Why We’re Optimistic. And Why You Should Be Too.
By Jon Bard
These days, picking up a newspaper or turning on your TV is an exercise in courage. Lord only knows what terrible piece of financial news will arise next. And it’s not just some abstract issue that impacts "the big boys". The current economic situation hits each of us, and makes each day its own unique challenge. Set against this backdrop, it’s no wonder that so many writers are pessimistic about the future of publishing, and by extension, their own future as writers. We get it. Really, we do. But enough, already. There are myriad reasons to believe that the sky is not, in fact falling, and that your chances of finding continuing success as a children’s writer remain undiminished. In fact, there’s good reason to believe that those tough enough to hang around and perfect their craft during these times will ultimately be in better shape than they could have possibly imagined. This optimism is not based on hopes, or wishes or fantasy. We have real reasons to tell you not to waver and to have a positive outlook moving ahead. Here they are:
Children’s Books are Still Selling Strongly. According to Publishers Weekly, children’s books "proved to be one of the most recession resistant segments of the book business" throughout the 2008 holiday season. Sales were strong across age groups. Many stores reported increased sales numbers over 2007. It may be lost amidst the gloom and doom on your business page, but children’s books are still selling well.
Children’s Books are Outselling Adult Books. As we write this, the top five overall best-sellers in America, according to USA Today, are children’s/YA books. The Last Straw, the latest installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, is number one. The Twilight series claims slots two through five. When children’s books sell, they really sell.
The YA Market is Growing. Twilight isn’t the only YA series selling. Young adult books are hot, and are finding readers far beyond the teen demographic. We’ve heard from a number of publishing sources that the chances of a first time YA author getting published are better now than ever before.
There’s a Reason Lit Agencies are Hiring Agents. Every week we get a press release or an email about another new literary agency, or an agency taking on new reps. If publishers weren’t buying, agents would be out of commissions, and out of a job. The truth: publishers plan their lists two, three or even four years out. The last thing a publisher wants is to be caught short when the economy picks up, and that’s why they’re still actively acquiring books. Agents know that. Now you do, too.
Publishers are Actively Seeking Fresh Voices. If there’s one thing that keeps owners of publishing companies awake at night, it’s not the recession. It’s that they’ll fall behind in reaching a new generation of children and teens, who are growing more and more resistant to "traditional" children’s books. That’s why publishers are so heavily invested in e-publishing, Internet tie-ins, social media and, yes, new authors who bring a more modern, cutting edge approach to their work. There’s never been a better time to take an unconventional tack and present publishers with new and unique manuscripts.
So that’s why we’re optimistic. And that’s why you should be, too. But we’re doing more than just talking about it. There’s no coincidence that The CBI Clubhouse made its debut in the midst of all this economic turmoil. We decided, from day one, that the Clubhouse would serve as a positive force, providing equal parts inspiration and education to authors who see past the ups and downs of the stock market. There’s a reason we call ourselves the Fightin’ Bookworms. It’s because fighting is just what we’ll do, with a smile on our face and hope in our hearts. We’re going to succeed. Together, we will overcome the obstacles that face us and find our way to our goals. Stay positive, and stay connected. It’s all gonna be OK.
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As new author I really needed that. My first book is under contract with a small publisher who will only publish the book as an e book because of the CPSIA bill. I believe that ebooks are on the rise as well! Once I picked my heart up off the floor I decided to look forward with optimism. Thanks.
What an excellent article! Yes, the whole world has been affected by the current financial crisis but there is still plenty of reason to hope and more importantly, push forward. We are still releasing children’s books, in fact, in Q2 09 will release twice as many children’s titles than any other genre.
So keep writing – the children need you!
I love your positive outlook, Jon. My recent experience is proof that all is not lost… just yet. I sold my 4th picture book about a month ago, right in the middle of all this doom-and-gloom.
Keep spreading the word. I think too much negative media creates a self-fulfilling, downward spiral. I appreciate your brighter perspective!
Great article and thanks for sharing your optimism with us!
Thanks for the uplifting information.
I always try to look at challenging times as opportunities. I think we are in a time where those who are willing to take a bit of risk and try something new are going to find themselves very successful. It is also a time where outdated modes of operation are going to fail or be marginalized, where new thinking and ideas are going to have a chance to get traction.
That is why I’ve moved into children’s book publishing at a time where starting ANYTHING is about as risky as it gets. It is why I am happy to apply disruptive technology and clever thinking to children’s publishing. It is an incredibly exciting time.
This is great but I will be more optimistic for the future and preservation of past children’s books when they are exempted from CPSIA.
Thanks. I needed that. I have lots of submissions out that I am anxiously waiting to hear back on. As well as several rejections I’ve already received. Thanks for the optimisms. You make some very good and strong points.
As a new small/self publisher this is very encouraging news. thanks for sharing.
Joy Delgado
Illustrator and publisher
http://goingbeyondreading.blogspot.com/
Your optimism and proactive approach has to be catching! More power to you!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the good cheer. Lots of people ask us how we’re doing in this deep depression, and we reply that we’ve always been in recession, always struggling, fighting for our space in the world of Indian and international publishing, so really, it doesn’t make a difference. The battle continues! The thing is to hang in there I suppose and keep doing what you believe in.
Franci Rogac
Hermana Potocnika 27
1000 Ljubljana
SLOVENIA
EUROPE
http://www.pravljice.com
e-mail: francirogac555@hotmail.com
phone number: 00 386 40 246 271
Dear Jon,
Let me introduce my self…My name is Franci Rogac and I come from the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. My wish is to publish my books in U.S.A.! I have decided to write the letter to your web site, because I would like to print some books…In five years time I have already published ten fairy tales for children and my true autobiographical story about my amazing life: »A key to the homeless«. I was practicly living on the street for few years, without any secondary education and begging people for money that I could survive. Then something happened to me and I was able to finished three secondary schools in only few months. I have become a independent publisher. Today I am a social worker and I have started working with young people who escaped from home, left school and other problems.
During my 500 representations of fairy tales in hospitals, primary schools and over insitutions, I have already donated 3000 fairy tailes for disabled children, children of cancer, invalid, poor children, blind and deaf children. I have spread my ideas in more then 500 newspaper articles and also throught slovenian TV and radio shows. My experiences tought me how little is needed to help others making their lifes brighter and easier. I would like to come in U.S.A. to transmit the message that everybody can contribute for better lifes of children and young people.
So a form of the book is:
- 25*19 cm
- 24 pages
- Gloss
- full color
- 135 gram of paiper
Hope to recive your answer!
Kind regards Franci Rogac
http://www.jacketflap.com/Franci
Awesome,
I don’t really watch the news because it is so depressing. The news you’ve shared is fabulous and so uplifting. Thank you. God bless you-sandra
Thanks, Jon,
I just attended my first writers’ workshop and learned just how complex a craft I’m attempting to enter! I discovered that writing children’s books is much, much more than having a good story and an ability to write. I think CBI Clubhouse will give me access to many of the tools I’ll need in order to become a published writer. I’m looking forward to being a Fightin’ Bookworm!
Keep up the good work! John Broadwater
I once vowed that I would pursue writing and illustrating for children after retirement. But then I asked myself: Why wait to enjoy life when I could do enjoy life NOW?
So, even though I am some 30 years away from retirement, I have begun my journey as a children’s book writer and illustrator TODAY! I write because there has to be more to life than making money and paying bills.
Writing is the cure for everything.