SCBWI Webinar - The State of the Children's Publishing Market 2024

While this was focused on the American market, there was plenty to think about. She discussed the effect Amazon has had on bookstores and the anti-trust court case. Indie publishers are doing well breaking through, all the same. Cuts to school budgets and book bans are having an effect, as are fewer school librarians. The huge increase in book bans is definitely concerning.


There has been significant growth in e-book sales, even more so in borrowing, which is interesting, given how low these have been for a long time, with people preferring print. (I couldn’t help wondering if easy access to e-books that are banned in certain areas has been part of this?) There is also technology on the near horizon that will help book buyers see if a book has been produced in any way by AI. Stay tuned for more on that.


Among other things, Deborah Halverson looked in depth at what is being published at the moment – more importantly what is selling well. From that comes that eternal question – what are publishers looking for? Graphic novels continue to grow in popularity, especially those with contemporary stories and characters.


In middle grade, as always, it’s an authentic MG voice, something we have heard a lot about in YA. You’re an adult – can you write with a younger voice and sound real? The picture book market is strong at the moment, with lots of humorous books, buddy books and also non-fiction. Unexpected and fresh NF topics are doing well, but they also want back matter (extra info) but not too much.


Nothing much is happening online with things like pitch parties on X, but more connections are being made through conferences and regional events, so if you are keen to break into the US market, it might be worth you going to the LA conference (even online). Getting your work in front of agents and editors in those ways does help.


Deborah’s deep dives into what is currently selling was very insightful, and her comments relayed from publishers and editors would be useful here, too. Publishing in the US is also shrinking, with lay-offs and mergers, but editors are undoubtedly excited and enthusiastic about working in children’s books, all the same. Look for Deborah online to connect on social media. Also look at her website where questions are answered - https://www.deareditor.com/


This is a very brief summary – the webinar went for an hour and a half, with a Q&A as well – if you are interested in any of the topics that come up, they are free if you are a full member, and I think are well worth watching.


Sherryl Clark



NB: The video is available for Premium Members for six months. To access it go to your Member Home page and in the menu to the right of Newsfeed you'll see Resources. Just scroll down to find it.



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