Darcy Guyant
Retired U.S. Coast Guard helicopter pilot is the author of Coast Guard Adventure books for elementary school age readers
Darcy Guyant is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 25 years of U.S. military service.
He flew helicopters for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The stories in his book series, “The Coast Guard Adventures of Dolph and Gwen”, are based on actual search and rescue missions he flew in a HH-65 Dolphin helicopter.
Connect with Darcy:
Books by Darcy Guyant
After our radio talk Darcy shared answers to more questions. Enjoy!
Question 1:
There are a lot of Children’s Books competing for the attention of kids, parents, teachers, librarians, etc… I wasn’t prepared for the “marketing” aspects of being an author, especially online.
This is why I prefer the direct face to face method of getting my books noticed, such as Book Fairs, Bazaars, Pop-up Markets, school visits, etc…
It’s a lot of work, but I truly enjoy the personal interaction with people.
Question 2:
Self-publishing a quality children’s book will be a significant upfront investment.
My first children’s book cost approximately $4,000, including the first batch of printing.
About 75% of that cost was illustrations, cover design and book design.
Someone who can illustrate their own book or who wants to invest the time into learning to design and layout the book themselves could save a lot of money.
I, however, was willing to hire professionals to do this technical work for me.
Besides, I can’t even draw a decent Stick Figure.
Self-publishing is not a “get rich quick” endeavor, but I’m in it for the long haul and expect that some day I’ll break even, or better.
Question 3:
I started volunteering in an elementary school about 10 years ago, long before I ever considered writing a memoir or children’s books.
I retired from the workforce but still wanted to be involved in my community, so I started helping out at a school, just a little at first, but within a month I was hooked and started spending the entire day, 5 days a week, helping teachers and their students.
If someone is considering writing a children’s book volunteer in the grade level you’re considering writing for would be an excellent way to conduct some “field research”.
Question 4:
I belong to the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA), which has some great resources for writing and marketing.
I also network with other children’s book authors around the country via Facebook Groups, Instragram and LinkedIn.
Much of this networking includes sharing ideas, asking questions and getting advice, and even collaborating on marketing and special events.
Question 5:
Question 6:
The best way is to visit my web page and fill out the form on my Contact Page.
LINKS MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW
🌟 Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)
🌟 Ruby Hartson (2nd grader) book – Allie and the Mystery of the Doors
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