Many authors have the dream of taking their imagination and creating an universe full of adventure on the printed page.  Of course, it's not always quite that simple...the idea needs to be focused, the characters need to seem real, the language has to be perfected, somehow the resulting product needs to be printed, and then the final product needs to get in the hands of an audience.

We love to help our authors with their ideas, their presentation, even finding a publisher, but the hard part can often be finding the audience.  We believe in the book, but that doesn't mean people are actually going to read it, does it?  Author Liane Carter, who worked with editor Renni Browne on her children's novel The Chronicles of Joya, took matters into her own hands, and is now feeling the results of a successful venture.  The Chronicles of Joya, the story of highly intelligent alien "switchers" disguised here on earth as common pets, was self-published via a grant, but the real story is that Carter has brought the book to children where they spend their time:  at school.  Carter brings the book to read at schools in her native United Kingdom and Spain, with a response that is incredible.

"Liane visited our school and she captivated the children when she read the beginning of her book, The Chronicles of Joya.  She also took time to share her ideas on the craft of writing and again it was clear to see that she inspired a lot of children to develop their personal writing skills.  It was a great experience for the children and her book has been enjoyed by many of our pupils during the year." -- Ms Jayne Spreadbury, Spinfield School

"Liane has a way of talking to children as if she is speaking to each one individually. Her book, The Chronicles of Joya, has fired the imagination of our children and they cannot wait for the next one!"  -- Marilyn Chegwyn, North Baddesley School

"Liane visited our years four and five to talk to them about her work and The Chronicles of Joya.  They were all so inspired that many of them couldn't keep their heads out of the book for weeks after - and they loved that they had a signed copy!  Better still, thanks to Liane's visit and her fantastic website, the children were also well-motivated to write and produced some excellent work." -- Mr Mike Parker, St. Katharine’s School, Bournemouth

Not surprisingly, the positive buzz created by hundreds of happy children has been picked up by literary agents who have contacted Carter recently, prompted by one of her readings.  While the publishing industry has become more challenging for the author in a number of ways, quality work, a great idea, and a determined author can be a great combination - even without a traditional book deal.