From: Sally Miller <derbymiller>
Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 12:18:44 -0400

I too am troubled by the short amount of time that a book remains "on the market." A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend a presentation by Anita Silvey. When she was talking about the history of many well-known and well-loved picture books, she mentioned that it often takes a number of years for a children's book to reach its audience. How many books get the chance to do that these days? She also mentioned in passing that a large number of the books she counts among the "100 best children's books" were either self-published or published by smaller houses. In my case, I am particularly grateful to the small publishers Lee & Low for the marketing efforts which have kept "My Steps" on the market since 1996. In addition, I am grateful to the teachers and librarians who have given my books the word-of-mouth promotion that helps them to reach children. Sometimes it's heartbreaking to realize that however much love and effort you've put into a book, it will end up in the hands of fewer children than will the latest book-toy from a television or movie personality who is mostly interested in promoting himself. It's a good thing that the writing is its own reward. And it is, always. Sally Derby The Wacky Substitute
Received on Mon 17 Oct 2005 11:18:44 AM CDT