Today we’d like to introduce you to Kentrell Martin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up with a deaf brother who is older. In order to communicate, I had to learn ASL in order to be able to communicate with him so I’ve been signing all of my life. One day I had an idea of a cartoon that would incorporate American Sign Language. I eventually turned those ideas into books. I published my first two books in 2013, left my job in 2015, and have been book touring ever since. I’ve currently done over 700 school visits and have nine books published.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The children’s market is tough unless you have a lot of capital for marketing. I first had to find a way to establish myself without spending a ton of money. As a full-time author, you don’t have the luxury of “paid time off,” so every day counts. Some weeks could be great and some weeks make not be so great.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a children’s book author who writes educational children’s books that incorporate American Sign Language. I travel across the country, visiting schools throughout the school year. I typically visit 130-150 schools per year. During my presentations, I read one of my books to the students and I also teach them 15-20 signs during the presentation. By the end of the presentation, students are able to sign their answers to my questions back to me in Sign Language.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to make a living off of books. Most thought that I was crazy when I left my job to become a full-time author. I don’t know or have heard of many authors who have been able to do such a feat. I’ve seen many authors, self-published and authors signed to big publications, leave the industry but I’m still here six years later. I think what sets me apart is the fact that, as far as I know, I’m the first in the industry to publish educational books that tell a story while incorporating American Sign Language. I also visit more schools than most authors.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m open to working with others in any capacity as long as it’s educational. People can support by sharing or purchasing any Shelly’s Adventures products. I also have an ASL network that includes a pilot animated ASL talk show. So subscribing to the network is another way to support.
Pricing:
- The majority of my books are $8.50
- The Shelly’s Adventures Network is $5.99 per month
Contact Info:
- Email: kentrell@shellysadventures.com
- Website: www.shellysadventures.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kentrellmartin
- Facebook: facebook.com/kentrellmartin
- Twitter: kentrellmartin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ShellysAdventuresLLC
