We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevin Edwards a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kevin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

For me, every book begins long before I ever touch a keyboard. It starts with a moment—an idea that settles into my heart. Sometimes it’s a character, sometimes a message, sometimes just a feeling. But when it arrives, I know it’s the seed of something meaningful.
The very next step is structure. Almost immediately, I begin shaping that idea into an outline. I map out what I want to happen in the story, the emotional beats, the journey I want the reader to take. I think about the central problem or conflict, and I consider the writing arc that will carry the story from beginning to end. This is where the idea stops being abstract and starts becoming a real project.
Once the outline feels solid, I move into execution mode. I write chapter by chapter, following the roadmap I created but allowing room for creativity and discovery. This part can take days, weeks, or months depending on the project, but I stay committed to steady progress.
When the draft is complete, the refining process begins. I edit, correct, and polish the manuscript myself first. Then I bring in other editors—fresh eyes who can challenge me, catch what I missed, and help elevate the story. Collaboration at this stage is essential; it transforms the book from good to excellent.
After the words are right, I shift into visual storytelling. I add illustrations that match the tone and purpose of the book. This step is especially important for children’s books, where the imagery carries as much weight as the text.
Next, I handle the technical side: formatting the book to the exact size and specifications required for publishing. This is where creativity meets precision. I make sure every page looks professional and print‑ready.
Finally, when everything is aligned—story, visuals, formatting—I upload the completed project to Amazon KDP. That’s the moment the idea officially becomes a product, a business asset, and something the world can access.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey as a writer didn’t begin with a business plan or a desire to become an author. It started quietly, with journaling. Writing was simply how I processed life — my thoughts, my emotions, my questions, and the lessons I was learning along the way. Over time, I realized that the words I was putting on paper weren’t just helping me; they had the potential to help others. That realization was the spark that pushed me toward publishing.
My first book was released through a publishing company, and while I was grateful for the opportunity, I quickly learned that I didn’t have full control over my own product. The vision in my heart didn’t fully translate to the final result. That experience taught me something important: if I wanted my work to reflect my voice, my values, and my purpose, I needed to take ownership of the entire process.
In 2021, I published my first book as an independent author — and that decision changed everything. Since then, I’ve independently published six children’s books, each one crafted with intention, creativity, and a message that speaks to both children and the adults who read to them. My latest release, Dog Backwards Spells God!, is a reflection of my belief that stories can be simple yet deeply meaningful, offering comfort, joy, and spiritual insight in ways that resonate across generations.
What I Do & Who I Serve
I create children’s books and inspirational works that uplift, educate, and encourage. My stories often come from real life experiences that are centered around themes of love, faith, resilience, and the everyday lessons that shape us. I aim to give families books they can read together — stories that spark conversations, build connection, and leave a positive imprint on young minds.
Beyond the books themselves, I offer something deeper:
a sense of trust.
Parents, educators, and community leaders know that when they pick up one of my books, they’re getting content that is wholesome, thoughtful, and rooted in values that matter.
What Sets Me Apart
A few things define my brand:
– Authenticity. My writing comes from lived experience — from journaling, reflection, and a genuine desire to help others grow.
– Independence. I oversee every part of the creative process, from concept to illustration to formatting. That ensures the final product reflects my true vision.
– Purpose‑driven storytelling. My books aren’t just stories; they’re tools for emotional and spiritual development.
– Community connection. My work is shaped by my background in case management, community service, and advocacy. I understand people — their struggles, their hopes, their need for encouragement.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the courage it took to step into independent publishing. I’m proud of the six children’s books that now exist because I trusted my voice. And I’m proud that my writing has become a bridge — connecting families, inspiring children, and offering comfort and clarity to readers of all ages.
What I Want Readers & Supporters to Know
My brand is built on heart. Every book I create is designed to uplift, inspire, and leave the reader better than they were before. I want people to know that when they support my work, they’re supporting stories with purpose — stories that honor faith, family, and the power of words to heal and transform.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I didn’t build my social media audience overnight — it grew from being consistent, being visible, and making it easy for people to support what I do.

I use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook as my main platforms to promote and sell my books. Each platform lets me connect with a different audience, but my goal is always the same: let people see the heart behind the work. I don’t just post about a product — I share the journey, the events, the readings, and the people I meet along the way.

One thing that helped tremendously was making purchasing simple. I add my Amazon link directly to my social media platforms so customers can easily find and order my books online without confusion. When people are interested, they don’t have to search — the link is right there.

Book signings have also played a huge role in growing my presence. At events, I take pictures of people purchasing my books, holding their copies, and smiling. Then I post those photos on social media. That does two powerful things:

It celebrates the readers.

It shows others that people are genuinely supporting the books.

When followers see real people enjoying and buying the books, it builds trust and excitement. It turns one reader into many.

Advice for anyone just starting:

1. Be consistent, not perfect.
You don’t need fancy equipment. Post regularly so people remember you exist.

2. Show people, not just products.
Faces, events, smiles, behind-the-scenes moments — that’s what connects.

3. Make it EASY to buy.
Always include your link. If people have to search, many won’t.

4. Use every event as content.
Book signings, readings, school visits — take pictures and share the experience.

5. Tell your story.
People don’t just buy books — they support authors they feel connected to.

Building an audience is really about building relationships. One post, one reader, one conversation at a time — and over time, it grows into a community.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource I truly wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey is Reedsy, the online writing platform. It has been incredibly beneficial to me as an author.

Reedsy allows me to write my complete book online in one organized space, which makes the writing process feel more structured and professional. Instead of juggling different documents and tools, everything I need is right there.

What makes it even more valuable is that Reedsy connects writers with professional editors and publishing support. That can be overwhelming when you’re starting out, because many new authors don’t know where to find trustworthy help. Reedsy helps bridge that gap by offering guidance and services that move your book from an idea to a finished, published product.

Earlier in my journey, I didn’t realize how important professional editing and proper formatting were. Having access to a platform that supports both the creative side and the publishing side of writing would have saved me time, stress, and a lot of trial and error.

For anyone starting out, I’d say: don’t try to do everything alone. Platforms like Reedsy can give you the tools, structure, and professional support that help turn your writing dream into a real book.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kevinbedwards.com
• Instagram: kevinbedwardsauthorsinger
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.edwards.587
• Other: Amazon Book Links:
  https://a.co/d/9uCsbn4
  https://a.co/d/ijtFlPu
  https://a.co/d/4qkJzbv
  https://a.co/d/8K7OWcV