Picture books in translation

One of the many quirks and perks of publishing is having your work on bookshelves overseas. It's pretty much all thanks to the rights team at your publishing house. As well as representing your stories at the big international book fairs, they work year round to try and get your books printed and distributed by other publishers all over the world.

Of course, writing a story with universal appeal also plays a part, as does having a smart editorial team with insight, foresight and eyesight - it helps to be paired with an illustrator whose work has appeal in more than one market. Tastes and trends differ across the world; if you're lucky enough to travel overseas, check out the kids sections in book shops and you'll see.

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ZiNiN Bibliotheek, Nijverdal, Nederlands - a stunning public space and a very warm welcome!

I was recently lucky enough to visit the stunning ZiNiN Bibliotheek library in Nijverdal, Nederlands where my books are stocked and borrowed.  The photo below shows my lovely little friend Sofia with a copy of 'Hoe Je Een Wollige Mammoet Moet Wassen in Tien Lessen' ('How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth in Ten Lessons'). It's a popular book by me and illustrator Kate Hindley. This particular version was translated by Dutch children's writer Imme Dros and published by Querido.

Sofia with 'Hoe Je Een Wollige Mammoet Moet Wassen in Tien Lessen'

It's pretty cool when the postman delivers a couple of copies of your book in a different language.

I sometimes wonder what other authors do with their foreign editions? I tend to keep one copy (for vanity's sake, I suppose) and give the others away - either to friends whose children speak that language, or to libraries for their foreign language section.

I only wish I could help my overseas publishers to promote my books in their territories as I do my books published in the UK.

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How to increase your chances of co-editions?

Not all of my books get translated. I always feel very grateful when they do, and slightly guilty when they don't - I feel I owe it to my publishers to give them books with strong earning potential. One of the things that can help is to not write exclusively in rhyme.

I'm often asked why writing in rhyme is considered problematic for writers who want to publish picture books. The simple reason is: rhyme doesn't easily translate, making co-edition deals much harder to land, which limits the money-making potential of your book. 

That's not to say you shouldn't write in rhyme. Go for it, if that's your thing. You might even have great success, at least in English-speaking markets. But it's important to be aware of the problems it presents, and you need to be ready to have a go at a prose version of your story if a publisher asks to see it.

'How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth' has been printed in at least ten languages.

Try rewriting one of your texts in prose.

 'How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth' was originally a rhyming story when Simon & Schuster first took an interest in it. My would-be-editor suggested I rewrite it in prose. I wasn't convinced I was capable, but I put on my poker face and said of course I could. The resulting story has now been printed (and reprinted several times), in ten languages at the last count - all thanks to Simon & Schuster's brilliant business brains, Kate Hindley's gorgeous art and a seemingly timeless interest in prehistoric mammals.

It really is a wonderful feeling to know kids and families are enjoying your stories all over the world. Huge thanks to the Vloon-Taliani family and ZiNiN Bibliotheek for the warmest of welcomes.