Kate Fletcher is an editor at
Candlewick Press, an independent publisher in Somerville, MA that focuses entirely on the children's market.
They're a small company so editors can work on the projects that interest them: fiction, nonfiction, picture books, young adult novels.
"It's really nice," Kate said. "You're not really pigeonholed into working on certain things."
They also don't have acquisition meetings, as many other publishers do. They can sign books without getting committee approval.
Generally, she takes projects to her boss and can usually make an offer afterward.
"I just really have to love it," she said.
Some books with bigger offers or series would need more consideration. This allows Candlewick, an employee-owned company, to take risks and "be creatively led."
Kate focuses about half her time on picture books and half on novels (with slightly more YA than MG). She focuses on fiction, but not science fiction.
On picture books: She wasn't originally interested in rhyme but has come around. "Good rhyme can add a lot," she said. "Bad rhyme is horrible." She does prefer shorter text and really thinks about the read-aloud experience.
On YA novels: One of her titles is YAQUI DELGADO WANTS TO KICK YOUR ASS. The book isn't out yet but has two starred reviews already. The author, Meg Medina, started out in picture books. (
More info here.)
On MG: You need strong enough writing and characters to draw a reader in.
She's also a fan of humor, even in serious books.
She also shared her wish list with us--what she wants and doesn't. (One thing on her not-for-her list: paranormal.)
Silver Bay YMCA, Adirondack Mountains, NY
Hello, from Lake George in the Adirondacks. There are white caps on the blue lake, nestled amidst fading fall colors. This weekend, 35 children’s picture book writers gathered on the shore to schmooze, learn, talk, gossip, and passionately discuss the art and craft of writing a 32-page children’s picture book.
Nancy Castaldo, SCBWI Eastern NY Regional Advisor
Thanks
Nancy Castaldo, Regional Advisor of the Eastern NY SCBWI for a great retreat, an excellent editor’s weekend.
In attendance were 35 writers, who were fabulous. See pics on Facebook soon.
5 Picture Book Editors
Speaking were five editors: Sylvie Frank of Holiday House, Kelly Smith of Sterling, Dianne Hess of Scholastic, Marilyn Brigham of Marshall Cavendish, and Kate Fletcher of Candlewick.
(NOTE: Please see the publishers’ websites for submission info.)
(L ro R) Marilyn Brigham, Sylvie Frank, Kate Fletcher, Dianne Hess, Katrina Damkoehler, and Kelly Smith. Photo courtesy of Nancy Castaldo.
Sylvie Frank, Holiday House
Sylvie Frank, Holiday House
Sylvie Frank is the Miss Elizabeth Swan (from “Pirates”) of children’s literature; she’s a dashing woman who chooses to challenge herself by running a marathon. Sylvie’s mother is the children’s book author
Martha Freeman, so Sylvie grew up with all things literary and the ups and downs of the publishing world. Look out–she’s going to make a name for herself! Sylvie brings a smart, sincere, yet fresh view to the field. She’s authentically excited about story possibilities and realistic about what it takes to bring a story to market. She’s interested in anything from picture book to YA.
Kelly Smith, Sterling Books
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