(4 min)
Writing a book together was once just an idea. Amanda Gregory and business partner Joe House aspired to share the world of manufacturing with others. I’m so glad they decided to move!
Job #1: It is a choice, once you see it that way.
“I was clicking through comments people had left for others within one of the children's self-publishing Facebook groups. Your comments were so kind and thorough. I then looked at your books for quality and quantities AND as soon as I read your bio on Amazon, saw your faith inspiration and mission/goals in your business and life, I felt the biggest nudge to just send an email to you.” Amanda Gregory on reaching out to me, self published author, Lindsay Dain
When I got her email, I was very excited to share my new career of self-publishing with her. Just a normal mom, sitting on the back porch swing, sharing all the new things I had learned in the last two years since starting my own self-publishing journey. Over an hour went by in a flash!
In our conversation, I shared about my newest discovery- the Library of Congress among other things and said “When it’s published, please send one to me!” Guess what, she did! I received “Blake Explores Manufacturing! Manufacturing a Kid’s Experience” in the mail a few short months later. I got to hold their dream…in my hand!
Job #2 Run Your Own Race
Amanda and Joe chose to do their manufacturing right at home in Minnesota. They formed their own publishing company –M.A.K.E Publishing LLC (Manufacturing A Kids Experience) and….they did it! They wanted to share their dream with their own community, so they chose illustrator Annaka Buchstaber and book printer SmartPress, both out of Minnesota. In addition to that, they committed to “sharing the love” by donating 10% of their profits between their two home churches.
“Blake Explores Manufacturing” is a 8.5 x 5.5 inch paperback book with vibrant, full page illustrations. The goal of the book is to introduce children to the world of manufacturing. When talking to children about what they want to be when they grow up, they are usually only introduced to a few professions. Manufacturing is not usually included but it is oh-so-essential. It’s a building block for every other profession! Manufacturing is the process of making the products, big and small that people use every day.
“We want children to know that there is a huge world of manufacturing right here in your own backyard and is also an option for you when you grow up,” said Amanda.
In the story, Blake shares how cool his dad is and how he works in the profession of manufacturing. Somebody built the playground that the kids play on. Someone built the tools that doctors and nurses use...and even huge machinery, like a seed spreader. Readers get to see a variety of manufacturing-type work environments, which is likely something they have not seen before. Featured in a magnifying glass on each of those pages highlights what they are familiar seeing- a playground, a stethoscope-that is being manufactured.
I love that both men and women are shown in the manufacturing environments as well as the American flag- a reminder that things are manufactured right here at home, in America!
So, kids, what do you want to be when you grow up? Do you want to use the things or make the things? The sky is the limit!
This is the first of many books that are in the works. Join their mailing list so you can stay up to date on the happenings of M.A.K.E Publishing.
Job #3 Take One Step at a Time
Like manufacturing, publishing is available to everyone. I am so proud of you two! You took an idea, researched the “how,” believed in yourselves and DID it! What an accomplishment!
Friends, they didn’t let their dream stay just a dream. Do you have a pie-in-the-sky dream to write a book too? It doesn’t have to stay a dream- you really can do it! Yes, you! I’ve done it and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with the world. How sad it would be to have your vision never touch the lives of others. There are many avenues available now and believe it or not, some of them don't cost too much either!
The ideas and dreams in our hearts, I believe, are planted there by God. If He gave you the dream, then don’t you think He will help you to make it a reality? I say, “Yes!”
Matthew 7:7-8 says “Ask and it will be given to you. Search and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks.” (NIrV)
Reach out to me if you have questions! I’ll share my story, how I did it and answer questions you may have. You can do it! WRITE THE BOOK!
- Buy "Blake Explores Manufacturing" here
- Subscribe to the M.A.K.E Publishing email list here
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- See my review video on YouTube here
