Writing and illustrating children's books--a panel discussion notes by Leanne Dyck

The ferry docked, I walked on and searched my purse. No pen. I'd left for this panel discussion without a pen--not even one. Not good, especially when you live on a rural island. (Ferries sail from Mayne Island to the mainland twice a day--in the morning and in the evening.) 

Solution:  I'm now an owner of a BC Ferries pen. It's red and features a window framing a ferry. The ferry sails back and forth when you tip the pen. (Which is much more frequent than Mayne Island to the mainland sailings)

Pen in hand, I sailed into the Greater Public Library, down the stairs and into the conference room...

The all female panel consisted of four authors (|Pam Withers, Linda DeMeulemeester, Beryl Young, Cynthia Heinrichs, Victoria Miles) and one illustrator (sorry, I didn't get her name). Ellen Schwartz served as moderator. All are members of CWILL. They spoke briefly about their careers. One of the panelist was 81 years old; first published at 66 years of age; she plans to keep on writing.

This event was information-rich. Here's what I heard...

Question:  How do you choose an illustrator?
Answer:  You don't, the publisher does.

-as a picture book author, it is valuable to understand the illustrator's side of creating your book

-85% of children's book authors are women and so male authors are given extra credit--by the industry. They are fine role models for boys (who are often reluctant readers).

-If the book you are currently writing feels too difficult, then you might be on the right track.

Book recommendation:  How to Write a Children's Book and Get it Published by Barbara Seuling

Bookstore recommendation:  Kidsbooks (a children's book bookstore in Vancouver)

-The illustrator (who was an author-illustrator), on the panel, encouraged author-illustrators to work as an illustrator first and then as an author-illustrator.

-Listen to your editor. They are your best friend. They can help grow your career.

-The more you are published the more a publisher will allow you to take risks (i.e. write in different genres, etc.)

Question:  What changes have you seen in children's book publishing in the last five years?
Answer: -Maximum word count for picture books is now 750 words
-Illustrations:  simple lines, simple colours
-YA (young adult) is edgier and edgier
-Profit margins are thinner and thinner
-Instead of in-house, publishers are now using contract editors
-Publishers want books that need very little editing

-Publishers are especially interested in self-starters (i.e. writers who are actively involved in building their social network, etc.)

-It may be tempting to self-published, but look realistically at your skill set. In particular, you need to be a skilled marketer and have enough money to finance your project.

Question:  What about kickstarter to finance your project?
Answer:  To be successful, you needed to be on the top of that wave. It's trickier to seek that financing now.

Be cautious:  Avoid publishers (and others) who ask for money and who don't offer money. Ask for an advance. Hire a lawyer to read your contract before you sign it.

Web site recommendations:
Preditors & Editors (to avoid being scammed) *be advised, this list is not a complete
Literary Rambles (to find an agent) *most children's book authors don't have agents
Canadian Children's Book Centre (to educate yourself regarding the Canadian children's book publishing industry)
Booming Ground (to grow as an writer)

Invest in whatever makes you feel stronger as a writer. Don't worry about people stealing your ideas. Instead, work on developing your creativity.

More...
Writing Picture-Book Texts by Sophie Masson


Next post (March 13th):  I'm participating in another Tundra blog tour:  Shimmer by Paula Weston (YA fantasy). This is book 3 and I was a little worried because I haven't read books 1 or 2. But the publisher and author have done some really cool things to ensure this didn't happen. I'll take more about that in my next post.

Sharing my author journey...

Question:  How do you promote your books? How do you attract readers?

on Writing and Illustrating Kids Books notes by Leanne Dyck

Thanks to my friend and author Pam Withers, I was able to attend the...

CWILL (Children's Writers & Illustrators) of British Columbia Society's panel discussion.

CWILL is an organization for published writers and illustrators. (CANSCAIP is an organization for unpublished and published writers and illustrators. As well as others interested in children's literature.)

(I took some picture of this event, but they didn't turn out -and so...)

(doodling by Leanne Dyck)

Moderator:  Ellen Schwartz

Panelists:  Silvana Goldemberg, Sheri Radford, Claire Eamer, Sara Leach, Kallie George, Mark David Smith

To introduce us to the panel, moderator Ellen Schwartz asked the authors to talk about their author journey.

Some authors spoke of being led to writing by a desire to entertain their family -- younger siblings, and extended family.

Two of the panellists have mothers who are authors. I always thought that would be a leg up in starting a career. But these panellists said watching their mothers work was a deterrent. 

Many of the presenting authors had won awards for their writing.

Audience question:  should you send potential publishers both the illustrations and the writing?

Answer:  lead with your strength. If you are an artist send illustrations. If you are a writer send writing.

Often, publishers link established illustrators with new writers, or vice versa. This helps with the marketing of the new book.

A lively, engaging discussion ensued and I scrambled to take notes.

It's very wise to do a lot of research on the genre. Attendees were encouraged to visit Kidsbooks. (A large children's bookstores in mainland British Columbia.)

If your manuscript breaks the rules (or is a pop-up book), send it to an international book publisher.

Graphic novels are hot right now. Kids Can press made a name for themselves in Canada by publishing them.

Show tenacity. One author told us that her road to publishing took eight years to travel.

Send your submission. Wait 2 to 6 months and follow up if you haven't heard from the publisher. 

The protagonist is generally two years older than your target reader.

The best way to sell a book is by word of mouth.

Good resources...

Writers Market

Children's Writers and Illustrators Market

Jump Start Your Book Sales

The Canadian Children's Book Centre

Illustrators...

Illustrators receive half of the royalties from the sale of picture books. 

If illustrators want to be traditionally published, they were encouraged to seek out publishers, first. Instead of soliciting authors. 

Whether an illustrator is seeking to be self-published or traditionally published, they were encouraged to build an artist web site that features their portfolio. These portfolios should endeavour to show their range of styles (no more than four) and give a sense of themselves as an illustrator. Direction can be obtain by visiting other illustrators' web sites. 

Self-published author...

Self-publishing your children's book was discussed. 
Where will you sell your children's book? 
If you find it easy to answer this question you have a better chance of being a successful indie author.

Above all, focus on crafting a quality book. 

Non-fiction author...

Authors of non-fiction picture books need to send a detailed proposal to the publisher. The cover letter should explain why their book is important. 

Sometimes a publisher will seek out an author to write the book. In this case, the publisher will have conducted some of the research.

Thank you, Pam, for inviting me to this inspiring, informative, and fun event.

More...

Author and panelist, Mark David Smith wrote a brief review of this event and published it on his blog. Here's the link.  

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

Sharing my author journey...