April Jones Prince, Children's Book Author
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The art of collaboration

4/7/2012

2 Comments

 
Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of presenting to students and families at a local elementary school's Literacy Night about what authors do and how books are made. The sessions were energetic and upbeat, and, as always, there were terrific questions from students. One that stays with me came after I mentioned that it can take two years or more from the time you sign up a new project to the time a bound book arrives at your door. One girl asked, "What if the book arrives and you don't like the way it looks?" 
Well, good question.
I told her that authors see many steps along the way, so it wasn't likely I'd be blindsided by the final stage. That said, bound books always look different - more official, trimmed and spiffy - than mechanicals, proofs, or dummies. I told the student that if things didn't look the way I hoped they would, I would take a deep breath and try to find some things that I did like about the book. The process of making books involves many people, many ideas, many backgrounds, and many personalities. Some books travel a smoother path to publication than others. But it's all about working together, and it's always a thrilling ride.
2 Comments
David T. Lee link
4/8/2012 05:13:45 am

April,

Thank you for visiting my school on Literacy Night! Your books are spectacular! I really liked how you explained the process of how you wrote and published 21 Elephants and Still Standing. I am looking forward to read your new books DIG IN and DIVE IN in the Spring of 2013.

David Lee

Reply
Aboriginal art link
6/27/2012 09:19:50 pm

Nice blog about the art and the points which are described are also interesting to read. I enjoyed reading this post..Thanks for such kind of great information..

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    About

    I am a children's book author and history lover who feels lucky to have such an amazing job!

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  • Home
  • Books
    • You Are a Reader!/You Are a Writer!
    • Snowy Race
    • 101 Trucks
    • Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates
    • 101 Dinosaurs
    • What Do Wheels Do All Day?
    • Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing
    • Who Was Mark Twain?
    • Who Was Frederick Douglass?
    • Jackie Robinson: He Led the Way
    • Dig In!
    • Dive In!
    • Valentine Friends
    • Meet Our Flag, Old Glory
  • In-Person Visits
    • You Are a Juicy Writer
    • From Idea to Picture Book >
      • From Idea to Picture Book-Historical Fiction version
      • From Idea to Picture Book-Fractured Fairy Tale version
    • Writing a Brilliant Biography
    • What Happens When You Wonder 'What If...?'
    • Working With Wheels
    • Ideas! Words! Action!
    • Write What You Know
    • Be a Detail Detective
    • Share Your Story
  • Virtual Visits
    • You Are a Juicy Writer
    • From Idea to Picture Book
    • Writing a Brilliant Biography
    • Landlubbers' Literacy Night
    • Free Virtual Mini-Visits >
      • Free Virtual Visit Inquiry
    • + Online Read-Alouds
  • For Teachers
  • For Kids
  • Literacy Resources
  • About
  • Contact