As a member of Colourful Connections, a vibrant support network dedicated to amplifying the voices of people of colour in children's media, I recently had the opportunity to attend an insightful masterclass on the intricacies of the children's publishing industry. Hosted by our wonderful founder Chitra Soundar and the delightful Aisha Bushby - two well-established children’s book authors - the session promised to shed some practical light on how to write stories for young audiences, as well as insights on navigating the labyrinth of the publishing industry.
The masterclass was divided into two parts, each offering a unique perspective on the craft and business of writing for children.
In the first segment, Chitra eloquently delved into the fundamentals of children's literature, covering age groups, word counts, and the importance of conducting thorough market research yourself. ‘How old is your inner child?’ she asked us, recommending that whatever age we find our inner child to be would foster the easiest environment to creatively tap into when choosing a concept or age group to write for. I adored this holistic approach, and her wisdom illuminated the landscape of children's storytelling, guiding us through the essential elements that capture the hearts and minds of young readers.
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Aisha then took the reins, offering invaluable insights into industry trends, finding representation, and uncovering routes to publication. From crafting compelling pitches to understanding the nuances of contract negotiations and rights management, Aisha's expertise provided a roadmap for aspiring authors seeking to navigate the often daunting terrain of the publishing world. Her insights as a reader for literary agencies and background in the publishing industry were incredibly helpful in informing her advice for crafting captivating writing samples (she insists on NEVER comparing your work to blockbuster hits) and shrewd observations about publishing schemes and competitions, (she advises to seek out an agent if you find yourself at contract stage).
Throughout the session, I found myself captivated by the wealth of knowledge shared by both Chitra and Aisha. Their passion for storytelling and commitment to diversity and inclusion shone brightly, inspiring me to embrace my own creative journey with renewed fervour. Although I am not currently working towards getting a children’s book published (though I’d never say never); as someone aspiring to break into scripted development for animated film or TV, I found their discernment on creating IP and trends within children’s media invaluable.
One of the most enlightening aspects of the masterclass was the emphasis on cultural relevance and representation in children's literature. As writers of colour, Chitra and Aisha encouraged us to thoroughly research agencies and publishers that would authentically represent our cultural backgrounds, giving a better chance for our stories to be marketed correctly to reach young readers.
This masterclass not only provided practical strategies for anyone looking to break into children’s publishing, it also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among fellow creators. By sharing their expertise and experiences, Chitra Soundar and Aisha Bushby have not only demystified the world of children's publishing, but also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry for storytellers of all backgrounds.
Jessie Francis is a writer, illustrator and creative specialising in development with a passion for character-driven storytelling. With a diverse background encompassing roles throughout the development and production pipelines of animation and immersive theatre; her portfolio of work centres around social politics and magical realism - with a healthy dose of dark British humour to help the medicine go down easy.
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