The Making of a Banana Book: Questions and Answers

Q: Who buys gift books?
Gift books are powerful impulse purchases often picked up on a whim in stores and gift shops (and sports stadiums, of course). Women are the primary buyers, choosing them as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.

Q: Can one book really appeal to kids, teens, and adults all at once?
A: Absolutely, and I specialize in exactly that kind of book! My illustrated gift books are wholesome and inspirational, with illustrations that engage younger readers and thoughtful, uplifting messaging and humor that appeals to teens and adults. The blend of visual charm and meaningful quotes makes a motivational keepsake for all ages.

Q: Why hire you instead of just using AI?
Generative AI can do incredible things and I don’t hate it. But when it comes to creative products like books, people place a much higher value on something made by a human rather than a predictive algorithm. Being able to trace a work back to a real person adds authenticity and humanity that AI-generated work simply lacks. In fact, as AI becomes more widespread, it makes human-made art even more desirable and sought after.

Q: What other books have you made that show the style and energy you would bring to this one?
Of all my books, I think THIS IS TEXAS Y’ALL, THE LONE STAR STATE FROM A TO Z, and CRAZY FOR BIRDS, best represent the spirit of a Banana Ball book. Both are accessible to kids and adults, and both take a fun, interesting, and action-packed approach to their subjects.

Q: How would we bring this book to life?

I see this as a collaborative process. While I would handle the writing and illustration, I’d also want to work closely with someone on your team to ensure the book reflects the key points you’d like highlighted. Your input would help refine the content, so it feels authentically “Bananas,” while I bring the creative vision and execution to make a stellar final product.

Q: Even though you are an accomplished author-illustrator, you aren’t a baseball fanatic. Why are you still a good fit?

A: As an artist and lover of life, I really connect with the Banana Ball mission on a deeper level. The first time I saw a game online, I was floored by what I understood within one minute, that y’all had found a way to bring people from all walks of life together in an atmosphere of pure happiness and unity. The way you’ve merged art and creativity with one of the world’s most powerful forces, sport, has created something extraordinary. It opens hearts, sparks imagination, and gives people a fresh perspective on life. I feel deeply in tune with this mission, and that’s exactly the spirit I would bring to this book! Also, I AM a Banana Ball fanatic.

Q: What would ensure this book will have longevity over the next 10-20 years?

A: The book will be designed to be timeless. While it can briefly touch on the history of how Banana Ball started, its focus will be on the inspiration, creativity, and life lessons that the Banana Ball embodies. These themes are universal and enduring, unlike details about specific rosters, scores, or newly formed teams that may quickly feel outdated. By centering the book on the Savannah Banana’s spirit and their creative approach to life, it will remain fresh, relevant, and inspiring for readers many years into the future.

Q: How long would it be?

A: good gift book size for all ages is about 80-120 pages (that’s 40-60 two-page spreads). I set it up at 7”x10”, but I think it will feel more like a traditional gift book if it’s a little smaller.

Q: How would the book be printed?
A: I’m represented by a literary agency in New York City, The Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, which can secure a deal with major publishers that we already have relationships with. However, if the goal is to sell this as part of your merch, I believe you can maximize your profit margins by skipping the traditional publishers and self-publishing using a high-quality, cost-effective print option overseas. These are all conversations to be had!

Q: Will tariffs affect overseas printing costs, particularly from China?
A: The publishing industry is still watching to see how new tariffs might play out, since many books, especially illustrated ones, are printed overseas in places like Asia. Right now, there is a 7.5% tariff on non-children’s printed books, but overall, books are considered “informational materials” and remain exempt from the broad new tariffs that have been imposed on other goods.

Q: Will this book be something totally amazing that our fans will love?
A: YES!!!!!!