What happens when an aspiring children’s author decides to skip the traditional publishing route and build a publishing company herself?
On this episode of Titans of Texas, host Casey Claiborne sits down with Ashley Wall, children’s author and co-founder of Austin-based independent publisher Mama Bear Books.
Wall shares how ten years as a teacher and reading with her own children inspired her to begin writing books designed to spark kids’ imaginations and make reading fun. Rather than pursuing the traditional process of finding an agent and publisher, Wall and her husband launched Mama Bear Books, eventually expanding the company to publish other authors and distribute books across the country.
Wall discusses learning the business side of publishing, competing for attention in an increasingly crowded market, the importance of marketing and social media, and the lessons she has learned transitioning from educator to entrepreneur.
She also shares her vision for the future of Mama Bear Books, including animated content, school literacy programs and turning children’s stories into larger franchises.
00:00 — Introducing Ashley Wall
01:20 — Growing Up in Texas & Becoming a Teacher
04:12 — Ten Years in the Classroom
05:12 — The Idea to Write Children’s Books
07:10 — Turning an Idea Into a Business
08:08 — Why Skip Traditional Publishing?
09:22 — Building Mama Bear Books
11:37 — Publishing Her First Book
12:58 — Finding Inspiration Through Her Kids
13:52 — How Mama Bear Books Sells & Distributes Books
15:00 — From Educator to Entrepreneur
16:14 — Competing in Children’s Publishing
17:26 — Growing the Company & Other Authors
18:52 — Advice for New Entrepreneurs
20:54 — Lessons From Changing Careers
21:46 — The Future of Mama Bear Books
22:56 — Why Getting Kids to Read Matters
24:43 — Where to Find Ashley & Mama Bear Books