By Robyn Gillies and Ian Mathieson, Editors Queensland
What a fabulous presentation by Michelle Worthington. Her knowledge of the children’s book industry in Australia and the United States, as both a children’s author and editor, was exceptional. Michelle’s personal experiences and anecdotes at the end of a long day were captivating. Based on her presentation, anyone who wants to enter the children’s book market needs not just strong armour but a clear understanding of their motivations for wanting to write for children. She asks authors, “What is it you are trying to achieve? As an author, do you feel your own inner child?”
Later, Michelle outlined some ways in which writing for today’s kids is changing rapidly. “Ask booksellers what children look for today,” she advised, adding, “Don’t underestimate the intelligence and robustness of today’s children.”
The industry is a difficult one to enter. In Australia, Michelle said, this is due in part to being a small market and to the cost of publishing picture books, while in America, a number of restrictions apply to children’s picture books. She used one of her own as an example, telling us that because the main character is autistic, the book is banned in two states as it is considered socially too challenging. In the American market, publishers are currently holding off on publishing a number of books until the outcome of the presidential election, as that will then determine what they will publish and what not.
Michelle discussed publishing options – traditional publishing and self-publishing – and the benefits and downsides of each. She posed two key questions: “How much creative control would you like?” and “What’s your definition of success?” The publishing world, she stressed, is changing rapidly. Michelle tells authors that publishers have their own illustrators, so if authors want a certain style and image, they may need to self-publish. Michelle told us she had never been let down by an illustrator, although sometimes surprised.
Michelle outlined key template requirements for a book for children: 32 pages, a maximum of 500 words, with character development and conflict resolution. “Write for children, not a publisher,” she tells authors. “Write more from experience than from imagination; stories solely from imagination can be flat. Write about experience, from the heart, with a personal connection. Children don’t always want a happy-ever-after, but they want a great ending.”
It took Michelle 10 years to have her first book published!
Michelle asked participants a lot of probing questions, then gave us information about each and provided insights from her own experience. She dropped a line that was magic to the editors watching: “Editing is a superpower”. Woo hoo! She tells authors: “Pay to have a manuscript assessment and (copy)edit; editing is essential.”
She recommended the advice and support of the Queensland Writers Centre.
Michelle was generous with the information she provided, and her genuine offer for participants to make contact with her if they had any further questions after the session was wonderful. What an amazing ambassador and resource for the children’s book industry in Australia.
A recording of this presentation is available to purchase and view until Monday 16 September 2024.