From: Mason, John <JMason>
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 15:04:30 -0500

Re the sentence in Susan Dailey's interesting post:

<So it seems publishers wait for late summer/fall for what they view as possible contenders.>

As a publisher, I would say that we never delay books until the fall specifically and solely because we view them as Caldecott contenders. Rather, it just tends to happen that way because the fall is a stronger selling season, so publishers tend to schedule their "bigger" books for fall.

However, as you say, sometimes great picture books are published in the spring, too.

Some people think the earlier in the year a book is published, the better its chances of being discussed and considered by award committees. Others say that later books are fresher in people's minds. I'm sure there's some truth to both viewpoints.

John Mason, Director of Library and Educational Marketing, Scholastic Inc., Trade Book Group 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012999 Phone (212) 389770 Fax (212) 389063 Email: jmason at scholastic.com
Received on Fri 13 Dec 2002 02:04:30 PM CST