Eight years ago, Richie Evans and I started a little company with a simple idea: to create a production platform for my writing—somewhere we could illustrate and design children’s books based on the stories I’d written. Very quickly, that tiny idea grew. We began helping other writers bring their children’s books to life, and before long, the whole thing snowballed. What started as a passion project became something much bigger. Bear With Us Productions is now a trusted global brand, helping writers become published children’s authors, earning award-winning recognition, and maintaining an excellent Trustpilot rating. We’ve built a team of more than 50 artists, designers, and project managers from all over the world. To say I’m proud is an understatement. But as many of you know, my health hasn’t been great this year, and the strain of running a company has been taking its toll. So today, Bear With Us Productions was sold to a wonderful businessperson involved in several children’s entertainment and educational companies. I’m confident the company is in very good hands. After eight years, I can finally put my feet up a bit and refocus on my own writing, my children’s books, and my personal author journey. In fact, I’ve got three school visits this week—and I’m absolutely bricking it. Pitching stories to a room full of ten-year-olds… they’re the toughest critics of all. Here’s to Bear With Us Productions and its new owner. A new chapter begins.

26th Nov 2025 and 6 pm UK Time - Have you ever wondered why some authors seem to shine online—getting school visit invites, podcast features, and loyal reader followings—while others struggle to be seen? In collaboration with Bear With Us Productions, this 1-hour Marketing + Author Branding Workshop hosted by Magic Moon Publishing will show you how to develop your personal author brand beyond the pages of your book, so your name becomes as memorable as your stories. You’ll discover: - How to define your author identity – find your authentic message and voice that connects with your audience - Building visibility through social media – practical tips for creating engaging posts that attract readers, educators, and retailers - Leveraging podcasts, interviews, and events – turn appearances into meaningful exposure that sells books - School visits and author talks – why your presence in classrooms can drive both literacy engagement and long-term sales - Marketing the author to market the book – learn why growing you is one of the smartest strategies for sustained success We’ll also share examples from successful children’s authors who have built strong, lasting brands that continue to grow their readership—long after launch day. Attendees will also have the chance to book a free 1:1 session with the Commissioning Editor of Magic Moon Publishing for tailored author branding and marketing advice specific to their work. This is your chance to go beyond the book—to craft your author identity, reach new readers, and create a lasting impact in the world of children’s publishing. https://www.skool.com/bwup-childrens-book-community-4707/calendar?eid=779ecc3038f54a49b4b274756548ac44

Im just wondering when we get access to The Classroom tutorials? Ive still got a padlock showing?

🚀 Unlock the Author Course Today - In the Classroom! - https://www.skool.com/bwup-childrens-book-community-4707/classroom Our free community gives you tips, support, and inspiration — but if you’re ready to take things further, the Author Course is where you’ll find step-by-step tutorials to take your children’s book from idea to finished publication. Inside the course, you’ll learn: ✅ How to plan and structure your story ✅ Writing for the right age group ✅ Working with illustrators and creating storyboards ✅ Cover design, formatting, and publishing (KDP + IngramSpark) ✅ Marketing, school visits, PR, and much more 🔑 Choose How You Want to Unlock the Course 👉 Option 1: Lifetime Access (£195 + VAT) One-time payment, lifetime access to all modules.Unlock Lifetime Access 👉 Option 2: Monthly Access (£25/month + VAT) Full access to all modules, cancel anytime.Unlock Monthly Access More Modules are being added weekly. ✨ Already subscribed? You’ll automatically keep your access at £25/month — no need to rejoin or pay again. Once you’ve completed your payment, we’ll unlock the course modules for you inside Skool so you can keep learning. This is your chance to learn directly from an award-winning children’s book production team with real experience in publishing books that reach Waterstones, win awards, and are loved by readers (even royalty!).

This morning, a photo popped up from 6 years ago, showing my grandson reading my KDP version of The Monsters' Brawl. The book was released on KDP, but I didn't do anything with it after launch. Instead, we turned it into an animation for a children's book augmented reality app called BOOKFUL, where it became a best seller on that platform, particularly around this time of year, the Halloween season. Recently, I updated the story to re-release it and make it more 'evergreen' by changing some text to Monster Town instead of Halloween Town. It's now set to be released soon and will be on sale at Waterstones. The book has had a 6-year journey before really having a chance at success. It made me think: how long have you sat on a book or a story before giving it a good chance? Have you ever tweaked the story to make it more appealing and less seasonal?