Celebrate Insect Week with Andi Chitty!

Happy Insect Week, readers, writers, and bug enthusiasts of all kinds! 🐞Today we're celebrating with a picture book that's equal parts silly, charming, and educational. We're thrilled to connect with Andi Chitty and hear about her delightful picture book, The Waga-Laga Bugs.

Join the playful Waga-Laga Bugs as they spend their days doing what they love most -- playing! But when storm clouds begin to gather and the other insects prepare for what's ahead, these fun-loving bugs discover an important lesson about responsibility, teamwork, and helping others. Filled with catchy rhymes, laugh-out-loud moments, and gorgeous illustrations by Sandra Attema-Welte, this bug-tastic book is a must.

Want to know more about Andi Chitty, her path to publication with The Waga-Laga Bugs, PLUS want a chance to win a cool giveaway: a copy of the book, a PB critique, OR a 30-minute AMA session with the author? Read on... 📚

Q: Hi, Andi! We’re so excited to feature you on #SeasonsOfKidLit and chat about The Waga-Laga Bugs! Can you tell us a little about yourself, what inspired this story, and what led you to choose the self-publishing path?

A: Thanks for having me! I've been writing for kids for over 5 years now, and "The Waga-Laga Bugs" is my debut picture book (though I have 2 board books, as well). I was agented for a time, with "The Waga-Laga Bugs" as my main book on submission to publishers. It's the book my agent fell in love with, and my favorite one I've ever written! After 2 years of rejections, though, and looking at the dwindling number of potential publishers left to submit to, I realized that I may have to self-publish if I wanted this story to see the light of day. Shortly after that realization, I came across an illustration by Sandra Attema-Welte, and I almost fell out of my chair. I knew then that Sandra would be the one to illustrate this story. I made the decision to leave my literary agent so "The Waga-Laga Bugs" could be released from contract, and from there it was full-tilt towards self-publishing this book of my heart.

Q: Self-publishing a children’s book comes with a lot of moving parts - from writing and illustration to production and marketing. What was the biggest learning curve in bringing The Waga-Laga Bugs to life?

A: Marketing! I have enjoyed every step of the creative process of book creation, but getting the word out there about this book has been the most difficult part. There's so much to learn, and I'm trying to soak it all up!

Q: One of the most empowering parts of self-publishing is having full creative control. Were there any specific decisions about The Waga-Laga Bugs - the artwork, storytelling, format, or branding - that felt especially meaningful to make yourself?

A: After leaving my literary agent to self-publish, I did have that realization! I was in full creative control, and I didn't have to think about what an editor might prefer anymore (though I want to note, my agent had never asked me to change the story! All my changes were self-imposed to fit what I thought an editor might want). It was so freeing to only think about what kids and parents might prefer. I reverted my manuscript back to 3 bugs instead of 1 and added back the nonfiction backmatter I'd written ages before. I loved the changes, and being able to publish the story as I'd originally envisioned it was so empowering. 

Q: Looking back on your publishing journey so far, what surprised you most about self-publishing a children’s book? Is there anything you wish you’d known before getting started?

A: The most surprising thing, I think, was when "The Waga-Laga Bugs" received a Kirkus Star from Kirkus Reviews. Sandra and I worked so hard on this book, so to see a professional organization recognize that was incredibly validating. The most surprising thing about self-publishing specifically, though, is how many doors are still closed to us, even with the Kirkus Star. I need to research more into successful marketing avenues and indie options for self-publishers (there's so much to learn!).

"A read-out-loud delight; kids will love this rollicking insect tale."

-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

That is SO wonderful - Congrats!

Q: For aspiring children’s authors who may be considering self-publishing their own stories, what advice would you share from your experience with The Waga-Laga Bugs? And what’s next for you as an author?

A: My #1 piece of advice is to not treat self-publishing as the "easy way out". You still have to respect the child reader! That means making your manuscript the best it can be, investing in quality illustrations (no AI), and designing a visually appealing book (tip: book designers are not the same as illustrators!). 

Q: How has the response been from kids during school visits and other readings?

A: It's been so amazing! I have parents reach out to me often, either sharing photos of the bugs their kids excitedly searched for after a school visit, or to share that the book helped ease their fears of bugs. I've had parents share that they caught their kid sneaking the book into bed after lights-out at bedtime, too. What an honor! I love sharing my love of bugs, and I'm so happy my enthusiasm comes out enough to influence this next generation of bug warriors!

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for our readers? 

Sure! I left a tip above so I'll leave a treat here.

Winners' choice of:

a) a picture book manuscript critique (<800 words)

b) 30-min AMA (ask me anything) video call

c) a copy of "The Waga-Laga Bugs" (US only)

Woah - thanks for such sweet tips and a sweet treat! And thanks again for joining us - it was wonderful hearing more about your successful self-publishing journey!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Andi's giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by. Bug-themed GIFS are welcomed, too!

Giveaway winners will be drawn and announced on or about 07/08.

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Andi Chitty:

Andi Chitty is a Virginia-based children's book author with over 5 years experience writing for kids. A self-described "bug enthusiast", she uses her debut picture book, "The Waga-Laga Bugs", to help instill a love of bugs in this next generation of kids. 

For more about Andi, check out her website below:

https://www.andichittybooks.com/

To purchase a copy of her book, or to leave a review for it, click here.

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