She shared that audiobooks and children/sYA books are two of the bright spots in publishing. There was 3% gain in children's nonfiction in 2018. 73% of children's/YA book sales last year were backlist driven with about 50% of those being picture books.
Some areas of concern in publishing are: paper shortages that publishers face with more paper created being used for packaging; tariffs on goods from China go into effect on September 1 (most picture books printed there); and Baker & Taylor closed its retail wholesale business.
To prepare her update and her breakout session on Sunday (where more in-depth info will be shared), she consulted editors, other publishing professionals and agents. They all continue to want to see books showing all kinds of representation of children (abilities, gender identities, races, sexuality). Slowly more books are reaching the market, but more are needed. She shared information about a variety of genres and age groups that are pertinent to authors and illustrators of books for children and teens.
For more information about Deborah, follow her on Twitter or visit her website.
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