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New Books Network

Sam Arthur on Publishing Children's Books

Mar 1, 2025
Sam Arthur, co-founder and creative director of Flying Eye Books, shares his journey from directing music videos to shaping children's literature. He discusses how visual storytelling enhances children's books and what makes a manuscript stand out. Sam offers invaluable tips for aspiring authors, stressing the importance of humor, relatable characters, and writing primarily for children. He also dives into the nuances of publishing, the challenges of international markets, and the vital collaboration between authors and illustrators in the creative process.
49:13

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Quick takeaways

  • Sam Arthur emphasizes the importance of authors understanding picture book formats and engaging children through humor and relatable characters.
  • The podcast discusses the differing cultural nuances in children's publishing between the UK and US markets, impacting the success of various titles.

Deep dives

The Role of a Creative Director in Publishing

The creative director plays a pivotal role in shaping the content published by a house, focusing on identifying new talent and ideas. This position involves persuading the team of the value of proposed projects and managing their development through various stages. Coordinating with editors, designers, and marketeers, the creative director ensures that the vision for each book is realized while aligning with the company's broader goals. With a small staff, collaboration across various functions becomes essential to maintain creativity and streamline the publishing process.

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