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Kyle Latino

September 2, 2015 14:43:27

The Making of Monsters Vs. Kittens

July 30, 2015 17:39:10

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The Making of Monsters Vs. Kittens

I thought I would start blogging about my experiences, advice, process, and other random thoughts.

To start things off, I thought I’d talk about what is probably my most notable project to date — the children’s book that I wrote and illustrated MONSTERS VS. KITTENS, which is published by Stan Lee’s Kids Universe.

Where did the idea come from? How did I get it published? What is it like to work with Stan Lee? Read on to find out!

How it started

I remember the first time I had the idea for MVK. I was on an airplane on my way to some vacation somewhere. I had a sketchbook open, doodling ideas. All of the sudden, I was jotting silly comparisons between kittens and monsters. “Monsters are big, kittens are small." "Kittens are clean, monsters are messy." Etc. I had the first draft before the plane landed. When I got home, I roughed out the book with some very simple, very messy drawings.

This sat on my computer for about a year.

I think at this time, I was concentrating on my webcomic and some other book pitches, so MVK fell off my radar. I also wanted to clean it up and make a better book pitch before bringing it to publishers, but I pretty much procrastinated and let it sit untouched.

How it sold

In 2010-2011, I was fully absorbed in webcomics and digital publishing. It was a new thing for me, so I was diving in head first. After awhile I had a few comics and a children's book posted online.

A publisher called 1821 comics found one of my webcomics, Frosty the Gourdman. Ultimately, they did not publish any of my comics. They did, however, ask to see whatever story ideas I had. The only thing I had on hand was this silly messy PDF I sketched out a year before. It wasn’t even a comic.

Little did I know, 1821 was thinking of starting a children’s book imprint.

I sold two books to them, including Monsters Vs. Kittens (and another book called

Once Upon a Time There Was a Pig).

New experiences

The new imprint was called Stan Lee’s Kids Universe, and yes, THE Stan Lee is a partner in the company. I’ve never met the guy, but it’s been a fun experience to have his feedback and participation in the marketing of the book. It was especially surreal to see videos online of Stan Lee reading my book to kids at launch events. (See here.)

I have to admit, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Stan Lee’s Kids Universe, as a brand new publisher, has had its challenges. Sales and the publicity of the company have been slow, though enthusiastic. And coming from a comics publisher, there’s been a big learning curve for SLKU going into children’s book publishing. I myself was a first time author/illustrator who didn’t know jack squat about marketing or promoting my work (still working on it actually). But I am fortunate to have had the experience. (And will continue to be learning — a sequel should be released sometime in the near future.)

Lessons

So what should you readers, artists, authors, friends, and patrons take from all this? I guess I’ve learned that even when you accomplish your dreams, there are going to be challenges. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. MVK gets a lot of attention, giggles, and good sales at every show I take it to. I’ve received pictures and videos of kids who read it over and over, and drag it with them wherever they go.

Business-wise, I'm learning how to put myself and my work out there, whether it's online or going to shows or just talking about the book when possible. Publishing is a very collaborative process for both the publisher and yourself. The work doesn't end as soon as the book's printed.

I would also say if you have an idea, put it down on paper. Always be searching and creating. Share your work online. You never know where they’ll lead or who might be looking. Always be creating, making, sharing.