You Are Here: Symposium Notes PUBLISHING

I was really disappointed that a representative from Macmillan couldn't attend but publishing is definitely the talk I was most looking forward to as I knew it was relevant to my interests in children's books and storytelling.

Publishers: ItsNiceThat

• Has expanded from a uni project to an online journal of everything from photography, illustration, graphic design, film, animation and motion graphics. 
• Something for everyone.
• 13 stories a day x 5 days a week!
• Twice a year they publish Printed Pages (reflection of best bits republished in print)
• TheGraduates - Molly Fairhurst won last year! Apply...?
• They advertise to survive but still have small independent ethos, small team.

Publishers: NoBrow

• Physical books, made to cherish and celebrate illustration.
• Independent, high production value.
• Left-field ideas & personal projects (several were university final major projects).
• Flying Eye Books is children's book imprint.
• The Non-fiction children's market is BOOMING.

What Publishers look for:

• Bring personality.
• Doesn't matter what your interest is, but show your PASSION.
• Bravery, confidence.
• Understand what you're trying to say/comment on.

Advice for illustrators:

• Social media is key.
• Lead with images but be selective about the work you do show.
• If there's someone you want to work for, be human, put your work first!
• Bologna book fair is worth visiting.
• Be unique
• Have persistence
• Keep creating and developing.
• Intern
• Meet with art directors. Make working relationships.
• Get in contact.
• Do your research - no repeats of books.

Advice on setting up a publishing company/press:

• Print is expensive! But appreciated and valued.
• Not particularly financially viable, but a way of making work, putting it out there and experimenting.
• Group together.
• Find a gap. Belleville Press - price of a pint!