36 goals in 2025 to become a picture book author | 絵本作家の夢に近づくための36の目標

I have wanted to become a published picture book author for as long as I can remember yet I thought it was an attainable dream.

During my twenties, I didn’t even think it’ll happen and I stopped making picture books.

However, since I first became an aunty in 2019, I started to make picture books again as I had a message to share with my half Japanese, half German nephews.

Slowly, I gained enough confidence that I started to show my picture books other than to my family and a couple of years ago, I sold a number of copies.

Yet, in 2025, I felt the momemtum lacking; I was dragging my feet. I kinda got scared of failing.

To push myself, I have created 36 goals to help me work towards my dream of becoming a published picture book author.

To challenge myself to be accountable, I’m publishing the 36 goals.

1. Register as sole proprietor
2. Make my picture book brochure
3. List up independent bookstores that could stock self published books
4. Upload all the picture books to Yomoehon
5. Regularly post on art blog (min 1 per week)
6. Research ‘the winning formula’ (i.e. research picture book authors that I admire and their path)
7. Fan creation – share the story as to why I’m doing it
8. Create Go To Market check list per release
9. Upload readings on youtube
10. Comment on others’ X, tweet
11. Tweet in Japanese min once a week about picture book related things or share activities
12. Make a list of picture book comps, specs, deadline
13. List up publishers of books that I like
14. Compare marketplace like minne or own ecommerce site and set up in one
15. Attend 5 picture book related events
16. Research and follow influencers in picture book field
17. Approach 10 bookstores in person and see if they can stock my books
18. Enter min 2 picture book competitions
19. Join writing course or community
20. Approach publishers
21. Hold reading event
22. Publish story only
23. Ways to repurpose each work
24. Submit artworks to Bologna
25. Approach different region German / Japanese, Australia/Japanese
26. Join womens/ Tokyo / Enterpreneur networks
27. Resarch English x Japanese community
28. Search pop up events i can sell at
29. Explore adjacent jobs to picture book authors
30. Make merchandise for stories, characters
31. Sell at pop up events
32. Approach international schools, day cares, kids English
33. Try to get into book club / subscription
34. Open exhibit of artwork for the picture book
35. Make 3 picture books in 2025
36. Sell all my picture book inventories

I’ll share my progress on this blog and learnings that come from it.

Here’s the chasing dreams!