Books For Autistic Teens
Donation protected
A Writer with Autism trying to Self Publish a book series to help teens with Autism.
With 4 daughters all with ASD I have often created my own therapy tools. The world is an overwhelming place sometimes, one problem leads to an uncontrollable cascade of emotions. We with Autism sometimes need to learn to deal with emotions and potential triggers overtly, intellectually, a book can help. When already overwhelmed a page filled with words can be too much even for an intelligent, literate adult, we need maximum instant message. But we are neither stupid, nor babies. Self esteem is very precarious particularly in the teen/young adult years. I have attempted to use mature language, humour and relevant references to create a book that speaks directly to the modern teen with autism. I know (approximately)where they are coming from, I've been somewhere awfully similar and I've made maps for my four.
I have written 3 of these books:
Substitute; how to deal with all the changes that happen with a substitute teacher,
Gossip; how to cope with this aspect of their peers rapidly changing social world,
and Stuff; which is about the problem most people don't even know exists, how to cope when other people touch your belongings.
The first two in a more primitive form went to school with my youngest. People seemed to like them. After three years of inertia I was encouraged by a local writing group to try to publish them. There is an inexpensive publishing service 'Wild Weeds' that is helping me, however they do have to charge for their services. I have some savings but the big hurdle is illustrations.
I know from personal experience that the right illustrations will make these books. Pictures are what we need when we are overwhelmed. It also needs to look professional enough so parents, educators and therapists will want to give these books to their autistic teen; two very different audiences. I have found a great illustrator with experience working with people with autism.
I have already been offered a significantly reduced package because the professionals involved are keen to see this project work.
I have not seen the final quotes yet and will update when I do, but an educated estimate would be:
Professional services inc. editing, an Ebook and a print run of 50; $400 - $800.
Illustrations more than 60 in each: $1200 - $1500 per book.
I should be able to pay $3000 towards these costs.
Basic package short fall: $1000 - $2300
If there was a lot of interest I would really like to add colour to the illustrations but this would increase the costs of illustrating and especially printing.
I would also like to increase the print run and give free books to various professionals. This will help the books garner the attention they need to reach their target audience.
Colour: $500 - $800 per book
Print Run: $250 per book.
I want to be a professional writer but I don't actually expect to make a profit in this area. I remember the nightmare of high school for an autistic teen. I really believe my books will help and I want them in the hands of autistic teens.
Minimum to go ahead: $1000
Dream package: $5000
Please help me realise my dream. Small things like this can make incredible differences to disabled kids. I can't express how grateful I already am to 'Wild Weeds' and the others who have already helped me, I can't even imagine how grateful I will be to you, my new team members.
With 4 daughters all with ASD I have often created my own therapy tools. The world is an overwhelming place sometimes, one problem leads to an uncontrollable cascade of emotions. We with Autism sometimes need to learn to deal with emotions and potential triggers overtly, intellectually, a book can help. When already overwhelmed a page filled with words can be too much even for an intelligent, literate adult, we need maximum instant message. But we are neither stupid, nor babies. Self esteem is very precarious particularly in the teen/young adult years. I have attempted to use mature language, humour and relevant references to create a book that speaks directly to the modern teen with autism. I know (approximately)where they are coming from, I've been somewhere awfully similar and I've made maps for my four.
I have written 3 of these books:
Substitute; how to deal with all the changes that happen with a substitute teacher,
Gossip; how to cope with this aspect of their peers rapidly changing social world,
and Stuff; which is about the problem most people don't even know exists, how to cope when other people touch your belongings.
The first two in a more primitive form went to school with my youngest. People seemed to like them. After three years of inertia I was encouraged by a local writing group to try to publish them. There is an inexpensive publishing service 'Wild Weeds' that is helping me, however they do have to charge for their services. I have some savings but the big hurdle is illustrations.
I know from personal experience that the right illustrations will make these books. Pictures are what we need when we are overwhelmed. It also needs to look professional enough so parents, educators and therapists will want to give these books to their autistic teen; two very different audiences. I have found a great illustrator with experience working with people with autism.
I have already been offered a significantly reduced package because the professionals involved are keen to see this project work.
I have not seen the final quotes yet and will update when I do, but an educated estimate would be:
Professional services inc. editing, an Ebook and a print run of 50; $400 - $800.
Illustrations more than 60 in each: $1200 - $1500 per book.
I should be able to pay $3000 towards these costs.
Basic package short fall: $1000 - $2300
If there was a lot of interest I would really like to add colour to the illustrations but this would increase the costs of illustrating and especially printing.
I would also like to increase the print run and give free books to various professionals. This will help the books garner the attention they need to reach their target audience.
Colour: $500 - $800 per book
Print Run: $250 per book.
I want to be a professional writer but I don't actually expect to make a profit in this area. I remember the nightmare of high school for an autistic teen. I really believe my books will help and I want them in the hands of autistic teens.
Minimum to go ahead: $1000
Dream package: $5000
Please help me realise my dream. Small things like this can make incredible differences to disabled kids. I can't express how grateful I already am to 'Wild Weeds' and the others who have already helped me, I can't even imagine how grateful I will be to you, my new team members.
Organizer
Lisa Holt
Organizer
Aveley WA
