Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in publication but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Richard, founder of Made Live, located in Coldstream, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Many aspiring authors are shocked when they learn more than 98% of manuscripts submitted to publishers are ultimately rejected. And while self-publishing is a viable option for some, it takes the average children's book author two to four years. It can cost upwards of $30,000, leaving many potential authors and their stories without a viable option.

But Made Live is here to change that by providing children's book authors with cloud-based software that takes the frustration and rejection out of the publishing process. We strive to strip away the barriers and the inefficient gatekeepers standing between aspiring authors and publications. Simple click-and-drag features and templates take the guesswork out of formatting illustrated books. Collaboration features make it easy for authors to build a team to create the book of their dreams.

Tell us about yourself

Working as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist for nearly two decades, I consistently used books in my sessions and always dreamed of writing my own children's book. In January 2020, I decided to go for it but quickly found there were not many tools available to help aspiring children's authors get started, and I wasn't interested in tracking down an agent or publisher. I connected with others in the same situation and realized how many people were in the same boat - and our idea was born. What keeps us going? We are motivated to democratize the children's publishing industry - to serve the 98% who are shut out by helping them see their books come to life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment? Finally, having the confidence in our idea (and our founding team) to pursue the full business time. Running a business is quite the departure from the world of clinical Speech-Language Pathology, and I have already learned so much since I took the leap.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that ultimately, everything rests on your shoulders. Decision fatigue is a real thing, and it can be hard to turn off the business brain and balance work with other aspects of a personal life.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. There's no "perfect" time to start. If you wait for it, you may miss your best opportunity.
  2. Surround yourself with support - not only people who will pat you on the head and tell you what a good job you're doing, but to call you out and push you to be and do better.
  3. KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER! Book interviews, post questions to groups on social media and utilize social listening. Then take that info and put it into everything you do.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have learned so much about myself after walking away from a nearly 20-year career. I finally feel like I am doing what I was meant to do with my life and have grown both personally and professionally. Pushing yourself outside of your regular day-to-day comfort zone is very revealing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://made.live/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gomadelive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gomadelive/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gomadelive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-live-inc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.