Welcome to How I Became, the Lifehacker series where I ask real people how theyreallygot their jobs.
This week I’m chatting withAubre Andrus, an award-winning children’s book author.
What does the typical career path look like for a children’s book author?
Children’s book authors are an interesting bunch!
It’s also made me a better ghostwriter.
But it turns out, I didn’t need that.
And how do youpersonallyget into this line of work?
I majored in journalism and landed a paid public relations internship at American Girl the day after I graduated.
I eventually became lifestyle editor, then left to go freelance a few years later.
What are the major job responsibilities?
Being a children’s book author requires a lot of brainstorming, researching, and writing.
First I create an outline.
Then I write the first draft.
The art director will take care of all the visuals from photos to illustrations to the cover.
What are some of the best parts of your work?
I love that I get to write books that help empower the next generation.
A book can change a kid’s life!
I get fan mail that makes me cry with happiness sometimes.
I’m so thankful that I get to do what I do.
And whats not so great about it?
I never know for sure where my next gig is coming from, which is stressful.
It essentially has the same downfalls as any freelance writing careerconstantly hustling and looking for the next paycheck.
It can be creatively exhausting.
We’re often kept out of the loop on a lot of decisions, which can feel disempowering.
Whats changing in the sector?
Publishing is going through huge changes right now, and no one is quite sure where it will land.
Self-published authors are giving traditional publishers a run for their money.
It features real women in ridiculously fun careers like toy engineer, ice cream scientist, and more.
What kinds of people do well in this industry?
I think the real secret to success is to be business-minded.
What are the different salary ranges?
There is such a wide range here.
Anything less than $10,000 would not be ideal but certainly happens.
How many hours do you actually work?
What does a typical workday look like?
I might be working on a novel that I hope to pitch someday.
I usually have about three projects going on at one time that are in various stages of completion.
I also do school visits where I read aloud my latest project to a local elementary school.
What didnt you know before you got into this industry that you wish someone had told you?
What job search advice would you give to someone interested in this role?
The most important thing is to just get started.
Get a project finished and throw it out there in the universe.
Then get working on project number two.
Don’t be precious about your first idea.
Don’t be afraid to move on if it’s not working.
Also, try new writing strategies.
Read screenwriting books likeSave the Catby Blake Snyder.
Take the advice that works for you and leave the rest.
There’s no one right way to be a creative person.
It may take awhile for you to hit your stride, so just keep writing and pitching and networking.
