Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Jones.
Hi Caitlyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’ve always loved writing but until two years ago, it was only a hobby of mine. Then because of complications associated with the pandemic, I decided not to return to my job in healthcare after my husband and I had our baby girl in March 2020. The world shut down and I was stuck at home with a newborn with only my thoughts to keep me company. I imagined what the future would be for my daughter as she’d grow up with a mother whose chronic illness would dictate our activities some days. I wrote my thoughts down in a poem.
A few months later, I decided to hire an illustrator and then formatted my verses into a children’s book for her. The plan was to have 2 copies printed, one for my daughter and the other for my mother. However, the excitement surrounding my “book launch” was incredible. I scrambled to find a printing company that could handle a much larger order. Some Days went on to sell out of pre-orders within the first month and that was the beginning of Artist Madrid Books and Publishing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel anyone who has had the courage to start a business during the pandemic has faced a unique set of challenges.
I’m constantly searching for the middle ground between the value of my products/services and their affordability.
Another struggle has been implementing new methods to reach my customer base as more and more people rely on E-Commerce. I believe the key to an entrepreneur’s success is having a growth mindset. Viewing these bumps as challenges instead of struggles has kept me motivated to find solutions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Artist Madrid Books and Publishing?
Artist Madrid Books and Publishing is part online children’s bookstore and part self-publishing assistant service. My company celebrates diversity in children’s literature by assisting self-published authors in having their unfiltered voices heard. I can help with the entire publishing process from writing to book distribution and everything in between. Even though this is still a fledging company, we will have published 10 children’s/YA books by the end of this year. The Artistmadridbooks.com shop currently has three books for sale and just opened up registration for our first self-publishing seminar to be held in October.
My book Some Days is a unique board book that is tailored to babies, toddlers, and young ones whose parents/caretakers have either an “invisible” chronic or mental illness. It reassures these little ones that the adults in their life love them. Many communities treat speaking to young ones about chronic and mental illness as taboo.
However, without having these conversations with children, they instinctively attribute those personal struggles to their fault. Some Days is like a warm hug that provides a jumping-off point to very needed discussions.
Another book, On Brighter Days, addresses the spectrum of feelings that might be felt by forever being an only child due to a parent’s secondary infertility diagnosis. I’m proud that we don’t shy away from difficult topics because children need these stories. I’m honored that I have the privilege to assist authors with publishing these books and getting them into the hands of those who need them the most.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I can already see the rise of indie publishers and increases in self-publishing. Honestly, I’m here for it! It’s an exciting time to have a story and everyone does have one. However, not everyone has access to mainstream publishing methods.
It makes sense because not every aspiring author’s story will resonate with the masses and sell hundreds of thousands of copies. So as more people slow down and decide now is the time to write that book they’ve always dreamt of writing, the need for more avenues to self-publish, or work with a small niche publisher, will continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artistmadridbooks.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/artistmadrid.books
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/artistmadridbooks/
- Other: https://calendly.com/artist-madrid-books/30-min-free-virtual-consultation
Image Credits
Lacie Richards Photography
