Q & A about the Mom-Writers Publishing Cooperative

Interview with Heather Kempskie, Editor, Parents and Kids

This article originally appears in Parents and Kids, a monthly parenting publication in greater Boston, on January 23, 2006. (www.townonline.com/parentsandkids)

Have you dreamed about publishing a book?

Parents and Kids spoke with Nancy Cleary, founder of Mom-Writers Publishing Cooperative of Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc. about the unique services she provides to talented mom writers with professionally edited manuscripts. The native-Massachusetts mother of two launched the Co-Op last year.

Parents and Kids: Tell us about the Mom-Writers Publishing Cooperative - how did it come about?

The first six years of running my publishing company taught me that it had to be about more than the book. Of course a flawless execution, creative branding, major distribution, and a proper timeline were essential, but I saw what my authors went through – and it’s not an easy journey. It can be lonely, expensive, confusing, depressing and at the same time, the most exhilarating, adrenaline-rush fun-filled adventure.

What I envisioned for the Mom-Writers Publishing Cooperative was a group of women who would travel the publishing path together, sharing their questions, their successes, their media leads, and even their profits. The benefits would include my professional graphic design background for everything the author needed to promote her book, as well as any other creative projects, throughout the duration of her 4-year membership.

Parents and Kids:How many people are behind the scenes or are you running this yourself?

I have built an incredible network of creative individuals who all work in virtual environments, so I never feel like I am running this myself. I am just an email away from assistance when I need it. I am blessed with a talent for graphic design, and the ability to see the potential and the “big picture” in anyone’s ideas. The Co-Op allows me to share this passion – so while I wear many hats, I truly enjoy them all.

Parents and Kids: What makes mother authors so unique? Do they have a special perspective? (Are you a mom? If so can you please mention that and how that played a part in your creation of the co-op)

I believe there is nothing more powerful than a mom proud of her accomplishments. When a mother fulfills her dreams she is setting the example for her children that anything is possible. I launched Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing when I realized, after a decade of running a successful graphic studio, I was not building something of my own, a legacy for my kids with the potential of providing a foundation for their dreams. When I began to immerse myself in my market, I recognized there were other moms like myself – with a 15-month old clinging to her leg, and a 6-week old on her lap – trying desperately not to let go of her career. The ability to empower these moms pulled at my heartstrings more than any other professional work I had ever done – that’s why mother authors are unique to me.

I asked my Co-Op what makes mom authors unique and their responses turn the personal into something global. Maureen Focht responded, “In caring for our children, we are molding and shaping the next generation of adults. In writing a book, we have that perspective of the importance of the future, for our children and everyone, and how our book will put our wisdom, unique experiences, and positive energy out into the world. And, hopefully, help make the world a better place.” Julie Watson Smith wrote, “From warped to wonderful to woeful, each writer provides their own special perspective by allowing their individualism to appear through their words. However, mom writers have the added benefit of juggling several tasks and deadlines at once. I believe mom writers also possess an extra touch of vulnerability and sensitivity to events affecting readers on local, national and global levels.”

Parents and Kids: There seems to be lots of moms who would love the opportunity to publish their work. I guess we are a pretty inspired group of people! What are the top 3 things that they should be aware of as they try to achieve this goal?

1. Build your platform. All a publisher is interested in is how you are currently reaching your market – are you being syndicated and/or quoted by major newspapers and magazines? Do you have a strong web presence and a growing mailing list you reach on a regular basis? Have you built a network of contacts – experts, authors, columnists, reviewers, editors, and producers who are anxiously awaiting your book? Are you a professional speaker and media-savvy – ready for radio and TV interviews?

2. Do your research to find a niche publisher, and use an agent if your goal is a major house. By immersing yourself in the market of your book (your potential readers) you will recognize which publishers and agents are selling to it. Pitch these first – if you are consistently building your platform, a publisher who is reaching your niche will be attracted by your presence there.

3. Know that publishing is bigger than your book. Book sales may never add up to the amount you have invested in your book. Understand that when you invest in marketing materials, events, publicists, and advertising – it may, or may not, result in big sales but it will build your platform which can be used to get bigger "gigs" – paid syndication, speaking engagements, spokesperson opportunities, a major publishing deal on your next book(s).

Parents and Kids: How many books has your Co-op brought to market since its inception?

In 2005, its first year, the Co-Op released seven titles. We have a wonderful pick-me-up section of mommy humor including “Cracked at Birth: One Madcap Mom’s Thoughts on Motherhood, Marriage and Burnt Meatloaf”, “S.A.H.M. I Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe”, “Living in a Locker Room”, and “Mommy Land”. We also have two ground-breaking titles in their categories, “Connection Parenting: Parenting through Connection instead of Coercion, With Love instead of Fear” and “Silent Heroes: Courageous Families Living with Mental Illness”, as well as a unique anthology of 101 moms around the world in “Mommyhood Diaries”.

We now have seven titles lined up for Spring 2006 including “Cool Mom Inventions: Secrets of 76 Successful Mommy Inventors”, “MotherMorphosis”, “Domestically Challenged”, “101 Simple Steps to Building a Successful Home-Based Parent Coaching Business”, “Household Baggage: The Moving and Often Funny Stories of a Soldier’s Wife“, “Riding the Infertility Roller Coaster”, “A Mom’s Work is Never Done: Behind the Scenes of the Mom-Business Boom”. We are now filling our Fall 2006 roster, already on the list is “What’s the Matter with Mommy?” and “The Business Mom Guide Book: More Life, Less Overwhelm for Mom Entrepreneurs.”

The Co-Op is also writing a collaborative work, “A Book is Born”, about our journey which is due out Spring of 2007. An international book tour, with each member hosting events locally, will renew interest in each author’s own titles.

Parents and Kids: After becoming a member of the Co-op, what type of services can members expect?

Over the years I’ve seen authors sign with major publishing houses and then come to my design studio with their $10,000 advance to pay for marketing packages. I decided with the Co-Op that the design of all items the author needs will be included with membership. Our branding assistance extends beyond the book, to all of our member’s projects – some great resources for mom writers were launched by members in 2005. Paula Schmitt and Tracy Lyn Moland started the “Mom Writers Literary Magazine” (http://www.momwriterslitmag.com). Paula was joined by member Alana Morales to launch “Mom Writers Talk Radio” (http://www.MomWritersTalkRadio.com). We also packaged “The Author’s Companion CD-Rom: A Self-Guided Course on Book Promotion” (http://www.authorscompanion.com) with PR expert member Christine Louise Hohlbaum who resides in Germany.

Beyond the tangible marketing and branding services members receive, are the many intangibles, such as the power of the Co-Op brand in generating publicity leads, a Yahoo group which is the heart of the members’ support system, a share in the revenue of all the Co-Op books, an established platform and a comprehensive education of the publishing process.

Parents and Kids: What are the membership costs?

The membership fees are spread out over four years and I can tell you they’re less than the cost of dental insurance! I asked my Co-Op members to give their insights on the costs. Christine Holbaum shares, “The membership fee is minimal in relation to what you receive. The graphics alone would have cost more than the annual membership fee. Nancy Cleary's publishing model is revolutionary, I am honored to be a part of her group. Another benefit from the Mom-Writers Publishing Cooperative is the willingness of all the members to lend an ear. The writing, publishing, and promoting process can be stressful. Nancy has made the process as smooth as possible. The members make it so much more enjoyable. As a MWPC member, I am a part of a larger collective of talent and grace.”

Pam Leo lauds, “What Nancy has put together is a dream come true for mom writers. The wealth of information, instruction, guidance, resource, support, encouragement, and love we receive from Nancy and each other is what makes it possible for moms who are already multi-tasking to the max to become published authors. What Nancy has created makes it possible, even for those of us who are struggling financially, to get our books out there to the world.” Maureen Focht responded, “I am so very fortunate to have found the Co-Op. I was all ready to go with a publish-on-demand company, and luckily found Nancy in the nick of time. The Co-Op has literally saved me thousands of dollars when I compare all the services I have received, not to mention having individual attention from a publisher, and all the support and encouragement from all the other authors in the Co-Op. And Nancy Cleary is one of the most creative people I have ever met, and one of the most patient, and caring.”

Alana Morales wrote, “Being with the Co-Op is like being part of a publishing sisterhood. The fact that there was a fee for the Co-Op was initially a sticking point for me – but a main benefit of this is that you share the profits with your other members. And, you don't want to take an intimate atmosphere like this and turn it into a large production, because then you risk losing what is so good about it in the first place.” Caroline Poser adds, “I can't put a price on the sense of belonging I feel...the encouragement, and the support I receive from Nancy and the Co-op. The cost is nothing compared to the benefits.“ And Julie Watson Smith, founder of the award-winning Mommy Hullabaloo states, “The services received from the Co-Op far exceed the memberships costs. The Co-Op is truly an instrumental and positive introduction into the publishing process. So many first-time and veteran authors alike feel that they lose their voice once their manuscript is submitted to the publisher. I never felt that way with the Co-Op. Joining this supportive group of innovative writers has continued to keep me motivated and inspired.”

Parents and Kids: What do you think today's readers are hungry for? Are there any particular topics that are hot right now?

I believe there is a huge wave of mothers who are refusing to trade their career for kids, and they are reading the stories written by mothers just like themselves for affirmation. These women, who were once V.P.s, professors, CEOs, etc., are writing the stories acknowledging our efforts as mothers. I don’t believe the term “mommy lit” is derogatory, I believe it is the category of literature which is on the rise, personal stories linking motherhood to culture as a whole.

Parents and Kids: I know that you are not accepting children book submissions at this time. Do you plan to in the future? What advice would you give to mothers who are interested in this genre?

In November 2005 we published our first full-color children’s book in partnership with Hospice, this was a huge undertaking in a very competitive market. The advice I usually give to women who want to publish a children's book is to begin with a web site about the characters and topic of the book, and about you, and the story behind the story. Then build an interactive experience – giving away freebies such as coloring pages, puzzles, games, and provide resources for parents. Whatever your theme is, whatever the "message" – this is what you want to focus on, and show parents how this book, combined with your great resources, makes a wonderful tool. With the web site set up you could seek media based on the giveaways - everyone loves tools for parenting. Tell them about it with a press release or article posted at http://www.prweb.com. You could also find article content syndication sites. Seek out endorsements for your story and web site from celebrities and experts who may be addressing the same topic. Once you have established a community I suggest creating a powerful book proposal – include all of the downloads and any media you have drawn to the site – and present to 4 or 5 major children's book publishing houses producing titles in the same genre. This process will be long, but if you are serious about getting published you would need to first build your platform...get yourself out there! 

Parents and Kids: Whose the ideal person to send a submission your way?

To qualify for the Co-Op an author should be able to define her platform and how she is currently reaching her market, as well as have some knowledge of the publishing process. Ideally writers who have been submitting their book proposals to large or niche publishers without the response they want, or ones that have been with an agent with no success, or even someone who has self-published and wants to issue a second edition, or anyone who has been syndicated. This is not really for the newbie, I expect a great deal from my authors. We have a regimented 6-month pre-publication plan. I need authors who understand what goes into the success of a book, and to know the book is a stepping stone for her career – that consulting, speaking gigs, syndication, and sale of rights are all part of the bigger picture. 

Parents and Kids: What would you say to mothers out there that are trying to find time between soccer games and homework assignments to sit down and write?

I posed this question to the Co-Op members. Pam Leo responds, "I wrote most of my book between midnight and 3AM or from 5AM to 7AM." Caroline Poser says, "Just do it and never give up. I wrote my book in tiny increments and my next book is being written the same way. Ideally I'd put the words directly into the computer, but sometimes the stories started out on whatever scrap of paper was handy – a shopping list, sticky notes, the back of the church bulletin. I once wrote a whole story during the sermon, one of the rare daytime moments these days that I am child free and not supposed to be doing something else.” Julie Watson Smith adds, “When you are passionate about something, you can always find the time. With that said, something else will get neglected – laundry, shopping, dishes and occasionally relationships.”

Parents and Kids: I'm sure there is plenty of success stories. Can you share a few?

Every title is a success story for its author... just by being published and on the shelves of book stores across the nation! Even though we haven’t landed on Oprah Winfrey’s stage, we have received review copy requests from her producers, and a few follow-up interviews – so the fact we are even on their radar is a success! We were thrilled when Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of “Magical Child”, gave thumbs up to “Connection Parenting” as did Dr. Christiane Northrup. One of our most exciting author events was for “Mommyhood Diaries” held at Nana’s Garden in LA which was attended by a very pregnant Desperate Housewife star, Joely Fisher. I was personally proud when “Cracked at Birth” author Kathy Mahoney was featured in both The Lowell Sun and the Boston Globe – which are my hometown papers. We have already received three USA Book News “Best Book of 2005” finalist nods and we anxiously await notifications for other major book award competitions in the spring.

Parents and Kids: Also, Kathryn mentioned that you have Massachusetts roots. Can you share that with our readers as well?

Yes, I was thrilled to discover one of our Co-Op authors lives in my sister’s hometown in Massachusetts. I was born and raised in a small town outside of Boston and knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to pursue an art career. I attended the DeCordova Museum of Art in junior high, and during high school spent a summer at my alma mater, Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, and a summer at Parsons in NYC, studying visual communications. After graduation in 1990 I trekked across the country to San Diego where I held a corporate art director position for a few years before retreating to my oasis up here near the Oregon coast.