We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laureanna below.

Alright, Laureanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

My background and passion is environmental education. I often say I have the curiosity of a young child – I’m always wanting to know more about the observations that I make when I spend time outdoors. I take this curiosity and bring the knowledge that I gain and transform it into picture books.

The issues that we are facing in society are many, and climate change is one that we can’t ignore. It’s hard to keep it front of mind because it’s hard for one person to make a significant difference. That, combined with the depth and complexity of the effects on our planet, makes it difficult to keep working towards a better future for everyone.

My hope is that, through my writing, I am inspiring people of any age to go outside, appreciate the world that we have, connect with others, and make decisions that help make the world enjoyable for future generations. The curiosity that I have, the desire to learn what makes the minute details of our planet work, the drive to do better by the planet – all of these things are my reason for writing nature-based picture books and teaching others.

We are given so many amazing gifts by the Earth – this is how I give back.

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

I am a learner at heart. I ask questions about the world around me and then seek to know more. I also find that the more I discover, the more questions I have, which is a beautiful way to uncover the layers of the natural world that are all around us.

I became inspired to write picture books because of my background as an elementary teacher, and through sharing so many wonderful books with my children. Books take us into other people’s minds, to other worlds, and teach us about ourselves. For me, it was a way to connect with a greater audience about the wonders of the Earth, outside of the students who I teach.

My first steps into the writing world came through a question by my then five-year-old daughter during a winter hike: “Where did all of the frogs go?” I took what I learned about animals in winter and transformed it into a picture book! I was hooked. I now have multiple manuscripts written that connect natural world concepts with human activities and am working with my literary agent to bring them to traditional publishing houses.

For me, the most rewarding part of this work is when people learn something new about the world. That moment of discovery – whether the reader is four or seventy-four – that’s where the payoff is for me. The feeling of constant amazement about life on Earth for any of its creatures is what I hope my writing brings to my readers.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

When people reach out to me with questions about writing a picture book, I often first ask what their overall goal is. Do they want to publish a book for income purposes, for a creative outlet, or for their future grandkids? Knowing what your publishing goals are helps drive what your future promotional actions need to be.

Many future authors are surprised that a lot of what you earn from publishing does not come from book sales. Online sellers like Amazon or Barnes and Noble return only a small percentage of that book price you to in a royalty check. And while traditional publishers provide an advance to their authors and illustrators, that has to be earned out before any additional royalties are paid.

So, a lot of people who I talk to are surprised to learn that many authors rely on book readings and presentations as the majority of their writing income. Much of these are set up by the author, which means you have to be creative – and open – in reaching out to potential clients.

For me, my revenue came from schools, libraries, Rotary clubs, nature centers, community groups, coffee shops, parenting groups – anyone who was interested in either hearing my book or hearing about the publication process.

Many authors provide services such as editing manuscripts, assisting with publication query letters, or mentoring new writers as a part of their income as well.

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

For picture book writers, there is a MASSIVE online community that helps support new and existing writers. I did not know that this community existed until after I had published my first book!

Be willing to invest time in others on social media – you will learn more about the industry, learn trends in publishing, connect with similar-minded creatives, get advice on any aspect of your work, and be a part of an incredibly welcoming and supportive community.

If you’re not sure where to start, follow these hashtags on Instagram and Twitter: #kidlit, #WritingCommunity, #AmWriting, #PictureBooks. Or search for your favorite authors, illustrators, literary agents, publishers – they’re likely online and have a following that you can also dive into.

Finally, I can’t leave without mentioning the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Joining this group helps connect you with writers in your area, and can help you build an awesome critique group and people who are happy to cheer on your successes!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laureannawrites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laureannawrites/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laureannawrites/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laureanna-raymond-duvernell-7a394b4/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laureannawrites

Image Credits
Kelly Raymond Orange Hat Publishing Tanya Burg Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell Hedberg Public Library