by Fran Hodgkins
Driving home this morning, I passed the building that used to be home to the publisher that bought my first book. It is now a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. A lot has changed in 26 years, and upheaval in the publishing world continues, with layoffs and the shuttering of Dial Press and Roaring Brook Press back in March.
Perhaps that's why I so appreciate that my first experience in trade book publishing came with a small press.
At the time, I'd written a manuscript and sent it to a Major New York Publisher. They responded with excitement, and I was thrilled thinking that my big chance had come. Then, disaster: Another letter arrived, saying they had changed their mind. And I put the manuscript away.
Six years later, I dug it out again, reread it, and decided it deserved another chance. So I sent it to the original publisher-who-had-interest, a small publisher, and another house. Very soon, the small press emailed: If you haven't sold this yet, we'd love to talk to you.
Thus began a relationship that has lasted a quarter of a century.
My editors were fantastic, and we became good friends. The sales and publicity team met with me in person, giving me a chance to share ideas and keeping me in the loop as they traveled around the region promoting a brand-new author's brand-new book. They hand-sold the book to booksellers and gift shop owners. They set up signings and other events -- and taught me how to do both of them effectively.
In short, I got a nurturing, supportive relationship. I could call or email anytime I had a question, concern, or idea.
Unfortunately, the press was sold, and sold again, and I don't even know who I would send a manuscript to now. The names on the royalty letters and statements aren't familiar. My editor? Laid off. My wonderful publicity person? Long retired. I miss them terribly.
But I know that the end of one relationship doesn't end others, or preclude new ones. Publishing is changing, yes, but the people in it still want to create good books. Even though the companies may be bigger, at heart the people still want to create books that will connect with kids, showing them that they are part of a great big world that has beauty as well as challenges. As you go on your publishing journey, keep your eyes open for these people. As you attend conferences and approach agents, don't overlook the small houses. You can forge a strong, mutually beneficial relationship that could last, oh, for decades.
For more information about independent presses that are open to submissions, check out:
The Children's Book Council, a trade association of book publishers large and small; its list of members is available on its website at cbcbooks.org -- the list provides links for publisher websites, so check for current information.
Independent Book Publishers Association, an industry group that provides education and support to independent publishers.
