Thank you very much for your comment. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed Una chica triste and that it has inspired you to write stories for learners of French. As a language teacher yourself, you already have a great advantage: you understand what learners find difficult and what kind of language is appropriate for each level.

I did not approach a traditional publishing company with my first novel. I decided to self-publish it through Amazon, and I have continued doing the same with my other books. Self-publishing gives you a great deal of freedom: you can choose the topic, the level, the length and the style of the book, and you keep control over the whole process. Of course, it also means that you are responsible for revising the manuscript, formatting the book, creating the cover and promoting it.

My main advice would be not to worry too much about the publishing process at the beginning. First, concentrate on writing and finishing the story. You can decide what to do with it afterwards.

I would also recommend starting with a relatively short and simple story. Try to make it genuinely interesting rather than treating it as a grammar book disguised as a novel. The language should be accessible, but the readers should continue reading because they want to know what happens next. Grammar and vocabulary can be repeated naturally throughout the story, in context.

It is also important to decide clearly who the book is for. Writing for A2 learners is very different from writing for B2 learners. Once you have finished the first draft, ask other French teachers or learners at the appropriate level to read it and give you honest feedback.

Above all, I would encourage you to try. You do not need to know everything about writing or publishing before you begin. I learnt a great deal simply by writing, making mistakes and publishing one book after another.

I wish you the very best with your first story. It sounds like a wonderful summer project.