“But I’m Not an Artist!”: How Picture Book Illustrations Actually Work
Release Date: 06/03/2025
Why You’re Already an Author
At Home Author Podcast
So many writers hold back from calling themselves “authors” until someone else validates them—an agent offer, a book deal, a published book in hand. But the truth is, the title doesn’t come from external approval. It comes from you. In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber unpacks why labels matter, how mindset shapes your confidence, and why you don’t need permission to call yourself an author. Drawing from her own journey as both a writer and an agent, she shares how taking your work seriously from the start changes not just how others see you—but how you see...
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Writing on Your Own Timeline: Letting Go of Comparison
At Home Author Podcast
So many writers look around and feel like they’re late—that everyone else is signing agents, publishing books, or moving faster. But what if the timeline you’re on is exactly the right one? In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber explores what it means to release comparison and reimagine progress on your own terms. Drawing on her experiences as a teacher, author, and agent, she shares stories and insights that remind us creativity doesn’t have a clock. If you’ve ever worried that you’re “behind,” this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and the...
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When a Book Flops: Why It’s Not the End
At Home Author Podcast
So your book didn’t sell like you hoped. Maybe the launch flopped, the reviews never came, or the algorithm ghosted you. It hurts—but it doesn’t mean you’re done. In this episode, Vicky Weber gets real about what happens when a book doesn’t meet expectations and why that moment doesn’t define your future as an author. Drawing from personal experience and industry insight, she unpacks the difference between failure and feedback—and how to pivot with purpose. If you want to be an author, you can be. You just need a strategy. Whether you’re self-published, traditionally published,...
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Why Chasing Virality Hurt My Writing Career
At Home Author Podcast
For a long time, I thought the key to selling books was simple: go viral. I threw myself into creating content I hoped would explode, thinking that more likes and views would automatically mean more readers and more success. But the reality? That mindset left me creatively drained, constantly comparing myself to others, and no closer to the sustainable author career I wanted. In this episode, I’m sharing how chasing virality hurt my writing, my mental health, and my publishing goals—and what I’ve learned since. You don’t have to go viral to make an impact or sell books. You need...
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Standing Out in the Query Trenches: Secrets to Getting an Agent’s Attention
At Home Author Podcast
The query trenches are more saturated than ever, leaving authors wondering how to get noticed. In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber—author, coach, and now a literary agent—shares what she learned from landing an agent twice and what truly makes a query stand out today. You’ll learn: Why the query landscape is so competitive right now Common reasons queries don’t move forward How to write a query letter that highlights your hook and voice Insider advice from someone who has been both a querying author and an agent reviewing submissions If...
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“But I’m Not an Artist!”: How Picture Book Illustrations Actually Work
At Home Author Podcast
Think you need to hire an illustrator before submitting your picture book? Or that you can’t publish because you can’t draw? Think again. In this episode, Vicky Weber—literary agent, bestselling picture book author, and founder of At Home Author—breaks down how illustrations really work in both traditional and self-publishing. Visit to learn more or .
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Which Publishing Route is BEST?
At Home Author Podcast
I get asked this question a lot. In this episode, I'm sharing some pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing to determine which route may be the best fit for you as an author. Visit to learn more or .
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How I had My First 5-Figure Book Launch
At Home Author Podcast
Bestselling author Vicky Weber answers the burning question: what did she do differently to go from struggling author to a 5-figure book launch? Visit to learn more or .
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What It REALLY Takes To Become a Children's Book Author
At Home Author Podcast
In this episode, bestselling author Vicky Weber shares what actually takes to get your book published. Hint: it's not writing experience or industry connections. Visit to learn more or .
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Traditional Publishing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!
At Home Author Podcast
In this episode, Vicky, Brittany, and Chelsea share the most common mistakes that aspiring authors make when pursuing traditional publishing. Visit to learn more. How to Find a Publisher: How to Illustrate a Children's Book When You're Not an Artist:
info_outlineThink you need to hire an illustrator before submitting your picture book? Or that you can’t publish because you can’t draw? Think again.
In this episode, Vicky Weber—literary agent, bestselling picture book author, and founder of At Home Author—breaks down how illustrations really work in both traditional and self-publishing.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more or join our coaching program.