Where It All Started

By day, I’m immersed in academia, teaching and researching quantum physics, engineering, and computational science. At night, I’m a husband and a father of four aspiring scientists (or perhaps professional video gamers). Once the household quiets down, I dedicate my time to writing and illustrating science books.

When my first book was finalized in early 2014, I was uncertain about its future. I had printed copies to share with my children and their classmates, and even posted the entire book on Reddit. With the overwhelmingly positive feedback I received, I felt compelled to launch it on Amazon.

Although fiction writing was never my forte, my extensive technical background inspired me to craft a book that addressed my passion while appealing to young readers. Thus, "Quantum Physics for Babies" was born. I realized there was a significant gap in science literature that resonated with both my children and me; complex ideas needed simpler, playful explanations. It appeared many other parents were in search of the same.

Transitioning to Traditional Publishing

In early 2016, I received a message from Kindle, formerly known as CreateSpace, expressing interest in my books, which were among the platform's best-selling paperbacks, selling around 100 copies daily. This was a pivotal moment, affirming that there was a genuine demand for making complex scientific concepts accessible to young minds. My efforts to simplify topics like quantum physics and relativity into engaging, child-friendly narratives resonated with eager parents and educators.

By late 2016, Sourcebooks approached me, aiming to expand their children’s nonfiction offerings. They expressed interest in publishing my existing six books, and I shared my many other ideas, which excited them. However, deciding to partner with Sourcebooks was not easy. The success and independence I had experienced through self-publishing were hard to relinquish. Ultimately, two key factors influenced my decision to embrace traditional publishing.

Firstly, the opportunity to create board books was too enticing to ignore. This robust format was ideal for my audience, but the logistics and costs associated with self-publishing board books were daunting. Traditional publishing provided a viable path to bring these concepts to life without the considerable effort and financial burden on my part.

Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, was the potential for wider distribution. While my self-published books had performed well online, the chance to reach a broader audience through traditional bookstores was an opportunity I couldn't overlook. Though self-published books can occasionally appear on bookstore shelves, it’s a rarity. Partnering with Sourcebooks, known for its strong connections with booksellers—especially independent stores specializing in children’s literature—promised a level of visibility and distribution I could not achieve independently. This was particularly appealing given the niche nature of my work. The chance to introduce scientific concepts to a larger audience and inspire wonder about the universe from a young age was what ultimately swayed me.

Why Are These Books Thriving?

"Quantum Physics for Babies" was re-released in 2017 under the Sourcebooks label and has sold over 1 million copies globally. This remarkable achievement highlights the expanded reach and influence that traditional publishing has provided me. Since making this transition, I have published over 60 titles with Sourcebooks, exploring an increasing variety of scientific topics tailored for young audiences.

The feedback I’ve received from readers—seen in daily interactions on social media, testimonials from parents, and the joy of watching children engage with intricate ideas in a playful manner—has been overwhelmingly positive. This transition from self-publishing to traditional publishing has not only broadened my audience but also enhanced the recognition of the significance of early STEM education.

The landscape of children's literature is vast, with countless exceptional books competing for attention. Amid this abundance, the question arises: what attracts readers—parents, educators, and children alike—to my science books? I believe the answer lies in a combination of reinforcing factors that extend beyond the intrinsic value of the books themselves.

Traditional Visibility: A large part of the success can be credited to visibility strategies—strategically placed books in stores and targeted marketing initiatives. Sourcebooks has played a crucial role in ensuring that the books are not merely published, but also seen and acknowledged.

Virality and Algorithms: In today's digital era, the influence of social media and online retail algorithms is significant. The virality on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where parents and educators share their experiences with my books, has increased their visibility. Additionally, Amazon's algorithm favors these titles in searches and recommendations, further enhancing their reach. This modern dynamic has created a cycle where visibility begets more visibility, driving curiosity and interest.

These combined factors have not only contributed to the success of my books but have also established them as leaders in a growing genre. By merging educational rigor with accessible storytelling, these books have carved a unique niche in children’s literature, simplifying complex scientific concepts and making them enjoyable for young readers.

Response from Readers

The books have amassed tens of thousands of reviews across various platforms, the majority of which are positive. However, evaluating their true educational impact solely through social media and product reviews can be challenging. To gain deeper insights, I conducted a survey on my website, yielding interesting findings.

The initial responses revealed readers' perceptions before engaging with my books. While some respondents were familiar with scientific concepts, many expressed uncertainty about their appropriateness for children and lacked confidence in discussing them.

Response Scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree

After reading my books, this perception changed significantly. Readers reported increased confidence and a newfound enjoyment in these topics, realizing that what initially seemed complex was indeed suitable for children.

Though I trust the survey results, I also posed direct questions about children's comprehension. It’s important to recognize that these findings should be interpreted cautiously, as the respondents primarily consisted of my social media followers or those who visited my website. Nevertheless, it’s fascinating to note that parents believe their children can understand abstract concepts. At the very least, children enjoy learning about these topics as much as they do other content in children's literature.

Response Scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree, 6 = N/A

Reflections on Publishing Modes

Embracing traditional publishing has indeed opened new avenues for me, allowing exploration at the intersection of education and entertainment through board books. This journey has significantly expanded my reach and emphasized the profound effect that well-crafted educational content can have on young minds.

Many aspiring authors seek my advice on how to navigate the publishing world. The suggestion to "wait for them to contact you" hardly serves as a practical guide. My experience, which began in self-publishing, illustrates the proactive and hands-on approach necessary in this competitive field.

Self-publishing comes with its own set of challenges. The freedom to control every aspect of the publishing process—from writing and illustrating to marketing and distribution—can be as overwhelming as it is liberating. For authors, especially those delving into children’s literature, the allure of self-publishing often stems from a desire to share their creations with their own children, a sentiment that traditional publishing timelines may not always accommodate.

The autonomy offered by self-publishing means authors carry the responsibility for their books' success. This includes navigating the complexities of book design, understanding audience engagement nuances, and mastering marketing strategies. However, this control also allows authors to respond directly to reader interests, experiment with unconventional ideas, and explore niche topics without the constraints of traditional publishing models.

The traditional publishing framework, while providing a broader reach, often focuses on profitability. This can lead to a cautious approach to series expansion or exploring new concepts that may not align with current market trends. There is often a desire to avoid market saturation and protect the integrity of existing titles. Despite numerous requests to add new books to my series—ranging from "Actuarial Science for Babies" to "ABCs of Zoology"—I remember my editor’s remark, “I can’t publish a Chris Ferrie book every week.” While that may be true for them, I can!

I have several ideas for books that don’t align with Sourcebooks' vision. While I could pitch them to other publishers, I find myself leaning back toward self-publishing. After all, I’ve encouraged other aspiring authors to take that path, so I should follow my own advice, right?