403: Tiny Worlds: How a nature illustrator and author built a fanbase for her work.

Hello #AmWriters, Jess here. When Rosalie Haizlett emailed to introduce me to her work, I was intrigued. At the time, I was working on the marketing section of a book proposal, trying to thick- and thin-slice the book’s potential audience and explain why my fanbase as well as new readers might purchase this particular book I was describing. So when Rosalie emailed to tell me about her forthcoming book, Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist’s Journey my head exploded. How do you convince a publisher to let you write about such tiny worlds, no matter how beautiful your art and eloquent your writing? Rosalie generously answered my questions in the spirit they were asked: with a genuine love for small presses, books about very specific subjects, and wonder for her process and her end product. 

As a bonus, I found out about some of the most incredible fellowship opportunities for writers and illustrators, ones I’m tempted to apply for myself! I hope you enjoy this episode as much I did. 

Rosalie’s website

Rosalie’s #AmReading suggestions: 

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall and Sophie’s website because it’s gorgeous

Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies and Bees by Sarah Kaizar

Jess’ #AmReading suggestion:

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen, duh.