The Amazing Journey to Publishing My First Children’s Book.

‘How to Get an Alligator out of the Bathtub’, by Author Lynsey Martin

It has been a childhood dream of mine to write a children’s book.

Reading and storytelling were such a significant part of my childhood that I wanted to create and share my own stories, so future generations of children could experience that same joy.

The only way to do that was to find a way to get one of my stories published and so the journey of becoming a published author began!

The process of becoming a published author seemed so daunting and often mysterious. Over the many years of trying to publish my stories there were many no responses, scam inquiries asking for money and countless rejections. I incessantly researched publishers, agents and read up on ways to have my manuscript stand out.

One day I came across an article from another published author who said that the most important part of finding the right publisher is to find the one that fits your storytelling type.

Publishers and Authors share a partnership in bringing these stories to life, so this led to my new way of searching and querying. I started researching publishers’ past books and storytelling styles to find the best fit.

During my search I came across a children’s book being advertised on our neighborhood Facebook page that caught my eye in its creativity and fun, “The Day I had a Bulldozer.”

After going through the story and looking up the other fun, energetic, and sweet books they had published I knew this would be an amazing fit.

I reached out to Ashley Wall, Author and the Co-Founder of MamaBear Books Publishing. After speaking with her over a few months, we met in January of 2024 to discuss the manuscript “How to Get an Alligator out of the Bathtub.”

Upon meeting Ashley at our local coffee shop, with my 3-year-old in tow, I knew I wanted to work with Ashley & Jeff Wall, her husband and Co-Founder of MamaBear books, to publish my book.

We went into contract shortly thereafter and I could not contain my excitement about starting the next part of publishing my story!

Throughout the whole publishing process, I could not be more grateful to Ashely & Jeff! They have made the process so seamless and fun! From editing the manuscript, to finding our amazing Illustrator, to creating the illustrations of the characters that were living in my head for so long.

As I reviewed the final review copy before we started the printing process, I opened the copy and couldn’t believe that this little story I wrote a year and a half ago while visiting the zoo with my boys is now a children’s book! It truly was the most incredible feeling to see what was just a little idea – come to life.

I write this to say I have met so many people on this journey, who have told me they too have always wanted to publish a children’s book. The best advice I can give is to spend the time and research to find the right team.

Yes, the process is complicated, but with the right team you can create something truly magical to share with future generations.

Author Lynsey Martin