Some folks come to this site and click to order. That’s that. Other people want more details. If you are a detail-oriented person, this page is for you!
Here you go:
Personal Child Stories doesn’t provide ready-to-buy mass produced books. It’s my belief that every child is unique and special and not every child needs the same book. Therefore, I don’t write the story until the order comes in. I analyze the situation, the child and the photos I get. From there, I write a story based on what I see and learn.
Some children want/need a story about counting while others need a story about remembering a loved one (or pet). Some kids need a book that focuses on healthy body image while other kids need a story that celebrates a new sibling. Every book I write (and create from hand) is different. Rather than charge designer/author fees for each one ($100 an hour, etc), I have come up with three simple book rates: $20, $30 and $75 (plus shipping).
Based on the time each book takes to create, the rates are very low. Some folks might say: “$20 or $30 for a book? What?!” Not everyone appreciates the time it takes to produce a custom written/hand crafted book for their kiddo and that’s okay. Those are not my ideal customers.
My regular and repeat customers recognize the time and effort involved and their word of mouth helps to keep my business afloat. For new customers, however, it does take a leap of faith to order a PCS book. You’re not sure what’s coming; I understand that.
Here’s my process:
- You tell me what theme you think you want (from simple to complex and anything in between)
- I’ll ask some questions about your child (or grandchild, student, special needs situation, etc)
- I’ll tell you what photos I need and how many to send over
- I’ll review the photos and begin to create the text in my mind
- I’ll put a layout together and send you a PDF for review
- You might love it – “Whoo Hoo!”
- You might want changes – “Oh, actually, we call his brother Meatball. Can you change that part?”
- Once approved I will print, cut, laminate every page, cut again, bind and round the corners
- I then ship the book to you with a big bow tied around it (books and literacy are gifts to us! I want the recipient to see their book as a special present to be opened and enjoyed)
- I might include a dry erase marker for free (if I have any left) and a Bing Note card with a little self esteem message attached
From there, it’s up to you. I like to say: “All books, including ours, work best when used!”
My books are intended to be self esteem building tools that aid in social emotional understanding and emotional intelligence. Many of them double as coloring books because they contain a coloring page in back (for fine motor skill development). With every page laminated in heavy duty lamination (5 MIL), they can easily be colored on and wiped clean.
—–> Read a PCS book review here, to learn more: The Baby Bottom Line
If your child needs handwriting practice, I can include a page for that, too. We can work those details out after you place an order. I like to give my customers what they need rather than what the ‘norm’ thinks they should have. After all…every person is unique and different! I understand that and I like it. I don’t have any intention of becoming a mass-produced book business. I may get passed over by folks who are used to the “store bought only mentality” – those who have long forgotten the special gifts once created by hand and made with love. I’m okay with that. There are countless store bought books available that can be bought quickly for a child. I strive to offer books that are not quickly forgotten by the child.