One of the brilliant advantages of publishing at a small boutique publishing house is the freedom it gives the publisher.
Every book that is published does not need to be signed off by five different departments before the publisher has the stamp of approval. A book is published for numerous reasons, but the following three are fairly essential:
- A good fit with the list
- An original idea
- A polished manuscript
The name on the front of the manuscript does not mean so much to a small publisher. Often I will skip the details about the writer and go straight into reading the manuscript. It’s the work that interests me, not the name.
This allows room to open the door to new young talent. Over the last few years I have had the privilege to publish a number of authors and illustrators for the very first time. Many of them have now been successfully published by major publishers.
This year two new illustrators have joined New Frontier and their first book will be released in September. Both came to us through different channels. One did work experience with us in 2010 during the week Peter Carnavas was on tour in Sydney. She came with us to all the school events seeing first hand an illustrator at work in from of a classroom full of children. She is currently is Year 12 and we are very excited about the release of her upcoming picture book. The second illustrator came to our attention through an author we have known for years. Together, they have created a stunning picture book.
In an industry which is hard to break into, every now and then it’s good to hear a good news story. Like many of our authors and illustrators before them, I am sure both Sophie and Stephen will build substantial careers for themselves.
As it gets closer to the time of publication I will post more details, including a couple of interviews with Sophie and Stephen about the process they have been involved in for the very first time.
By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 2/23/2012
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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JK Rowling has announced a ‘newphase’ in her writing career. In a clever move she will now pen a book foradults. Many of her fans began reading Harry Potter at the age of 10 and are now in their 20s. Reading thebooks has been an intrinsic part of their formative years. These are thereaders she will want to reach.
My own children were amazed atthe older age group of people trawling through the crowds at the Powerhouse Museumto view the current Harry Potter exhibition. It is these readers, like Harry -now all grown up, that JK Rowling will be writing for. Clever lady. Let’s hopeshe can pull it off after her success with Harry Potter.
In a surprising move JK Rowlinghas chosen to move publishers, leaving Bloomsbury behind, to join the clan atLittle, Brown. Secrecy surrounds the release of this book with no indication ofthe title, genre or publication date. JK Rowling made this statement:
Goodnews indeed for booksellers and of course for Little, Brown.
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By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 2/2/2012
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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This year willsee two classics for children retold by well-known and well-loved storytellers.
In August Penguinwill release Jacqueline Wilson’s retelling of Edith Nesbit’s Five Children andIt, aptly named Four Children and It. It is apparently an updated version of the classic tale. The original wasfirst published in 1902 and has never been out of print.
It will befollowed by Emma Thompson’s addition to the Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbitphenomenon with The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit. Set in Scotland, Peter Rabbitwill travel further afield leaving the confines of Mr McGregor’s Garden.
Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Children’s Books said, “It is fitting that in a year that celebrates110 years of Peter Rabbit we move this beloved character forwards and providehim with a brand new adventure. Children the world over have grown upenjoying these stories and now they can look forward to this exciting newaddition to their collection. Emma’s writing is both fresh and originalyet pays homage to Potter’s own unique style.”
It will be interesting to see how sales of the original classic stories fare with the release of these new modern rewrites.
I am always quite excited by the retellingof classic stories for children. It can breathe new life into a dated story.The purists will dispute this and possibly turn their noses up at the wateringdown of a classic. I, on the other hand, look forward to reading both these newtales. Penguin has carefully selected two highly acclaimed writers to retelltwo classic gems.
What do you think? Are you a purist or do you think classicscan be successfully retold/updated for children?
By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 10/12/2011
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I have a number ofaudiobooks on my beloved iPhone. I am very particular about the audiobooks Idownload. It is less to do with the content and more to do with the reader.
The recordings will be launched nextyear by Audible, the UK's largest provider of downloadable audiobooks, and a USsubsidiary of Amazon. Its founder, Donald Katz, told the Observer:"Colin Firth could read me the back of a Marmite jar and I would listen…I'd pay Dustin Hoffman to read from a cereal box."
There is possibly sometruth in Donald Katz’s words. Who wouldn’t download a book read by Colin Firth?The perfect way to wile away the hours whilst transporting children to and from ballet, soccer and all the other activities.
Kate Winslet has alsosigned up with Audible. She is an old hand at this. My daughter has spent manyhappy hours listening to Winslet’s glorious rendition of Enid Blyton’s TheEnchanted Wood. My youngest rarely reads so an audiobook isthe happy alternative to a proper book. She is a gymnast, proficient at headstands,somersaults and handstands. She can do all these things whilst listening toKate Winslet. It is a little harder to read a book whilst standing precariouslyon your head.
Sadly our youngest isnow a little old for the audiobooks I publish. She has moved on. However shewas very involved at the production stage of our audiobooks. She approved. Asshe is an important member of our editorial team this was a necessity.
It seems Nicole Kidman will also be reading for Audi
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By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 9/30/2011
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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It’s been a busy week at NewFrontier Publishing. It’s that time of year. October – nearly Christmas. Allbooks must be in bookshops NOW, before it’s too late.
So, in the lead up to Christmas, the NFP marketing department – onequarter of a person, has been working overtime. The other three quarters of her has otherthings to do such as carry boxes, plan timelines, publish books, make cups of tea and afew other bits and pieces. But she does have fabulous assistance from anincredible duo – Nick and Jonny. They are creative geniuses.
They put their creative talentsto work and this week we launched a totally cool website for the Totally Twinsseries. It has all sorts of brilliant activities to entertain your kids overthe long weekend.
If you are so inclined you caneven download a Totally Twins screensaver for your iPhone. I have. It makes metotally cool!
More books arrived for October –big month.
Lily’s Wish by Barbara Pyett,illustrated by Serena Geddes
Lily travels from the sunshine inSydney to the snow in London to give her grandma a special gift.
Nancy Bentley written by Tracey Hawkins and illustrated by Jacqui Grantford
Set in 1920, this is the true story of the first Australian female sailor - six-year-old Nancy Bentley.
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By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 8/17/2011
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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The gorgeous Totally Twins series has a new addition.
Tropical Trouble, the third book in the sparkling new series, has just arrived.
Here it is. It looks fabulous!
On Friday August 19 we will be launching Tropical Trouble at Berkelouw Books in Balgowlah. Do come along. We would love to see you there.
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This post gave me happy tingles.
Well done to New Frontier Publishing for giving so many people the chance to achieve their dreams.....and for producing the most wonderful books for children in the process.
I was so delighted to read that you will be featuring the work of a Year 12 student in an upcoming picture book- just outstanding!
Thank you Jackie. You're very kind.
Publishing new talent is the best part of the job.
Encouraging for us all, but more importantly, reassuring to know that children's literature is in good, guiding hands that want to give it brilliance.
Ooooh. So exciting! I can't wait to read more about them - and to read them. What a teaser. :)
Kat Apel
Great news, Sophia! I remember looking at some of Sophie's illustrations last year and hoping she could give me a few tips. Can't wait to see the book. Pete.
Looking forwards to seeing these books in paper and ink.
Brilliant. I love that you have an illustrator in grade 12, I'll be telling my.seniors all about that