Miriam Laundry

Miriam Laundry is the founder of ML Publishing, the author of five bestselling and award-winning children’s books, a TEDx speaker, and a Guinness World Record holder. It is Miriam’s mission to give authors the knowledge and confidence they need to publish their children’s books and make a positive impact on the younger generation.

Now Miriam dedicates her time to helping writers get their books published and in the hands of the children who need it. Her company, ML Publishing, has published over 200 children’s books and counting.

Authors who partner with Miriam gain more than their first bestselling publication: they also gain lasting friendships, a strong community, and the courage to chase their dreams.

Miriam firmly believes quality children’s books can change the world. She has been featured on The Morning Show, Earn Your Happy with Lori Harder, and more.

What genre(s) do you write?

Children’s Literature - specifically Picture Books.

Do you have a newly released book? What is the title and a link to buy the book?

No newly released book right now - No new book for me. I focus now on publishing my authors’ books. We just celebrated our 250th book.

Are there any other social media links, websites, or other places to learn about you that we should add?

Free Writing Resource: Children’s Book Blueprint
www.miriamlaundry.com/blueprint

Facebook: @MiriamLaundryFanPage
Instagram: @miriamlaundrypublishing

In 2014 you set the Guinness World Record™ for “The Largest Online Book Discussion in a 24 Hour Period”. What was the biggest factor you contributed to meeting such a huge goal?

There were two things that were very important:

One was the deep desire I had to make a difference with my I CAN book. After loosing my niece to suicide, I was very impact driven. I wanted to impact the lives of 100,000 children. I did not know how I was going to do it but it forced me think bigger, hence going for a Guinness World Record. This clarity and strong WHY helped me get out of my quiet, shy, comfort zone and allowed me to share my vision with everyone.
Sharing my vision with everyone I met was instrumental to us achieving that goal. I was able to find others who shared a similar vision and backed me up. More specifically, a gentleman that worked for a network marketing company put me in contact with the CEO of that company and they helped me get the message out.

I also attended a lot of school events and conferences and openly shared.

Did you hire an agent to get your traditional publishing deal with HCI books (Health Communications, Inc.)?

I did not. My co-author for that book is Jack Canfield. I believe that the fact that he is well known in the industry helped in finding a publisher. However, It did not come without rejections. We were rejected by 3 publishers first before HCI Books took us on. It is tough for a new author to get a publishing deal right away. This is why so many first time authors choose to self publish or to hire companies in guiding them to publishing their work. I believe this is a great alternative, as long as one puts out a quality book.

What is the most fun and most difficult part of the writing process for you? Eg. first draft, editing, researching?
The most fun part of the writing process for me is always getting the idea and then writing about it. First draft for sure.
The most difficult part is the editing part. Specifically having a professional editor provide feedback. Although appreciated and I understand it helps my story get stronger, it’s still tough to hear.

What is your favorite part of being an author?

I love seeing children enjoy my books. I loved going into schools and reading to children because I got to see in real time how they felt about the story. You see a child curious about what they hear, or look concerned at a certain point in the story, and then you see them smile at the end. That is the best feeling, to see a child enjoy something you wrote.
I also love knowing that my books are making a difference in children’s lives. I cherish conversations with parents who have shared how my book has impacted their child. How my book has helped them believe in themselves more, or inspired them to make a difference, or have given them the courage to come face to face with their own bully in the mirror..

You started Miriam Laundary Publishing in 2020, an educational and publishing company for children's books. How have you seen this change the lives of authors?
Most children’s book authors have had a dream of holding their own book in their hands for decades, so the fact that they get to achieve this dream is life changing for them.
One of the first authors I helped publish her book, had the dream for 50 years. Since she was a 9 year old girl. The tears of joy that I witness her have when she accomplished her dream is the most rewarding thing.
Here I had a 59 year old woman accomplish something that meant so much to her.
I see tremendous growth in authors when they do this. Not only growth as a writer, but the growth in their self-esteem and confidence. Now that they have accomplished such a big goal, they will be more open and quicker to go for other goals..

If you could give any advice to a new writer/author, what would it be?

My #1 piece of advice for all new authors is to find a community, immediately.
Having a supportive community is essential to achieving any goal. We are not meant
to do anything alone. We get there faster and enjoy the process more when we find other like minded individuals also going for their dreams. We keep each other accountable and when your books get published, you have your cheerleaders beside you.
You can do this!