You’ve written other books and illustrated even more. What made you decide to turn Lula’s Brew into an app instead of pursuing a traditional publishing contract?
I did try to go the traditional route with Lula at first. And while she actually won some awards, the story was never picked up. It worked out well in the end because I own all the rights and could do what I wanted with the story.
When the first picture book apps came along, I knew I wanted to try the medium and I had a feeling Lula's Brew would adapt well. One glitch: Lula's Brew is mainly classified as a Halloween story and I had about two weeks to turn the art around (the dummy was finished, but the colored art was not), get the files to my developer to turn into the app, and have Apple make it live one month before Halloween. I kept some late hours, but somehow managed to do it!
Luckily, I created my finished art for the iPod version at 4 times the necessary size (still much smaller than I usually work, so it went faster). So when the iPad came along, the files didn't need to be recreated - they were ready to go. (I work digitally.) I'm proud to say Lula's Brew was one of the first picture book apps available the day the iPad was released!
How cool! That alone had to earn you some recognition.
Has it been more difficult to market your app than it was for your books that have publisher support?
Honestly, being one of the first made it easier to market Lula's Brew. Having one app suddenly made me an expert - ha! Between articles and interviews, Lula got a lot of press. And then she ended up in the featured "Apps for Kids" section on iTunes (I have no idea how), which helped. But these are lucky things. I think finding and marketing apps is just as difficult, if not more so, than getting word out about traditional books. Although both endeavors are hard to do. And now there are so many apps, I think it's only going to get harder.
What has been your biggest marketing success?
The biggest success came after a mention on the blog "Moms with Apps." As part of the promotion, Lula was set to 'free' in iTunes for two days. In those two days, she was downloaded over 7,000 times - woosie! To date Lula's Brew has been downloaded over 9,000 times.
Do you plan to release more picture book apps or are you still querying new work?
I got into this business to create BOOKS, so that is still where my passion lies. But the new formats are exciting. I'm currently trying to get rights back on two out-of-print books so I can have them made into apps, but it's a slow process.
Thing is, the money is still better with traditional books (although that is rapidly changing in today's market), and when you create an app, all the work is on the front end - without an advance. That's tough. While I have several stories I'd like to fully illustrate and make into apps, I really can't afford the time.
Still, I'd like to do more. I love that we have so many ways to share our stories these days - it's an exciting time to be a creator.
It sounds very exciting, Elizabeth, especially since you were able to be one of the first to take advantage of this new technology. Best of luck with ALL your projects.
Sherrie, thanks so much!
You can read more about Elizabeth Dulemba on her website, as well as download coloring pages and other free activities to accompany her books. Visit the special page for Lula's Brew to read reviews and download a copy for yourself. Her activity page for her latest book, The Twelve Days of Christmas in Georgia, even includes a recipe for Upside Down Peach Cobbler!
12 comments:
This really cool, Sherrie. As a writer of YA fiction, I haven't given much thought to PBs in the digital age. My kids have almost outgrown them.
Thanks for sharing this, interesting to hear author's journeys and how everyone chooses to publish their work. Publishing is definitely changing.
I also love the free colouring pages. Very handy for my little one who is obsessed with drawing right now. ;)
Have a lovely week!
Great interview. I'm so impressed when I hear about people taking the first steps--just deciding and doing it. :)
Great interview. I like how she talks about the pros (it's all in your control, it's a new and exciting prospect, etc.) and the cons (all the work upfront, less money, etc.).
This was a really interesting interview! Loved it. It is so cool thinking about all the new ways there are to get your work out there.
thanks for this post. writing for apps is not something I had thought about before.
Pretty cool. Things are definitely changing. I have to say, I'd still rather put a real pb in front of my child, rather than another backlit screen. But it would be good for traveling...
This was an absolutely fascinating post to read. Wow. And Lulu's Brew looks adorable! Congrats on your cutting edge success, Elizabeth!! :-)
Thanks for featuring Elizabeth and the different formats of books! Interesting info we all need to be aware of!
Such an interesting interview! I've read Elizabeth's books (with little people) and love her work. It's great hearing her perspective on the changing world of publishing. Thanks!
Very interesting. And go Elizabeth for being on the forefront.
I love how things get quickly turned on their ear. It was less than a year ago that people were saying that PBs would never be a part of the e-book revolution.
Great interview. Thank you both for sharing.
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