Publisher Interview: Books To Treasure

Marianne speaks to Adrianne Fitzpatrick, publisher of Books To Treasure.

What is the focus of Books To Treasure publishing? What kind of books are you looking for?

Books to Treasure is an independent children’s publisher, looking for new fiction: picture books and early readers, through to chapter books and novels for independent readers. Both series and stand-alone books are welcome.

What’s your background in books and publishing. How did that lead you to creating your own imprint?

I started my career in publishing as a writer, with my first story appearing in print in 1977; but I discovered, while working on a children’s magazine in the late 1980s, that I had a flair for editing. So in the 1990s I built a up career as a freelance editor and designer and went on to teach various subjects in the Publishing and Editing Diploma at Morningside TAFE, as well as running writing workshops and courses privately and through adult education.

I moved from Australia to the UK in 2003 where I continued to work in the publishing industry variously as project manager, editor, proofreader, book designer, writer … even photographer … for both publishers and independent clients. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with some very talented writers, and when one of those authors, Helen Barber, showed me handmade copies of two picture books, The Princess and the Socks and Be Quiet, Bird!, I just knew they had to be published. So I did it!

What’s your best advice for children’s writers?

Read. Recent publications, not just old favourites. Writers need to be familiar with the contemporary market. I see many well written stories that would have been ideal for children of the 50s or 80s or … And write, obviously. A good critique partner or writing group to help you hone and polish your work before submitting it is possibly one of the most important resources a writer can have.

What else do you have coming out soon?

Confirmed titles for next year include another picture book from Helen Barber, which we hope will be out in time for Christmas, an early reader from multi-published author A H Benjamin, and a YA fantasy novel from Philip S Davies. There are several other projects in the pipeline as well.