Chapter One: Behind the Book

MC Carolyn Goodwin and Louise Parks

In a splendiferous and fantasmagorical event, Louise Park - author, educator, publisher and publishing consultant - took SCBWI Members through a one-hour whirlwind session entitled BEHIND THE BOOK. The session was designed to make it easier for authors and illustrators to navigate the publishing process and was jam-packed with useful information about what happens to a manuscript when it goes to a publishing house.

With an enthusiasm and excitement for the industry that was only matched by her impressive dance moves at the SCBWI Dinner later that night, Louise talked about distribution channels, the importance of sales data and exactly what happens to a manuscript when it goes through the acquisitions process. She gave a truly fabulous overview of the costs involved in bringing a book to life and I'm sure I was not the only one surprised by the level of financial investment involved. No wonder publishers take time to consider each manuscript carefully before committing!

Book Production and Overhead costs. It takes approximately AUD $100,000 to take an idea to the shelf

My big takeaway from the session was the importance of thinking about where a manuscript fits in the marketplace even before it is submitted. Questions to ask include:

• What is my target audience?
• What other titles might the reader of my book read?
• What is my point of difference?
• How might someone discover my book?

These questions will be asked during the acquisitions process anyway, so there is the potential to strengthen the submission if these issues are addressed by the author in the cover letter. Most importantly, it will give authors a clearer understanding of exactly where their manuscript fits within the current publishing landscape and give them an opportunity to refine their work until it is simply irresistible! Then we can get on with the important work of signing those contracts and celebrating.

A collective example of the four channels which will eventually sell your book: Discount bulk sellers, Chain stores, Indie Book shops, and Online. Not forgetting the ubiquitous school Book Fairs and Clubs.

Louise has a variety of websites for you to explore.

Author website: http://www.louisepark.com.au/

Book packaging and publishing: http://www.paddlepoppress.com.au/

Consulting: http://www.storiesinc.org/

Karen Collum Roving Reporter

#SCWBISyd

Chapter One: The Inciting Incident - New Kid on the Block: EK Publishing

Colour me bias, but there is something incredibly alluring about teaming with the new kid on the block. Being one of the ‘new kids’ is exciting but not without some measure of anxiety. EK Books publisher, Anouska Jones along with some of her debut list of authors and illustrators discussed some of the perks and pitfalls of establishing a new picture book imprint whilst simultaneously opening the Sydney SCBWI Conference 2016.

Publisher, writer, and editor, Anouska Jones has enjoyed an expansive history in the Kids’ Lit Industry. Her time with parent publishing company, Exisle Publishing and role as Senior Editor at Kids Book Review, meant that when Exisle decided to make the leap from primarily self-help nonfiction and fiction titles to an imprint that provided an ‘holistic and fun approach’ in books for kids, Anouska was the girl for the job.

EK’s ethos is simple; they want to deliver great stories with meaningful messages featuring memorable characters. An EK story has to mean something to its readers. Ideally it should follow one of two ‘strings’: the exploration of global awareness or the promotion of some form of emotional journey pursuing mental resilience and strength. And of course, they should all be told in the most beautiful and non-didactic way possible. 

Another feature that sets EK Books apart from some of its larger counterparts is the global distribution model it has in place which aims to simultaneously sell books in countries such as the UK, US, NZ and Canada in lieu of having to sell international rights to them. This has the potential to maximise and maintain sales off shore however as the foundation of such a model means that manuscripts must be translatable and comprehensible to all of these international audiences from the printing get go, the author is faced with the occasional language consideration; mum vs mom being the most obvious example. In other words, an EK narrative that is internationally language neutral (or written in English that Americans will not stumble over at least) is preferable to stories with strong Aussie flavour and themes.

The imprint is currently enjoying a stream of high quality picture book releases. Since its inception in 2013 with less than four books on its lists, EK has plans to introduce at least 14 new books to the picture book market within the next two years. Authors and illustrators with a story to tell for four to eight year-olds, capable of imparting it under 400 words with glorious illustrations include the award winning Belinda Landsberry, Katrina McKelvey, Kirrili Lonergan, Susan Whelan and Gwynneth Jones. They revealed the origins of their stories with SCBWI delegates along with their relationship with EK Books.

In most instances the stories created by these picture book duos unequivocally moved the EK team in some way (sometimes to tears), illustrating a reoccurring view that it’s the strength of story that matters most in the making of a great book.

EK Books is an inviting and attractive landscape for first time picture book creators as illustrator, Gwynneth Jones attests. She is attracted to stories with a bit of a twist and relished, ‘putting her foot in to the puddle’ and getting it wet as it were. She has just completed a compilation boxed set of picture books for EK and is working on her fifth title for them.

Illustrator, Kirrili Lonergan could not name any real pitfalls working with EK either. In fact, she was so compelled to get her work to them on time, she completed her art finals by miners’ head torch light during a week of power outages right before her deadline date.

Author illustrator, Belinda Landsberry agreed, stating that EK books were the first to give her the opportunity of giving or sharing a part of what she considers her gift; the joy of storytelling in words and pictures.

If Anouska Jones could name any pitfalls at all about starting and developing the EK imprint it would be that to survive and make any kind of impact in the  competitive publishing arena, one must have a clear vision and a solid plan to achieve it.

And the best part? The sheer fun of choosing your own publishing path to follow that allows you to put beautiful books together for people to love.

Who could argue with that?

You can find out more about EK’s list of authors and illustrators and their creations on the EK website. Look out for mine and Nicky Johnston's, The Fix-It Man early next year, too!

Dimity Roving Reporter

#SCBWISyd

Welcome to Sydney 2016!

Welcome to Sydney 2016!

Well the ships have finally moored in beautiful Sydney Harbour. The crew have disembarked and the 2016 SCBWI Sydney Conference is about to start. It’s been a long journey to get here so naturally replenishment was in order. Here is a glimpse of the opening night antics at The Menzies Hotel.

There was convivial catching up with old colleagues and new.

Feasting.

Plenty of hands helping literacy in the developing world with the aid of Room to Read’s Wendy Rapee and Kel Butler.

And some extraordinary spelling.

Over all the whole evening exuded an extremely mellifluous air (thanks to Deb Abela and the launch of her new book, The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee).

Stay tuned for more fun, facts and updates on the sessions as we embark on an even more fascinating journey of creativity.

Rove ya Later!

Dimity

#SCBWISyd