Episode #211: Is Publishing OK? Part One Plus Trends
Grace and Alvina talk about some recent publishing news, including layoffs at PRH and the closing of Inkyard press. They're also joined by Alison Morris of First Book who gives some book recommendations!
PRE-ORDER Chinese Menu now! Grace’s first middle grade novel since before the pandemic!
I just wanted to remind everyone that you can get also free virtual classroom visit with me if you pre-order from the The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The virtual visit will be on and about the Moon Festival in Sept—so lots of possible curriculum tie-ins! If you pre-order “Chinese Menu” from Porter Square Books , you will receive this enamel pin with your autographed book. Perfect for this upcoming year of the dragon—make sure you get your order in! Exclusive for pre-orders and only while supplies last.
How have you been?
Alvina is still enjoying her time with family in California! They went to Big Bear and tried wakeboarding. Grace talks about her first colonoscopy.
Is Publishing Okay?
Asian American Literature Festival Update: An email was sent informing everyone that the festival was not cancelled but “postponed”. What could possibly have gone wrong? It seems that everyone is skeptical. Someone should just take responsibility.
There has been a bit of negative news in publishing. The Book Friends discuss Penguin Random House layoffs and early retirement, Inkyard Press is closing, and Razor Bill is being folded into Putnam. Grace and Alvina share their thoughts on book publishing changes.
Book Recs with Alison Morris! What should we be reading?
A Dress with Pockets by Lily Murray and illustrated by Jenny Løvlie
Alison’s debut’s recommendations:
Curlfriends: New in Town (A Graphic Novel) by Sharee Miller
Thank you to Alison Morris!
Alison Morris is a nationally recognized children's book buyer with an infectious enthusiasm for reading and 20 years' experience matching books to readers. As the Senior Director of Title Selection for nonprofit First Book, she oversees the curation of children’s and young adult books on the First Book Marketplace, hand-selecting a diverse range of titles that speak to and address the needs of kids in underserved communities, with a keen eye to inclusion, authenticity, and kid-appeal. She previously served as Senior Editor at Scholastic Book Clubs, Children's Book Buyer for Wellesley Booksmith and The Dartmouth Bookstore, and was the founding blogger of the ShelfTalker children’s book blog for Publishers Weekly. She'll be joining us from her home near Washington, DC where she spends LOTS of time discussing books with her husband, illustrator and graphic novelist Gareth Hinds.
Gratefuls!
Alison Morris is grateful to be celebrating her 10th anniversary at First Book! Grace is grateful for how far she has come and for modern medicine. Alvina is also grateful that she is still around and making books and she is grateful for spending time with family.
Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Alex at Pacyworks Studio for producing and editing this podcast. Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about us. (Use the hashtag #bookfriendsforever.)
You can find Alvina @Planetalvina on Twitter and TikTok and @Alvinaling on Instagram and Threads
You can find Grace @Pacylin on Instagram and Threads and @gracelinauthor on TikTok.
You can find Alison @Kidlitgirl on Instagram and @AlisonLmorris on Twitter.
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