Lots of hope out there

A record number of registrants attended the Annual Conference of the Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators last week in Los Angeles. Hopeful new writers and illustrators listened to talks by seasoned editors, authors and publishers. The advice they got was hopeful. There is still a strong market for children's books, although the bad economy has had some effect. Advances for writers are smaller than in the past (they've always been relatively small for children's authors) and publishers can offer fewer services in publicizing and selling books. Many sales depend on hard work by the book's creators through websites, school and bookstore visits, and generally hand selling as many copies as possible. A successful children's book still begins with a great idea and takes form through plenty of hard work. Editors are a tremendous help in bringing a book to completion and making it as good as possible, but on the whole their contribution ends there. The authors must interact with librarians, teachers and other adults who care about children's books. Let's remember that and help our local authors and illustrators by arranging school and library visits. They are good for the school, for the library, for the author and illustrator and most of all for children.