My journey to receiving my first picture book contract
In about my fourth year in the Duck Pond, Jen Storer ran a writing and illustrating competition through Scribbles. I entered my first PB manuscript which was now in it’s 30th iteration, a least! I did not win, but my manuscript was commended in the picture book section of that year’s competition. I also entered the illustration section that first year and did not place. I almost, metaphorically, killed myself entering the illustration section working way more hours than I was well enough to do. Lord it was exhausting!! i was not recognised at all in the competition for my illustrations.
Not long after the competition was held, I heard a publisher with whom I had become friends in the Pond, was visiting a children’s book shop, very close to my home. I invited her and her husband as friends, to drop in for afternoon tea. During that lovely social afternoon visit, the publisher said she wished she had picked up my story that placed in the competition, when her publishing house was open for submissions. I took a chance and boldly said with a wink in my voice that the story was still available. She then said I could resubmit saying that she and her husband would consider it. Yippee again!
During our afternoon my lovely publisher guest also happened to express pleasure upon seeing one of my drawings that I had created for Jen’s competition.
Soon after that afternoon, I wrote a polite and professional email with my PB manuscript attached, of course, thanking the publisher for the opportunity to resubmit the manuscript.
Sometime later, I heard from Kathy and Peter Creamer of Little Pink Dog Books, my guests, saying that they liked my story… ‘but’ they wanted me to change the primary metaphor that was at the centre of my picture book manuscript.
Oh boy, another challenge! Eeek. I had to take some time to process the request and then once I wrapped my head around it, I had to ‘do the verk’ of reworking the story with a new central metaphor. Once again I paid Zanni for mentoring as I worked. In the end, we both preferred the new manuscript to the original one! Now that was unexpected and a great learning curve for me. Creating a book is a team effort!
I sent the refreshed PB (picture book) ms (manuscript) to Kathy and Peter. By then the manuscript was up to well over its 60th draft. Some time later and to my absolute delight they offered me a contract. To say I was pleased would be an understatement! Yippeeeeeee!!! And bring out the custard!!!
The story does not end here though. Because Kathy had liked my drawing I bit the bold bullet again and politely asked if Kathy and Peter might allow me to illustrate my ms. I attached some images of my work.
Now I think it’s important to say here that Little Pink Dog Books is a very unusual traditional publishing house because its purpose has always been to provide an opportunity for first time illustrators and authors with a chance to receive their first contract. I am convinced that this is the sole reason I was given such a wonderful opportunity to receive a contract with a traditional publisher as both author and illustrator.
The journey and struggle to learn, create and ‘do the verk’ continue for me! But wow am I grateful for the kidlit community, the generosity of the teachers and companions along the way and not least to Kathy and Peter Creamer of Little Pink Dog Books!!!!
I wish my fellow aspiring authors and illustrators courage for the journey and much pleasure and fulfilment along the way. May we all grow as people and creatives as we engage in pursuing our craft.
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