Want to Find Great Books to Read to Your Children? Buy Books from Unknown Authors

SPRING, Texas - June 30, 2015 - PRLog -- For three years, Aviva Gittle has searched for the best self-published children’s picture books. Aviva, herself an indie author, says, “I love Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, and Sandra Boynton. But there are children’s books available that are as good — and in some cases better — than the ones from famous authors. I want my grandchildren to be exposed to unique stories."

Who decides which books are best? Aviva believes that traditional publishing houses and corporations greatly influence public opinion. She says that they have the money and connections to bring a book to the public’s attention. The kickoff campaign they can afford to launch means the book starts off with better sales. “Then,” Aviva explains, “the higher sales puts it on the Amazon best seller list. Now it gets free publicity from Amazon who will constantly suggest the book to anyone who has recently purchased or searched for kid's books. This drives up sales even more.” The result? Readers rarely hear about great indie children's books.

Aviva also believes that corporations like Walmart and Costco do a disservice to consumers by providing a very small selection of children’s books in their stores. She says, “The average shopper is presented with very few, mostly uninspired, choices.”

Aviva admits that self-publishers have a tainted reputation because of the many authors who publish books that are poorly written. “Unfortunately, there is a whole industry built on convincing wanna-be authors that writing and publishing children’s stories is easy,” says Aviva. “We are drowning in a sea of mediocrity. Some indie authors publish their books without a professional editor.”

Through her contest, The Gittle List, Aviva has discovered 20 self-published children’s picture books that she is proud to recommend to readers. “Why would Costco sell a set of re-hashed fairy tales when an inspirational book like They Told Us Something Wonderful Was Coming is available?” (This uplifting story, written and illustrated by Bev Stone, won the number one spot on The Gittle List in 2014.)

The Gittle List contest is open to self-published authors around the world. (The book must be written in English.) It is the only contest that offers entrants chances to earn free publicity throughout the submission period.

The submission deadline is November 15, 2015. Print books and eBooks are accepted. Aviva advises to enter early. “The sooner you enter, the better chance you have to get free exposre for your book.”

If you believe your self-published children’s picture book is as good or better than the classics, Aviva encourages you to enter The Gittle List contest. To learn more about the contest, and see a list of winning books, visit Aviva Gittle Publishing's website, http://gotogittle.com, and select “Contests” from the main menu.

Aviva says, “I know there are many authors who have put their heart and soul into creating wonderful children’s books. My mission is to find them and present them to readers around the world.”

Aviva Gittle Publishing offers great stories for children in English and Spanish, including the Kitten and Friends / Gatito y amigos series. Aviva’s website, www.GoToGittle.com shares the stories of authors, illustrators and others who create books and creative media for children.