Yes, yes, yes to all these. I'm definitely not a fan of what the UK publishing has become and where they are heading at the moment. The problem is publishers have began to operate as corporates focusing on productivity and profitability (no wonder some started using AI) rather than as cultural institutions. I'm not saying people who work in publishing don't care about books (individuals whom I personally worked with have been wonderful) but they are unfortunately cogs in the big capitalist machine.
One of my books that has been unsuccessful in term of sales (no co-edition so far) has recently shortlisted for a children-led award. Children chose the shortlist from 70 books. So I definitely think there's a big gap between what adults think children want to read and what children actually want to read. So you're right to say there must be children who enjoy reading quiet books.
Maybe, like water and transport, we need to nationalise publishing? Jokes aside, publishing definitely needs some sort of grands or incentives.
That's it Momoko - publishing is full of wonderful people who love creative ideas, but seem to have their hands tied by the sales and marketing teams and no doubt sales targets they all have to meet. It's so good to hear that a book deemed commercially unsuccessful was then actually chosen by real children as a favourite for a prize - those are the BEST ones. Congratulations!
Such good points here Momoko. The editors I have worked with have mostly had their hands tied by sales in acquisition meetings. They are as you rightly point out cogs in a bigger and now corporate machine, but with a deep love of children’s books. No one works in publishing to earn big bucks. I was shocked what they earn and pressures they are under.
There are new publishers emerging like Magic Cat and Post Wave stepping into the shoes of the previously maverick publishers. Publishing the quiet, arty and very different books! Ones to watch. But they are a drop in the ocean amongst the bigger players.
Oh Jane, so much of this rings true, I've long felt that the cards are forever stacking against us authors and illustrators on the part of publishers, and for promoting yourself, if like many you're disillusioned with social media and uncomfortable doing public events, it's a very tough call indeed.
I have no solutions, other than to don the blinkers and keep working on ideas, keep submitting, keep hoping. Your state of mind is the most important thing, finding fresh inspiration so hard in these barren and bland publishing times, the support of those around essential I think.
You've written what so many of us are thinking, thank you Jane!
It's hard, isn't it. This definitely seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people! I do think staying true to ourselves is the key, even if that means waiting to catch a new wave. And it is certainly very lovely how supportive all illustrators and authors are of each other in our world!
I appreciate all of these thoughts very much! I too have technically lived the picture book dream, but I’m a solo parent breadwinner and it has meant working excessively to survive, something i’ve run out of steam on. And it’s a real shame to get that general sense of less creative risk being taken. It makes me want to hand print risograph zines and opt out completely sometimes, but I also love books too much. Sounds like a lot of folk are feeling similar things 🙏
It is a dream, and also it isn't! And I know just what you mean about wanting to go scissors and paste hand-made pamphlets...and yet! I do love making books. It's been so interesting to see how many of us are feeling this same way...
Thank you so much for writing such a thorough and thoughtful piece Jane. The state of the industry is deeply depressing and it’s very hard to keep going. Everything you say rings true! The only bright spot is to see that one is not alone, and that if someone as talented as you is feeling the despair then there is something very wrong with the industry, not the artists and writers.
I keep coming back to the thought that we must just keep going and it doesn’t matter how full those plan chest drawers are, ideas and creativity are what matters in this world, - even if, and this is the hard part, no one else sees them…
And, oh my goodness, we need quiet stories more than ever!
Oh thankyou Jane - it was actually quite therapeutic to write it all out and order my thoughts and although it's sad it has resonated so much it's also reassuring. But yes, it is hard but there is still value in those un-commercially viable stories, in the making of them, even when they don't reach a wide audience. I'm sorry someone of your wondrous talents is finding it so hard too! Let's hope the tide turns towards quiet soon...
I think you'd be a great candidate for crowdfunding: you already have a crowd and connect with them meaningfully; you could make the work you want and take your backers along for the creative ride; it would mean arranging the printing and posting yourself, which is quite a lot of work, but which could be outsourced. This way, you might be able to make at least as much as the advance you get now, AND you have complete creative freedom.
Oh thankyou Margreet! I have been thinking about this option. Just feels like a LOT of admin, but I love the idea of complete creative freedom/control!
Some great thoughts and wisdom here Jane. Thank you. I’m right at the beginning of things and mulling all this over. I have another career that pays the bills but I actually lose money by making picture books because I earn less making them than I would if I was using that time to do my other job. I’m very privileged to be in this position, and aware that it means this career isn’t possible for a great number of potential story tellers 😔
What I would say in case it’s helpful is that I have two ‘quiet’ books coming out with Bloomsbury - one that is literally quiet because it’s wordless (and long at 72 pages, so an unusual book) and the other about grief and anticipatory loss (another long book at 64 pages). So Bloomsbury at least are open to books outside the norm. (Though of course poor sales may mean that’s the end of things for me… sigh).
Well done on getting a wordless book published by an UK publisher! I've been pitching a wordless book idea but publishers have been giving me a flat no because of wordless books aren't co-ed friendly among other reasons (e.g. they claim that parents don't know how to "read" wordless books.). Congratulations!
Thank you Momoko. There were some slight additions (posters with words on, newspapers, a letter) with a nod to co-editions so I can’t claim that it’s entirely silent. And it has some back matter which can also be translated. So perhaps those things got it over the line!
I think we all lose money by making them if we did that equation - I dread to think what the hourly rate would be but possibly pence rather than pounds! But it's encouraging to hear that Bloomsbury are commisioning quiet books in unusual formats - I can't wait to see them. And hope the sales will be good, but if they are not it's not your fault! So much pressure!
I was in the library on Sunday and in need of cheering up and I found a book I’d previously requested but the pick up had expired, anyway they popped it on the shelf and so I picked it up and then decided to just borrow any books that took my fancy-12 in total! Small thrills! Anyway now I know it’s good for the library too :-)
It reminded me that as a small child my parents used to bring a plastic crate to the library and me and my 2 brothers used our own and my parents library cards and get the maximum amount of books allowed-50! mainly picture books every 2 weeks. And then they’d all get stamped (slid across that metal box- what was that about I wonder?)
Anyway always interesting to read your thoughts! And Finland once again sounds like it’s got the right idea…
50 books in one haul is brilliant! I still get a real sense of joy with a bag of library books and I remember experiencing that feeling at a very young age back when you had to slot that stamped card into a little flap inside the book. Glad you found some good reads after your pick-up request expiry. I've found so many brilliant (adult) books by randomly browsing in the library, things I'd never heard of but which were really mind-expanding. Hooray for libraries! And for Finland!
I’ve made a personal decision that if I’ve gotten as far as a book dummy, I’m going to make the book even if I’m printing one copy for myself. The idea of having put that much work into a story I believe in just to have it shelved is too depressing. I know that isn’t financially feasible for everyone, but I can’t help but make things and this is what I’d like to be making for now.
You’ve given me more to chew on, like what would be a way to disrupt the current model. Is it making a collective of artists and authors who pool together time and money to do their own publishing?
Good for you Audry! I know that 'can't help but make things' feeling... a collective is a great idea. The trouble is the admin side of it would probably be overwhelming but maybe someone with expertise could do that part. Lots to think about, thanks for joining in the discussion!
I'm right there. Wondering if all this work is worth it. I have a contract at the moment, so I can't complain much, but I dread the future with no toys, and no books. At some point, I considered becoming a toy designer, now most toyshops here have disappeared because of the screens. The book industry is not that far behind. And they already pay so little to illustrators and authors. I want to keep making books, I love it. Your post helped me connect some dots, and I'll be thinking about it for a while. Thank you! And... That Ai sign is brilliant!
It's all so sad. The trouble is, all of us authors and illustrators came into the picture book world because we love it, but it's an industry (and a world) that runs on money - and that disconnect is becoming more and more severe. I really want to keep making books too, and I hope I will...but it's hard!
This is such a thoughtful, detailed and helpful article. I've recently felt myself letting the picture book dream fade. Small sales, fighting for earned royalties, social media overwhelm. I was feeling such a sense of failure but funnily enough your article has helped me make my peace with it all... I'm not sure if it's enough to keep the flame alive but it has made me feel less disappointed in myself. Well said Jane x
Oh Sue I am sorry to hear your picture book dream is fading - but happy if this newsletter helped dissolve any sense of failure, as it is most definitely not your fault. I've been bowled over by how many people are feeling the same way at the moment. I do believe that in spite of everything we will all find new ways to channel that creative force and spread stories, joy and possibility in the world somehow. X
Thank you Jane. I wouldn't say it's cheering to hear others are feeling a similar way but it does help with a feeling of solidarity 😊 the flame's not completely out...
Thank you so much for writing such a balanced range of thoughts Jane. I read it a few days ago and have been mulling it over, there’s lots to think about here and I can’t quite articulate my thoughts yet (not without writing a comment the length of a novel!) xx
Jane, I can't offer any advice regarding publishing books. I can however offer that you have alot of book ideas, as do many other writers and illustrators. While the publishing industry is changing, I believe other opportunities will emerge that offer getting your work in front of children. As long as there are children - especially quiet children, there will be a need for your creative voice. xo
I hope there will always be children, we're in for a sad future if not... and I hope you are right about other opportunities. Things are changing so fast, but if we can hold onto human connection all is not lost. Thankyou for your encouraging words! XX
What a brilliant read this is, summing up what so many of us are thinking. We definitely need some sort of grant system, or an artist living wage (well done, Ireland) to make sure we are able to make books without losing money (otherwise how can we have a truly diverse offering), and at least somewhat free of commercial worries. I also like to hope that this is part of a cycle that, rather like politics, swings back and forth. Maybe we are around the corner from the next ‘golden age’ of daring, bold books for children 🤞
This is a great read, Jane. I loved every bit. Weirdly I just was about to start reading Fungus the Bogeyman for the first time when I saw your post. Publishing has so many rules and barriers, it can feel so restrictive. Keep going. You are a brilliant voice in comics and picture books and kidlit! Xx
Thanks Sheena, I did enjoy putting it together and getting some things off my chest! And thankyou for the encouragement too... looking forward to hearing what you think of Fungus! XX
I appreciate your honesty, thank you for sharing. I'm unpublished and haven't started querying yet. I'd rather know what it's like out there, so I find this helpful!
Last year I went to an online event with agents and publishers talking about what they are looking for from authors/illustrators and one of the speakers just sounded extremely anxious - I can understand pressure leads this way - but they were very focused on the competition for attention, not on books themselves. I wonder if this anxiety constricts the range of stories that get picked up, including 'quiet' ones?
Oh I am glad it was helpful Clare, and I hope it wasn't too depressing! But it's best to go in with your eyes open. That's so interesting about your observation about the anxious speaker at the event - I can imagine there is immense pressure within publishing not to mess up and commision a flop. But the publishing formula needs to allow and plan and even embrace the flops because that's how things grow! Best of luck with everything!
Yes, yes, yes to all these. I'm definitely not a fan of what the UK publishing has become and where they are heading at the moment. The problem is publishers have began to operate as corporates focusing on productivity and profitability (no wonder some started using AI) rather than as cultural institutions. I'm not saying people who work in publishing don't care about books (individuals whom I personally worked with have been wonderful) but they are unfortunately cogs in the big capitalist machine.
One of my books that has been unsuccessful in term of sales (no co-edition so far) has recently shortlisted for a children-led award. Children chose the shortlist from 70 books. So I definitely think there's a big gap between what adults think children want to read and what children actually want to read. So you're right to say there must be children who enjoy reading quiet books.
Maybe, like water and transport, we need to nationalise publishing? Jokes aside, publishing definitely needs some sort of grands or incentives.
That's it Momoko - publishing is full of wonderful people who love creative ideas, but seem to have their hands tied by the sales and marketing teams and no doubt sales targets they all have to meet. It's so good to hear that a book deemed commercially unsuccessful was then actually chosen by real children as a favourite for a prize - those are the BEST ones. Congratulations!
Such good points here Momoko. The editors I have worked with have mostly had their hands tied by sales in acquisition meetings. They are as you rightly point out cogs in a bigger and now corporate machine, but with a deep love of children’s books. No one works in publishing to earn big bucks. I was shocked what they earn and pressures they are under.
There are new publishers emerging like Magic Cat and Post Wave stepping into the shoes of the previously maverick publishers. Publishing the quiet, arty and very different books! Ones to watch. But they are a drop in the ocean amongst the bigger players.
I’d add DoReMi books to the list. Independent publishers are ones to watch out for. I sincerely hope they won’t get swallowed by those big ones.
that's the way it tends to go sadly... but yes the idea of indies appeals!
Oh Jane, so much of this rings true, I've long felt that the cards are forever stacking against us authors and illustrators on the part of publishers, and for promoting yourself, if like many you're disillusioned with social media and uncomfortable doing public events, it's a very tough call indeed.
I have no solutions, other than to don the blinkers and keep working on ideas, keep submitting, keep hoping. Your state of mind is the most important thing, finding fresh inspiration so hard in these barren and bland publishing times, the support of those around essential I think.
You've written what so many of us are thinking, thank you Jane!
It's hard, isn't it. This definitely seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people! I do think staying true to ourselves is the key, even if that means waiting to catch a new wave. And it is certainly very lovely how supportive all illustrators and authors are of each other in our world!
I appreciate all of these thoughts very much! I too have technically lived the picture book dream, but I’m a solo parent breadwinner and it has meant working excessively to survive, something i’ve run out of steam on. And it’s a real shame to get that general sense of less creative risk being taken. It makes me want to hand print risograph zines and opt out completely sometimes, but I also love books too much. Sounds like a lot of folk are feeling similar things 🙏
It is a dream, and also it isn't! And I know just what you mean about wanting to go scissors and paste hand-made pamphlets...and yet! I do love making books. It's been so interesting to see how many of us are feeling this same way...
Thank you so much for writing such a thorough and thoughtful piece Jane. The state of the industry is deeply depressing and it’s very hard to keep going. Everything you say rings true! The only bright spot is to see that one is not alone, and that if someone as talented as you is feeling the despair then there is something very wrong with the industry, not the artists and writers.
I keep coming back to the thought that we must just keep going and it doesn’t matter how full those plan chest drawers are, ideas and creativity are what matters in this world, - even if, and this is the hard part, no one else sees them…
And, oh my goodness, we need quiet stories more than ever!
Courage! And thanks for such lucidity!
Oh thankyou Jane - it was actually quite therapeutic to write it all out and order my thoughts and although it's sad it has resonated so much it's also reassuring. But yes, it is hard but there is still value in those un-commercially viable stories, in the making of them, even when they don't reach a wide audience. I'm sorry someone of your wondrous talents is finding it so hard too! Let's hope the tide turns towards quiet soon...
I think you'd be a great candidate for crowdfunding: you already have a crowd and connect with them meaningfully; you could make the work you want and take your backers along for the creative ride; it would mean arranging the printing and posting yourself, which is quite a lot of work, but which could be outsourced. This way, you might be able to make at least as much as the advance you get now, AND you have complete creative freedom.
Oh thankyou Margreet! I have been thinking about this option. Just feels like a LOT of admin, but I love the idea of complete creative freedom/control!
Some great thoughts and wisdom here Jane. Thank you. I’m right at the beginning of things and mulling all this over. I have another career that pays the bills but I actually lose money by making picture books because I earn less making them than I would if I was using that time to do my other job. I’m very privileged to be in this position, and aware that it means this career isn’t possible for a great number of potential story tellers 😔
What I would say in case it’s helpful is that I have two ‘quiet’ books coming out with Bloomsbury - one that is literally quiet because it’s wordless (and long at 72 pages, so an unusual book) and the other about grief and anticipatory loss (another long book at 64 pages). So Bloomsbury at least are open to books outside the norm. (Though of course poor sales may mean that’s the end of things for me… sigh).
Well done on getting a wordless book published by an UK publisher! I've been pitching a wordless book idea but publishers have been giving me a flat no because of wordless books aren't co-ed friendly among other reasons (e.g. they claim that parents don't know how to "read" wordless books.). Congratulations!
Thank you Momoko. There were some slight additions (posters with words on, newspapers, a letter) with a nod to co-editions so I can’t claim that it’s entirely silent. And it has some back matter which can also be translated. So perhaps those things got it over the line!
I think we all lose money by making them if we did that equation - I dread to think what the hourly rate would be but possibly pence rather than pounds! But it's encouraging to hear that Bloomsbury are commisioning quiet books in unusual formats - I can't wait to see them. And hope the sales will be good, but if they are not it's not your fault! So much pressure!
If we’re all losing money by doing our job, the system is entirely broken.
I'm afraid it is...
I was in the library on Sunday and in need of cheering up and I found a book I’d previously requested but the pick up had expired, anyway they popped it on the shelf and so I picked it up and then decided to just borrow any books that took my fancy-12 in total! Small thrills! Anyway now I know it’s good for the library too :-)
It reminded me that as a small child my parents used to bring a plastic crate to the library and me and my 2 brothers used our own and my parents library cards and get the maximum amount of books allowed-50! mainly picture books every 2 weeks. And then they’d all get stamped (slid across that metal box- what was that about I wonder?)
Anyway always interesting to read your thoughts! And Finland once again sounds like it’s got the right idea…
50 books in one haul is brilliant! I still get a real sense of joy with a bag of library books and I remember experiencing that feeling at a very young age back when you had to slot that stamped card into a little flap inside the book. Glad you found some good reads after your pick-up request expiry. I've found so many brilliant (adult) books by randomly browsing in the library, things I'd never heard of but which were really mind-expanding. Hooray for libraries! And for Finland!
I know quite a few picture book makers also thinking hard about remaining in the industry too. And for the same reasons you discuss.
I’m going to mull this more and pop back.
looking forward to hearing more...
I’ve made a personal decision that if I’ve gotten as far as a book dummy, I’m going to make the book even if I’m printing one copy for myself. The idea of having put that much work into a story I believe in just to have it shelved is too depressing. I know that isn’t financially feasible for everyone, but I can’t help but make things and this is what I’d like to be making for now.
You’ve given me more to chew on, like what would be a way to disrupt the current model. Is it making a collective of artists and authors who pool together time and money to do their own publishing?
Thanks for sharing with us!
Good for you Audry! I know that 'can't help but make things' feeling... a collective is a great idea. The trouble is the admin side of it would probably be overwhelming but maybe someone with expertise could do that part. Lots to think about, thanks for joining in the discussion!
I'm right there. Wondering if all this work is worth it. I have a contract at the moment, so I can't complain much, but I dread the future with no toys, and no books. At some point, I considered becoming a toy designer, now most toyshops here have disappeared because of the screens. The book industry is not that far behind. And they already pay so little to illustrators and authors. I want to keep making books, I love it. Your post helped me connect some dots, and I'll be thinking about it for a while. Thank you! And... That Ai sign is brilliant!
It's all so sad. The trouble is, all of us authors and illustrators came into the picture book world because we love it, but it's an industry (and a world) that runs on money - and that disconnect is becoming more and more severe. I really want to keep making books too, and I hope I will...but it's hard!
This is such a thoughtful, detailed and helpful article. I've recently felt myself letting the picture book dream fade. Small sales, fighting for earned royalties, social media overwhelm. I was feeling such a sense of failure but funnily enough your article has helped me make my peace with it all... I'm not sure if it's enough to keep the flame alive but it has made me feel less disappointed in myself. Well said Jane x
Oh Sue I am sorry to hear your picture book dream is fading - but happy if this newsletter helped dissolve any sense of failure, as it is most definitely not your fault. I've been bowled over by how many people are feeling the same way at the moment. I do believe that in spite of everything we will all find new ways to channel that creative force and spread stories, joy and possibility in the world somehow. X
Thank you Jane. I wouldn't say it's cheering to hear others are feeling a similar way but it does help with a feeling of solidarity 😊 the flame's not completely out...
I'm glad to hear it!
Thank you so much for writing such a balanced range of thoughts Jane. I read it a few days ago and have been mulling it over, there’s lots to think about here and I can’t quite articulate my thoughts yet (not without writing a comment the length of a novel!) xx
That’s a novel I’d like to read! Xx
Jane, I can't offer any advice regarding publishing books. I can however offer that you have alot of book ideas, as do many other writers and illustrators. While the publishing industry is changing, I believe other opportunities will emerge that offer getting your work in front of children. As long as there are children - especially quiet children, there will be a need for your creative voice. xo
I hope there will always be children, we're in for a sad future if not... and I hope you are right about other opportunities. Things are changing so fast, but if we can hold onto human connection all is not lost. Thankyou for your encouraging words! XX
All is not lost Jane! Never ever! xo
What a brilliant read this is, summing up what so many of us are thinking. We definitely need some sort of grant system, or an artist living wage (well done, Ireland) to make sure we are able to make books without losing money (otherwise how can we have a truly diverse offering), and at least somewhat free of commercial worries. I also like to hope that this is part of a cycle that, rather like politics, swings back and forth. Maybe we are around the corner from the next ‘golden age’ of daring, bold books for children 🤞
I do hope you are right! Roll on the new golden age!
This is a great read, Jane. I loved every bit. Weirdly I just was about to start reading Fungus the Bogeyman for the first time when I saw your post. Publishing has so many rules and barriers, it can feel so restrictive. Keep going. You are a brilliant voice in comics and picture books and kidlit! Xx
Thanks Sheena, I did enjoy putting it together and getting some things off my chest! And thankyou for the encouragement too... looking forward to hearing what you think of Fungus! XX
So far it’s an incredible lesson in world building 😮🥬🌱
The man was a genius
Utter genius!
I appreciate your honesty, thank you for sharing. I'm unpublished and haven't started querying yet. I'd rather know what it's like out there, so I find this helpful!
Last year I went to an online event with agents and publishers talking about what they are looking for from authors/illustrators and one of the speakers just sounded extremely anxious - I can understand pressure leads this way - but they were very focused on the competition for attention, not on books themselves. I wonder if this anxiety constricts the range of stories that get picked up, including 'quiet' ones?
Oh I am glad it was helpful Clare, and I hope it wasn't too depressing! But it's best to go in with your eyes open. That's so interesting about your observation about the anxious speaker at the event - I can imagine there is immense pressure within publishing not to mess up and commision a flop. But the publishing formula needs to allow and plan and even embrace the flops because that's how things grow! Best of luck with everything!