Why I Reclaimed the Rights to my Only ‘Published’ Book...

⭐️ My Taylor Swift Moment & the Power of Independent Publishing ⭐️

BIG NEWS… I’ve officially taken back the rights to The Prince and the Frog, one of my very first inclusive fairytales - and yes, I’m having a bit of a Taylor Swift moment reclaiming my work!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that this book was picked up by Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) back in 2018. For a long time, I’d quietly hoped I could one day bring it home - and earlier this year, I finally tried my luck.

🎶 “I remember it all too well.” 🎶

Back in 2018, with my story written and illustrated and my JKP contract signed, I was so excited - I was officially going to be a published author! I threw myself into promoting the book: I held a big launch event in Central London, created my own promotional content and videos, and included it in school visits. The book sold well in its first year – it was a story that clearly resonated with both children and grown-ups.

'The Prince & the Frog' 2018 Book Launch, London

“You know what we need? More LGBTQ fairy tales like this one, which is very gentle and not preachy at all - just a cute tale of love and friendship, where instead of the princess kissing the frog, the prince does.” - Laura, Goodreads, ★★★★★

However… the book was initially priced at £10.99 (much higher than my other independently published books), and by 2025, it had risen to £14.99 - what I would consider hugely steep for a children’s book. I worried this created cost barriers for the very kids who needed this story the most. On top of that, I was earning very little from each sale, which meant it wasn’t generating the kind of income I’d hoped could support Pop’n’Olly’s invaluable work.

Once I realised how little I was making, it became clear that it just wasn’t sustainable to keep focusing on this title. My enthusiasm faded. I stopped promoting it, and slowly, I let the book drift further into the background - which was kind of heartbreaking, because I always knew this story had so much to offer.

And yet… it never truly left my mind. The sales dwindled, and that only deepened my frustration. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this story deserved another chance - it just needed to be more accessible and affordable. I wanted to reclaim my work, breathe new life into the story, and let it sit proudly alongside my other independently published titles.

🎶 “You belong with me.” 🎶

So I did it. I approached JKP and asked for the rights back - and I have to say, they responded with total grace. There were no fees, no complications - we simply came to a mutual agreement, and just like that, The Prince and the Frog was mine again. I’m truly grateful for how supportive they were.

Now that it’s back with me, I’ve made the book more affordable, given it a fresh lick of paint, and I’m ready to promote it properly - because honestly, it’s a story I’m still really proud of, and I want as many children as possible to experience it.

Mel Lane, Pop’n’Olly’s Head of Education, has loved The Prince and the Frog for years and has been reading it in schools regularly. She’s now helped to edit and adapt this new version. Mel has sharpened the pacing, tightened the dialogue, and made everything smoother and snappier - exactly what teachers with limited time and parents at bedtime want. Her brilliant edits have helped make the story even more accessible and engaging, without losing any of its charm or heart.

🐸 What’s the Book About? 🐸

The Prince and the Frog is an inclusive fairytale about healthy relationships and being true to yourself. It features a same-sex love story at its heart - but it also introduces a character named Caroline, who simply isn’t interested in romance at all. She’s content just the way she is, and that’s something we rarely see in children’s stories. That element of the story is so important - showing that being aromantic and asexual is just as valid a way to live your life as finding love.

“It was also wonderful to see a princess that saw something else for her life that wasn’t love (it was incredibly easy to read Caroline as asexual, which was amazing!).” - Isaiah, Goodreads, ★★★★★

“OMG this was way too cute!!! I really liked how it shows that love develops over time, once you get to know a person rather than instantly falling in love. It was beautifully told, and the illustrations are perfect for young readers - bright and colourful.” - Rachel, Goodreads, ★★★★★

At its heart, this reclaiming of my work has become a story in itself - a story about the power of independent publishing. Over 2.6 million independently published books were released last year. And while traditional publishing still has its place, independent publishing has given me the freedom to share my stories the way I want - affordably, accessibly, and with full creative control.

Through Pop’n’Olly, we’ve now sold over 40,000 books - proof that independently published, inclusive stories do have a place on bookshelves, in classrooms, and in hearts. 🐸👑🌈

🎶 “Look what you made me do.” 🎶

So this is my little Swifty moment - reclaiming my own work and sharing it on my terms. I’m so excited to be releasing this new edition - Pop’n’Olly’s Version - with the world, and with you.

👉 Grab your copy of The Prince and the Frog (Pop’n’Olly’s Version) HERE

💸 Plus, get a 50% discount with promo code: BF25