My first published children's book: Manok

books

Oct 30

With the help of my Auntie, my mom and my sister in the Philippines, I created a book in my mother language, Binisaya, with translations in English.

July of this year I self-published & released 25 copies of my first children's book that I wrote and illustrated at the beginning of 2020. It sold out in 10 minutes via Instagram, purchased by friends and family.

While in print, Anak Publishing, the publishing company I reached out to before deciding to self print, returned my email (almost two years later) and wanted to discuss working together. I was in slight disbelief.

A week following the initial print and discussion with the publisher, I signed the contract and spent the better part of a month working with them to make additions that both of us loved. A few weeks later I met the editors that suggested some grammatical and language edits. It's different from the original print, in a wonderful way. It's better.

We've reached the end of October, the book is officially out for pre-sale with it's full release in stores expected for November 2023.

Something that originally was for my child, that I drew for fun in Procreate and what seemed like only a dream, is now a real book. It took years but I am officially a published children's book author. And this book will not be my last.

Thank you to Daisydee, everyone at Anak Publishing and my family - the eight-year-old writer me is screaming with joy.

Head over to Anak Publishing to pre-order your copy of Manok / Chicken, a children's book in Binisaya (Cebuano) and English, and learn more about what Anak Publishing brings to the world.