The world of children’s publishing can seem elusive at times – what are publishers really looking for, and how can you reach them?! Thankfully, certain industry events can offer a window into the workings of publishing houses, and reveal some all-important inside knowledge. Enter – the free monthly members’ event at NSW Writers’ Centre called First Friday Club, where a staff member hosts a chat with an author, editor or publisher. The August event featured NSWWC Membership Officer Sherry Landow in conversation with Suzanne O’Sullivan, a children’s book publisher from Hachette.
Topics spanned Suzanne’s career history in publishing to the current state of the children’s book market, what she looks for in a manuscript and her thoughts on author platforms. Here are some of the key points Suzanne made on all things children’s publishing:
Thoughts on the market
+ Sales of kids’ books are very healthy, particularly due to blockbuster titles (e.g. Andy Griffiths’ books)
+ Middle grade and picture books are the healthiest sectors
+ YA authors have to compete with US authors, as many teens turn to the internet for book recommendations, and are exposed to US content
+ Meanwhile adults buying books for younger readers will often ask a bookseller for recommendations of Australian authors
What she is looking for
+ Always looking for picture books
+ Would like to see more junior fiction (emphasised this is the main area where opportunities lie, and is particularly interested in series’)
+ Interested in middle grade
+ Believes lots of people are writing and submitting YA, so it’s more competitive
Tips for working with Suzanne as an author or illustrator
+ Be a nice person!
+ Be open and communicative
+ Be conscious publishers are busy (i.e. don’t harass)
+ Be open to feedback but have a clear sense of how you see your work
How to stay out of the slush pile
+ Have a clear sense of the market and what’s selling, and know where your book fits a genuine gap
+ Honing your writing. Really workshopping and editing, and not sending something until you’re confident with it
+ In a cover letter, mention a bit about yourself but don’t include alot of supporting information, as the most important thing is the writing
+ Wants to know you have more books in mind or the potential to write similar books that appeal to the same audience
What she’d like to see more of
+ Humour, as long as it’s alongside story
+ Friendship themes, particularly in junior fiction
+ Adventure
Word count recommendations
+ Junior fiction (for more advanced readers): 15k – 20k words
+ Middle grade: 35k – 50k words
+ YA: 50k – 70k
Thoughts on author platforms
+ Being on social media can help – if you are already on social media but don’t have a large following, there’s a profile to build on
+ Having a web presence shows that you’re willing to put yourself out there
+ Your own website is a great place to keep all your information together, but the issue can be people finding it
+ It’s much less common for an author to just write and not promote
+ Honing your writing is still the most important thing
How to get your work read by Hachette
Hachette is currently closed to receiving unsolicited children’s book submissions. Suzanne receives manuscripts via literary agents, or by request following face to face contact, such as appointments at conferences and literary speed dating events.
However – she may have a one month opening for submissions later in the year or early next year. This will be announced via social media and Hachette’s website, so if you’re interested, keep an eye out!