Creative Publishing
Posted By Vonna on January 11, 2010
Last week, our Houston SCBWI group had Lucy Chambers from Bright Sky Press as our guest speaker. Lucy, an editor with Bright Sky, talked to us about the need for creative approaches to having a book published in these hard times. One of the case studies she talked to us about was Our Shadow Garden, written by Cherie Foster Colburn and illustrated by children at the Children’s Art Project. This picture book was released in September for purchase through the outlets of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. 100% of the proceeds benefit their program. In April, Bright Sky Press will take over distribution and Our Shadow Garden will become available nationwide.
Though Cherie donated this book to help the pediatric cancer patients at the M.D. Anderson, it has been a boon to her career, too. Bright Sky press will publish two more of Cherie’s books EZID: Texas Roadside Wildflowers, to be released Fall 2010, and Bloomin’ Tales: Seven Legends of Texas Wildflowers, illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein.
This was a rather remarkable example of a generous and creative approach to getting a book published. I’m not sure this would work for novels, but for picture books and non-fiction that is in support of a cause, this could be a a great platform for launching a career while helping others.
Update! I just heard from Cherie that she has a third book coming out with Bright Sky Press next year, a coffee table book on heirloom bulbs. Southern Living is also involved with this book. Go, Cherie!
Wow. Houston sounds like a rockin’ group. Of course, I love Austin so much… see you at the conference later this month?
I’m going to look for this pb. Thanks for the heads up.
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