This is my first time writing a children's book and my first experience with the publishing industry. I learned that in Taiwan it’s rare for picture books to be profitable. Sometimes it can be a challenge to break even. Luckily I’m working with Garlic Crush Studios, a Taipei-based studio and publisher. They believe children’s books should be fun and inspire readers to be creative. If possible, they should make kids laugh and smile. I completely agree!
Since Hey Taipei is in English, I have no idea if there’s a market for the book to succeed. Do enough parents in Taiwan want to buy an English-language book about Taipei? We’ll find out! Garlic Crush Studios has taken on the work of the illustrations and book design. Now we’re hoping to pre-sell enough copies to cover the printing cost and make all the work worthwhile. Hopefully this campaign will be a success and we’ll get to see Hey Taipei selling in bookstores and maybe even Taoyuan Airport.