It seems like a strange path from neuroscientist to picture book author, but that’s exactly the path Danielle Camer has followed, establishing a successful freelance medical writing business along the way. After completing Writing Picture Books and the Writing Picture Books Masterclass at Australian Writers' Centre, Danielle’s most recent picture book Squirrel Takes the Cake, is out now with Starfish Bay Publishing, and she has another one on the way. This is after Danielle cut her teeth indie publishing her highly acclaimed picture book Sophie Won’t Sleep.
“I thought I was done after I completed my Neuroscience PhD thesis in 2015, which was entitled The therapeutic effects of a pentacyclic triterpene derivative, bardoxolone methyl, in preventing high-fat diet-induced obesity and associated neural, hepatic, cardiovascular, and renal complications!” Danielle told us. “Back then, I never imagined I would be a published picture book author, but I'm so glad I followed this path. It is a wonderful creative outlet, and it brings me so much joy to see children – including my daughter, Sophie – enjoying my stories.”
A change in lifestyle and career
Danielle was working in an advertising agency with long hours and a long commute and wanted to have more time with her then two-year-old daughter and husband.
“I was tired of commuting three to four hours a day, where I would leave home at 6am and not return until 7:30/8pm. My husband was doing the daycare drop offs and pick-ups and I felt I was missing out on precious time with my daughter and forming connections with her daycare educators. I have a strong network in medical and health advertising, so I decided to start my freelance writing business from home.
“I didn't know where to start in terms of setting up the business, so I signed up to Australian Writers' Centre's How to Build a Successful Freelance Copywriting Business. This allowed me to create my own flexible work environment, have complete control over my capacity, and more precious time with my husband and daughter.”
It was her daughter, Sophie, who also inspired Danielle to try writing a picture book.
“Before it was a book, I would perform the story to Sophie with my husband using sloth toys. From when she was two years old, Sophie kept asking when Sophie Won't Sleep would become an actual book that she could keep on her bookshelf,” Danielle recalls.
Although she was a professional writer in medical advertising, Danielle didn’t know how to start writing for children. She decided to enrol in Writing Picture Books and went on to join the Writing Picture Books Masterclass.
“I found the feedback from the tutors extremely valuable in helping me understand the formula for writing children's literature in the current market,” Danielle says. “After I self-published Sophie Won't Sleep, I enrolled in the Australian Writers' Centre’s Presenting to Kids course to help me understand how to prepare for book launches, book shop events, and school visits.”
Finding success in publishing
All that hard work and dedication has led to incredible publishing success for Danielle. Her picture book, Sophie Won’t Sleep, has received 10 prestigious international book awards, including a Gold Medal in the 2023 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.
“I also attended a Gala Awards Dinner in NYC in June 2024 to be recognised for two of these awards. My portrait and Sophie Won't Sleep have featured on a billboard in Times Square New York City twice in six months to celebrate my wins as a Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 NYC Big Book Award and Independent Press Award for Picture Book (all ages).”
Danielle was also listed as one of 2024’s 40 under 40 in publishing, which was presented at a ceremony in New Jersey, USA.
“Overall, the courses I completed at the AWC provided the critical foundations to kick start my writing career. Since self-publishing Sophie Won't Sleep, I have received publishing offers for more books, including Squirrel Takes the Cake, which was released in 2024.”
And the accolades keep coming. Danielle was named the winner of the AusMumpreneur Silver Award for Author of the Year 2024, which recognises her outstanding contribution to all aspects of authorship.
A portfolio career
Danielle continues her work as a Senior Medical Writer and Creative Director in Australian pharmaceutical and healthcare advertising, while also writing for children and doing book launches, school visits, book signings, readings, bookshop visits and promotion. It’s a well-rounded schedule that keeps her busy, but at least there are no more long daily commutes!
“My picture book stories are all inspired by my family,” Danielle says. “Writing is a critical part of my life. Both as a career and as a creative outlet.”
Danielle’s next picture book, That Doesn’t Go, will also be published by Starfish Bay Publishing, and it’s an especially important one.
“It was based on a brief my husband gave me whilst he was in palliative care. This was a story he had planned to write with our daughter, but sadly, never got the chance. I'm thankful Sophie and I could write the words for him to honour his legacy.”
The drive to make it happen
Danielle has now experienced success, both as an indie author and through the traditional publishing route.
“I was so driven to self-publish Sophie Won't Sleep and worked tirelessly to make it happen. It did not feel real until I held the first proof copy in my hand. It felt so wonderful to make my dream of publishing this book a reality.
“However, I was both excited and shocked when I received my first publishing contract from a traditional publisher. It was the first time I had submitted Squirrel Takes the Cake to a publisher and I wasn't expecting it to be accepted straight away!
“If you have ever wanted to be a professional writer, whether it's a full-time business or side hustle (or both!), I would highly recommend signing up to a course at the Australian Writers' Centre.”
