Shellie Braeuner
Author: The Great Dog Wash; Alec Kazam and Untitled Early Reader
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416971160
How long have you been a nanny, or how long were you a nanny?: 25 years
What is a highlight of your nanny career?: I recently cared for the first born of one of the first babies I cared for. I felt like a “Grand Nanny!”
How did you come up with the idea for your product/ service?: I was constantly telling the children stories. The family, and my family, encouraged me to seek publication. I spent about four years learning the craft of writing for children before I sold my first book to Simon and Schuster.
What is your level of monetary investment and have you seen a profit?: I spent $600 on a laptop and have earned many times that amount in royalties and speaking fees.
What is the purpose of your product/service?: To entertain and educate children and to help families create loving, lasting memories.
How has the nanny industry received your product/service – i.e. what has been the feedback you’ve received?: I have had a wonderful and supportive response to the book from the nanny community both locally and world-wide.
What words of wisdom do you have for others, who may have a product/service and wish to expand its market? Learn the craft of writing before you jump in with both feet.
What do you wish you had known early on, that you’ve learned going through this process? I wish I had known more about taxes and financial planning. I am learning now and I’m amazed at how much I could have safeguarded if I had known more earlier.
Any other information you would like to share with us? My next book, which is still untitled, will be released in 2013. The next picture book, Alec Kazam, doesn’t have a release date yet.