Putting the “Indy” in Independent Publishing

So you want to make a children’s book ...

The creators of the Indy, Oh Indy series have spent decades in their “day job” careers that include their combined skill sets in writing, editing, illustration, graphic design, printing, publications, marketing, communication, photography and public and media relations.

With a mutual love of shelter animals and books, author Teresa Adamo and illustrator Jennifer Williams-Cordova united for their first self-published children’s book — Indy, Oh Indy: Wanderin’ the Streets of Bakersfield — in 2018.

With a story idea and a hope to connect with dog lovers in their hometown of Bakersfield, California and beyond, this pair — also real-life friends — took a leap of faith and created a project filled with love and joy.

They were able to put into practice their decades of experience by producing their own children’s book project from start to finish. The result: A series of books inspired by our Indy Pack and what we like to call that “Indy Magic!”

With five books now under f/8 Press California — our homegrown publishing house — we do get asked about our book journey and how we might be able to help others reach their publishing goals, etc. While we certainly don’t have all the answers, we are happy to encourage other prospective authors and illustrators out there! 

If you’re wanting to go the traditional publishing route, that’s awesome! It just wasn’t the right route for us — primarily because we wanted to get our lil’ book about a smedium shelter dog out there sooner vs. later.

We also have come to personally love and support the “Indy Brand” and wanted to set Indy’s future path ourselves ... yes, she’s THAT precious to us!

In consideration that our self-publishing experience could be helpful for someone else’s, we are still contemplating how we might be able to offer guidance, tips, advice, etc. When and what that looks like exactly isn’t totally crystal clear to us just yet ... these lil’ books sure keep us busy!

Until then, let us know if you’d be interested in what we would have to say.

We definitely don’t have all the answers, but we love cheering on fellow creatives out there! So does Indy!

Reach out to us at: tadamo0512@gmail.com