Complexity Behind Publishing the Simplest Children's Books
As the author of three published children’s picture books, I can attest to the complexity involved in writing one. They are deceptively simple on the surface, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes in terms of attention to every phrase, word, the theme, and beyond.
Not all children's books follow this intricate process, however. Some books, known as 'concept' books, are created for very young children. These books often deal with basic concepts such as shapes, colors, textures, opposites, numbers, and letters. An example of a well-known concept book is That's Not My Lamb.
Concept books and those written for the very young are often conceived in-house within the publishing house and often written by the editors who then hire an illustrator. This approach is often more cost-effective, especially since these books have a very narrow profit margin. However, there are instances where outside authors and author-illustrators create these books, such as the Hide and Seek Harry board book series by Kenny Harrison.
Why Isn't Children’s Publishing Like 'Normal' Publishing?
Children's publishing isn't like 'normal' publishing in the sense that the conventional model where an author submits a manuscript and the publisher snaps it up and turns it into a book is not always the case. Instead, many ideas are generated and adopted by the company itself. The ingenuity lies in getting the book — or series of books — to work on all fronts: editorial design, illustration, production, marketing, distribution, and translation into various foreign languages.
The Unseen Layers of Concept Books
Concept books like That's Not My Lamb also incorporate interactive elements. For instance, the book includes textured elements, inlaid panels, and sound chips. These materials must comply with strict toy regulations to ensure safety for babies and toddlers. This adds another layer of complexity for the publishing process.
The publishing process for these seemingly simple books is not simple; at least half the work is in fooling the reader, especially the child reader, into believing that the book is unbelievably simple. The publishing process for a Rod Campbell book, for example, is far from simple. It involves meticulous planning and execution to ensure the interactivity and educational value are seamlessly integrated.
The Role of Publishers
Publishers play a significant role in the publishing process of concept books. They often have to work closely with editors, illustrators, and marketing teams to ensure the book is not only conceptually sound but also appealing and safe for young readers. The publishers must balance creativity with practical considerations such as safety, marketability, and cost-effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while many concept books may look simple on the surface, the publishing process behind them is anything but simple. It requires a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and attention to detail to produce books that are both educational and safe for young readers. The complexity lies in making these books seem deceptively simple and ensuring they comply with all necessary regulations.