Getting your picture book published

The third WordFest event to take place at Tākaka Memorial Library during August was a presentation last Wednesday by author and library assistant Linda Jane Keegan.

Her subject was about how to get a children’s picture book published. As the author of Things in the Sea are Touching Me!, Korora and the Sushi Shop, and a third book – Stranded – about to be released, Linda Jane has first-hand knowledge of the process.

Opening with a mihi whakatau, Linda shared some of her background, including her position as editor with The Sapling, a website for children and young adult’s literature. She is also a committee member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Moving on to the nitty gritty, Linda Jane explained that for publishing purposes, a manuscript usually needs to be 24 or 32 pages and less than 1,000 words. As few as 300-500 words is the current preference.

“Which seems really short, and I think there is a misconception that picture books are really easy to do because they’re just short books. But they’re a lot harder...there’s a lot of behind the scenes editing and working and chopping and changing and fitting a story into that 24-page limit.”

Traditional publishers select the illustrator for a picture book. There are exceptions, as Linda Jane found through Bateman Press, who agreed to her collaborating with Isobel Joy Te AhoWhite for her soon-to-be-released book.

Picture books allow the illustrator the freedom to “show not tell”, which means the writer doesn’t need to go into too much detail with descriptions.

To rhyme or not to rhyme is a good question and Linda Jane has read many poorly-rhymed stories. She suggested that if the rhyme is getting in the way of the narrative, perhaps it’s better to use prose.

Finding the most suitable publisher requires research online or otherwise and reading their submission guidelines carefully. Linda Jane urged would-be writers to “read lots and lots of picture books”, especially those nominated for book awards.

Furthermore, she advised that when pitching a submission, it is important to state who the story is for and the target age range. Include titles of similar books by way of an example and state the relevance. Add the total word count and ensure the manuscript is edited by a professional. But before sending, she said “I highly suggest you put it away for a while and then come back to it later with fresh eyes.”

Regarding self-publishing, Linda Jane reiterated the need for professional assessment by an editor or manuscript assessor.

Finding a writing community to share with is also valuable for bouncing ideas around and receiving feedback. Self-publishing may mean an author can earn more from the sale of their book, but there are upfront costs involved. Those include paying an editor, assessor, and illustrator; design and printing costs; and marketing and distribution expenses.

Although copyright is a given in New Zealand, Linda Jane advised keeping all drafts and documents, just in case. She recommended the New Zealand Society of Authors, who advocate for author’s rights.

Those in the audience aspiring to publish their stories went away well informed, clutching handouts of websites, and no doubt inspired by Linda Jane’s presentation.

Celebrate words, authors and writing during August with a range of speakers and activities at the Tākaka Library.

Enter The GB Weekly Writing Competition - see details below.

Each week in August we’ll publish a Crossword - win a Take Note voucher.

The GB Weekly Writing Competition

POETRY: Entrants up to and including year 10 students are invited to submit an original poem. There are two age categories: Up to Year 6; and up to Year 10. The winner in each category will win gift vouchers to the value of $25 and $50 respectively.

VERY SHORT STORY: Entrants are invited to submit an original short story up to 60 words in length. There are two age categories: Up to Year 13; and Open category. The winner in each category will win gift vouchers to the value of $75 and $100 respectively

RULES:

Entries close at midnight on 31 August and must be submitted by email with subject heading “The GB Weekly WordFest Competition” to: admin@gbweekly.co.nz

All entries should be the author’s own work and not have been entered to any previous competition. The judge's decision is final. The GB Weekly will publish the winning poems and stories plus a selection of other entries.

Crossword 286

Book Giveaway Winner

A $25 Take Note voucher will be awarded to the first correct solution drawn. Entries can be left at Stitch ‘n Sew, or scanned and emailed to admin@gbweekly.co.nz by midday on Monday 28 August.

Name: .............................................................

Postal address: ...............................................

Phone: .............................................................

ACROSS

1 One of a collection of seers? (3,4)

5 Total recall following this unusual geographical feature (7)

9 Does it diminish the light? (5)

10 It’s not even out of the ordinary (9)

11 Does it go ahead when leaving? (7)

12 Before the Lord? That is right! (7)

13 Present diversion (4,4)

14 Fronts up. About time for sides! (6)

17 Vacant guy eats grassnot one to share (6)

19 Bound to have been in the van behind the shed (8)

22 Colloquial destination for the results of crime? (3,4)

24 Entry into terrible sinthere’s a way in (7)

26 There’s lots hope for this poker hand (1,4,4)

27 He takes part of brief account of retrospective decay (5)

28 I’d go back a short way and finish up swell (7)

29 Calls the criminal group to drink (5,2)

DOWN

1 Get the total when baby’s out of bed (3,2)

2 Endless praise showered in help with relief (7)

3 Covertly overheard. Was it bugged? (9)

4 Just cricket maybe - a reasonable target (4,4)

5 The country is associated with real trouble! (6)

6 Layer gets a good start and it’s banded in the wild (5)

7 Sounds like they come from K.L. It’s sickening! (7)

8 Ride the wave but not all the way. Forced open?

OMG (9)

13 Is it waved for a spell? (5,4)

15 Get to know since eggs are eggs (9)

16 It grips the steering mechanism. Harsher extremes are included (8)

18 Takes on half of them - a cunning plan with a surprise start (7)

20 Skinny drunkard returns to these rude digs (4-3)

21 Feast for this central condition? (6)

23 This, of one’s bets is of growing concern (5)

25 Bits chucked back for one-time punishment (5)