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So ... since a wannabe like me can't rub shoulders with the great and good of children's publishing (more like sneak a look at their notebooks) - here's a list compiled by one US agent of what UK children's book editors at the LBF told her they wanted:
--More boy adventure books (although one publisher specifically said their list is full in this arena so not as high on their list)
--YA historical
--would love a prize-winning new teen voice along the lines of HOW I LIVE NOW
--Funny with beautiful writing (so a blend of literary with a really fun story line)
--a modern Anne of Green Gables
--middle grade fantasy that is a girl-driven narrative
--humorous girl stuff that is more than just boys and relationships but is warm, and character driven. Not necessarily issue driven
--high concept middle grade with a really original voice so it can stand out.
--anything that can crossover solidly to the adult market (ie. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF A DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME)
--fantasy
--a contemporary author with a literary, classic voice. (hum.. that seems to tie in with the modern Anne of Green Gables example above) Read the whole post
Meanwhile over at Publishers Weekly, an article titled 12 Steps to Better Publishing - included the following advice:
Stop the copycat books: They are the equivalent of pack journalism, and most of the time, we wind up looking like a bunch of rats chasing a chunk of stale cheese.
Edit: I struck those last lines out because I thought I was being unfair to jump to conclusions. Any thoughts?
2 Comments on London Book Fair: What UK Editors want (apparently), last added: 4/24/2009
London, 21 April 2009. Someone at the London Weather Control Centre must have screwed up. It was summer today!
Ben S pointed out this display of educational posters at a stand in the children's books area as we were walking around the London Book Fair today. Tuberculosis, rape, AIDS - school posters of our time.
0 Comments on London Book Fair: Posters of Our Time as of 4/21/2009 5:39:00 PM
In fact it reminded me of an army of YA novels (interestingly, they all seem to target a girl readership):
Justine's fans knowledgeably discussed this 'eyeless' phenomenon in YA books:
Elodie: What is with that “girl with the eyes cut off” thing being so popular on covers?
Karen: I’ve been told the reason for truncating the face on book covers is that if the eyes are shown, the story seems to be about that person on the cover, whereas if they’re not shown, the reader can more easily imagine herself in that person’s position. It sounds silly, but I think there’s probably some truth to it.
Gabrielle: Om em gee, you caught Maureen’s eye-missing curse! I do love it though, especially how she flicks the fairy. Totally suits the title. Now I wanna read!
Faith: Oh no ...Your publisher got bit by the eyeless girl bug. WHY? I’m still psyched about the book… but WHY, COVER ARTIST? WHY? THE EYELESS GIRL TREND MUST STOP! *breathes* ...
Here is Justine's reply:
As for the eyeless thing. As some of you know I’m not a fan . . . In comment no. 10 above Karen explains that one of the main reasons for the eyeless covers is that “if the eyes are shown, the story seems to be about that person on the cover, whereas if they’re not shown, the reader can more easily imagine herself in that person’s position.”
Also these covers sell. The identification thing may be why. Gazillions of teenage girls have responded positively to them over and over again. Indeed, Maureen and Diana’s books sell very nicely, thank you very much.
Ultimately, the cover is about selling the book. Hence the lack of eyes.
I think looking at these books each on their own, they are very attractive covers. But together on a shelf, they kinda look the same to me.
These are all cool writers I enjoy reading. Maybe they deserve more stand-out covers, huh, publishers?
Whoa, you are so right about that eyeless thing. But I can totally see why they do it, since it makes the cover person more generic. Not like one of those covers for a classic book that gets made into a film, and they start reprinting it with the film star on the cover; so forever more I'm cursed with imagining that character as Reese Witherspoon or Toby Stephens or whoever it is. (Not that I don't like film versions, just that I'd rather imagine my own when I'm reading!)
i guess it was a fresh idea a few years ago but now there are too many books on the YA shelves with headless, eyeless covers. Publishers need a new Big Idea i guess.
I usually try to come up with an animal related theme when contributing to the word of the week at Illustration Friday. Animals are such a big part of my world, it doesn't feel normal to leave them out of my posts. I knew what I wanted to do for this week's word, "Theory", but I first had to find the right model on Google. I was looking for an animal with a soulful expression to represent a point I'm going to make which is, I find it hard to believe there are people out there whose theory is 'animals don't have souls.'
Animals are known to make choices to help people, their own species, and often times other species. Animals come from a place of pure kindness unless someone has beaten it out of them. They're unjudgemental and love unconditionally. They respond to our emotions, and even if they're ill-treated, they're quick to forgive. They love us no matter how fat, thin, bald, ugly, or ignorant we may be. Animals are used as therapy aides in hospitals, nursing homes and classrooms all over the world. They can even detect when we're ill by picking up certain chemical signals our bodies give off. Many dogs and cats have been known to actually nudge their owner in a place where there is a growth starting, and thus saving many lifes. They lie grieving by the bodies of loved ones who have passed away, and many have waited for years and years by a door or on railroad tracks, wherever, for their owners to return, never knowing they passed away. Just waiting, waiting at the last place they saw them. It breaks my heart.
So, do I think animals have souls? You bet. They're pure kindness of heart and my life is richer because they're here.
Now look into this guy's eyes and tell me you don't see an old soul.
You made me cry at work! That means you are an amazing artist! Yes, animals have souls. People who don't have one, will never know...
cata said, on 2/18/2008 1:56:00 PM
The eyes are soooo beautiful!!! Bellissimo. Cata
Traci Bixby said, on 2/18/2008 7:03:00 PM
Such beauty in the blue and gray colors. Very touching.
Ellen Byrne said, on 2/18/2008 8:40:00 PM
Your image and text moved me as usual. You have very interesting takes every week. My favorite was your hats but this is a close second. Keep 'em coming! Gorgeous illustration!
Monica said, on 2/18/2008 9:17:00 PM
Beautiful, beautiful illustration! And, yes, I do believe animals have souls. I cannot imagine any other way. I feel closer to God when I'm near them...
Angie (Rural Pearl) said, on 2/19/2008 6:10:00 AM
This is wonderful! Since moving from country to city, I miss the comfort of the old animal souls that used to keep me company everyday! I admire your depth in image and words!
Anonymous said, on 2/19/2008 8:31:00 AM
I think this wonderful creature is wondering if humans have souls... PamPod
André Gribble said, on 2/19/2008 9:37:00 AM
Beautiful! Great thoughtful take on th topic of theory. You really managed to show us the gorilla's soul. Just look at those eyes! Truly beautiful.
atomicvelvetsigh said, on 2/19/2008 4:39:00 PM
ohh yes they do! 8) this is a wonderful sketch!
Emila Yusof said, on 2/19/2008 10:43:00 PM
Wow Laurel! A powerful entry this one! Great illo and great story!
bluerose9062 said, on 2/19/2008 11:28:00 PM
An amazing rendering! And your post made me think about Max, my dog. I miss him. Their love is wonderful, isn't it?
carla said, on 2/20/2008 6:44:00 AM
Your painting is truly soulful, and your rendering is always so excellent. I do think animals have souls, and I even think that some animals have the souls of people who have passed on and have decided to come back and keep someone else company. Sounds silly, I know... but I am certain that my cat Jezebel is really a person... and I don't care if i sound like a crazy cat lady:> Beautiful work and post, Laurel!
thefridayfrog said, on 2/20/2008 11:19:00 AM
lolo!!!!! he is GORGEOUS! the soft colors, the hairs, the blue...just just lovely. lookit those eyes...pure sweet emotion. :))))
teri said, on 2/20/2008 1:19:00 PM
so beautiful, lolo!
teri
DeLi said, on 2/20/2008 8:54:00 PM
his eyes are full of wisdom
life without novacaine said, on 2/20/2008 11:53:00 PM
Look at the those eyes! Wonderful illo. Lovely blog. Thanks for visiting my blog by the way.
Bee said, on 2/21/2008 6:33:00 AM
This is a beautiful piece and really captures something in the eyes, if not a soul at the least emotion and sentience.
scribblesk said, on 2/21/2008 12:30:00 PM
Very wow!
carra said, on 2/21/2008 3:56:00 PM
Oh goodness me, your post nearly broke my heart! And I could not agree more! I love animals, and I truly believe that they have a soul. wonderful illo! Just look at those eyes... Love, Carra
lil kim said, on 2/21/2008 4:10:00 PM
wow this is absolutely amazing rendering, well done! I would have to agree that animals have souls. they are just as feeling as we are ("animals are people too!")
thanks for stopping by my blog!
zime said, on 2/21/2008 6:35:00 PM
WOW, this's a powerful illo!!! I love it! (^v^)
Laurel Neustadter said, on 2/21/2008 6:55:00 PM
This is both a wonderful post and a wonderful painting. I love animals also ... I currently have a dog and 3 cats. I really like the colors you chose for the painting ... they are very serene.
Princess Pepper Cloud said, on 2/22/2008 10:22:00 PM
Lolo. You have really tapped into your amazing gift with this post. I can't even find the words to tell you how amazing this artwork is. You truely have a gift, thank you for sharing it with us all.
National Geogrphic has a wonderful article "Inside Animal Minds" in the March Issue. Really terrific photography in it for the piece too.
Catherine said, on 2/29/2008 4:42:00 AM
This is absolutely beautiful, lolo ! Congratulations ! This ape seems alive and is so expressive, I love it !
Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said, on 3/8/2008 8:02:00 PM
So sensitively illustrated!!! Though the jury certainly is still out on if animals have souls or not, they are amazing creatures indeed.
This week's prompt for Illustration Friday is "The Zoo." I can't hear that word without remembering The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, near where I grew up. I was only six years old in this photo, 1959. This is Mabel, the matriarch of the gorilla colony at Franklin Park. She and I were good friends right from the start. We used to talk about what we'd do when we'd get out into that big world waiting for us . (I could talk to animals all of my life.) She worried about her little one, Hank, but she knew that there would be a better world waiting for him without barriers and barricades. He'd have better opportunities than she had. He wouldn't have to live in the confines of the city. It just didn't seem right to sit in the short, mown grass and watch cars go by. Not right at all. Yeah, Hank would do just fine as long as he could find his way out.
As soon as my parents and I got to the zoo I could smell the popcorn and roasted peanuts mixed with the smell of the monkeys and elephants. It was heaven to me! My six year old hands would grasp the cold bars of the monkeys' cages while they looked at me, anticipating a treat of some kind. I'd name them all and make plans for each and every one of us to meet again. I'd run to the aviary filled with the most magnificently colored birds that filled the air with their shrieking, shrilling calls.
Franklin Park Zoo was a much needed escape from my hard life at home. It's amazing to me that my parents even took me there. It just tells me that in spite of the hard times, they tried. They really did the best they could. But it was Mabel who taught me to be strong.
I used to pick flowers for Mabel whenever I got the chance to go to the zoo to see her. As you can see, I would stand beside her and we'd talk for hours, sharing secrets and planning life's strategies. She was the heart and soul of Franklin Park.
We moved around a lot when I was growing up and I never got to say goodbye to Mabel. She knew I had to follow my parents as a youngster, but she also knew I'd grow up to be okay. She often comes to me in my dreams and I wake up laughing, not being able to tell anyone I felt gorilla breath on me last night and how wonderful it was!
You know, Mabel and I weren't suited for the city yet somehow we found each other and gave each other strength and hope. Man oh man, that's what life is all about.
Thank you, Mabel.
Love always, Lolo
0 Comments on IF : Lolo At The Zoo as of 1/1/1900
Mick said, on 11/25/2007 8:05:00 AM
Nice collage and a funny, though poignant, story. :)
pati @-;-- said, on 11/25/2007 9:00:00 AM
Awwwww... that's so sweet. You look adorable, Laurel. I love what you did in this collage :)
You look happy and so does Mabel. A truly beautiful story and I'm so glad you shared it with us. The smells came back to me as you described and the zoo carries wonderful memories for me as well. Course I have not smelled gorilla breath up close but I have smelled a lot of dog breath. I am enchanted by your story and illo!
Anonymous said, on 11/25/2007 11:17:00 AM
WHICH ONE IS THE MONKEY????
LOVE YOUR LITTLE BROTHER
Forever Young said, on 11/25/2007 12:17:00 PM
i am such a soppy sentimental fool, and i love the story so much.
Tony LaRocca said, on 11/25/2007 12:58:00 PM
Such a cute story & picture!
Monica said, on 11/25/2007 1:23:00 PM
That's a lovely story, Laurel, very moving. It's amazing how much animals can help us when we need to get through difficult times. You did a beautiful job with this collage, very tender...
Twisselman said, on 11/25/2007 5:44:00 PM
So wonderful, the story and the photos. Sad, the challenges gorillas face in the wild... the poachers and all. Their eyes are so soulful.
Twisselman said, on 11/25/2007 5:45:00 PM
Oh, by 'their' eyes, I meant the gorillas... NOT the poachers. Poachers have sold their souls.
imwithsully said, on 11/25/2007 5:53:00 PM
What a story. I almost cried thinking about you trying to say goodbye to Mabel.
Emila Yusof said, on 11/26/2007 5:32:00 AM
Precious collage, Laurel! The story is so touching. This reminds me of the gorilla in the mist.
PamPod said, on 11/26/2007 7:32:00 AM
Very nice...and I remember those days. I also remember that dress. Wow, and we're talking over 40 years ago! I didn't realize that was a gorilla in the picture; I thought it was our "little brother."
get zapped said, on 11/26/2007 10:28:00 AM
Simply precious. I am drawn to tears once again. I think we all had a Mabel in one form or another, and it's so nice to have them visit once in a while.
peace and love~
Ginger*:)* said, on 11/26/2007 11:31:00 AM
This collage is lovely and tells a story of love. It is no wonder you began a visiting nurse service for animals.
Both you and Mabel seem to be sharing a special moment.
Ellen Byrne said, on 11/26/2007 4:18:00 PM
I love that you chose collage to illustrate this week since your story is comprised of bits of memories. I love all your work and especially enjoyed reading about your likes and dislikes. Very cool about your books but you should illustrate your own from now on!
sketched out said, on 11/26/2007 6:12:00 PM
Anyone who can talk to animals is a special person indeed! Thanks for sharing such a poignant, sweet story, and cool imagery...and look how cute you are in your little dress, heehee.
ms. froggie said, on 11/26/2007 6:25:00 PM
every little girl should have a mabel and a tulip dress. this really made me smile. you had a gorilla as a friend...
Debra Kay said, on 11/26/2007 11:43:00 PM
Run Free, fair Mabel.
rbaird said, on 11/27/2007 7:29:00 AM
Wonderful story and illustration. Very nice.
steve said, on 11/28/2007 10:02:00 AM
yes indeed! What a fine story and a wonderful accompanying photo!
lili said, on 11/28/2007 10:35:00 AM
as always, great illustration and story.
3ster said, on 11/28/2007 2:49:00 PM
Really funny!
:)
Laurel Neustadter said, on 11/29/2007 3:13:00 AM
Great illustration and story. The little bit of pink/peach color in the collage is perfect.
David said, on 11/29/2007 2:39:00 PM
Very impressive little story and memory. I really enjoyed it.
I wouldn't think they would let you get that close. Oh but those were the 50's, times were different then.
Thanks for sharing.
atomicvelvetsigh said, on 11/29/2007 6:39:00 PM
this is a beautiful story... and a great collage as well.. i havent posted my entry for this week and any moment now IF will change topics so my unfinished flamingos will not be used... anyway glad i had spent my free 5 minutes to randomly click entries and actually go here too..
Ammon said, on 11/29/2007 10:16:00 PM
That is an awesome image. Great merging and I really like that little bit of color.
AscenderRisesAbove said, on 12/5/2007 7:29:00 PM
what a very sweet story; you and Mable still stay in touch? ;-)
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More of this?
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I think she might also have asked: What do their sales teams want? And how many of them are being super cautious because of the economic situation?
Interesting Candy. It makes you think doesn't it?