What has the pandemic changed about children's book publishing?
The Pandemic has shifted schedules and lives, part of decentralizing publishing from out of New York means we may be seeing greater interest in different locations not fully explored or known as compared to pre-Pandemic times. A reminder that everything is changing, has changed, for everyone, including publishers and agents.
James reiterates what other panelists have said: That being flexible with details has been key to keeping the publishing of physical books going during the uncertain times and supply chain issues we’ve all experienced over the past few years.
What do author/illustrators need to consider amidst the heightened politicizing and activism of the last few years?
Sometimes the most effective way to comment or let your opinion be known on political issues is to share unique characters that may or may not be commenting directly on the issues at hand, a supernatural fantasy set at a summer camp, for example, can indirectly connect readers to broader issues being faced in the adult world.
Does everybody need to be on BookTok?
While there’s more of an emphasis on using something like TikTok as a marketing tool, there’s still a grassroots element to TikTok that individual authors and publishers alike can’t really control or plan around in a timely fashion. A TikTokker’s powerful emotional response to a book they're sharing is what makes viewers want to go read that book, it’s still about a very genuine, emotional connection more than maybe a marketing tool.
Is your book/work special enough to get a publishing deal?
Any market is in a constant state of flux and the publishing market is no different. Everyone is taking everything into account — from concrete sales data to personal preferences and opinions. Hearing familiar stories from new perspectives puts a reader in a new place but with a built-in interest. Technique and originality are still what an author can control in any market.
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