go one of two ways in children’s literature, you can be pleasantly surprised by a book that is amateurish in appearance but has a great story, or be put-off by a book with great illustrations that do not make a poorly written story any better.
What has made me reconsider my tendency to judge ebooks, by their appearance?
This book
Destiny and Faith’s Summer Adventures by Teddy O’Malley
At first glance, it is difficult to see how this book can be fit for “tween” readers, and the illustrations drawn out by Teddy O’Malley, are a bit on the amateur-side . What Teddy O’Malley, may lack in illustration abilities she makes up for in her writing.
Teddy O’Malley is talented in a way most writers wish we were. Her writing is unpretentious, and takes on the voice and mentality of a child in a way few authors can. Her book is well written, fun and has embedded messages of acceptance, without ever breaking the laugh out loud moments of her adventurous characters.
Teddy O’Malley is going places, all this author needs is a chance, so if you come across her books remember “not to judge a book by it’s cover.”
by 