Before singing with Parlophone, The Beatles were rejected by at least 5 record labels.
The important thing in life is to not give up. Over the last 7 months or so I’ve often had moments where I’ve thought of jacking in the whole Waldo thing. It doesn’t bring in a great amount of money, it’s a massive strain on my own free time and it means I sit in front of my laptop for about 12 hours a day.
I was greeted with another knock back this weekend in the form of a letter from Scholastic. Those of you who are familiar with Scholastic will know that they often run Book Fairs in schools, so it can be a good market to get into for any writer/illustrator. However, as their letter states;
Our book clubs and school fairs rely heavily on those titles with a strong UK publishing presence, and pictures books are particularly well represented…
Sounds logical, it would be a gamble to take a chance on a relatively unknown title and publisher. The letter goes on to state, (in the same paragraph)
Unfortunately in this case, we feel that the illustrative style of Waldo the Worm is not suited to our current market.
Now it’s possible that this is a mere pleasant let down rather than saying ‘your book is under represented so go away.’
I’ve always been really proud of the illustrative style of Waldo and I feel that it one of the main selling points. A lot of the feedback I receive often praise the freshness of the colours and the simplistic design.
Still it’s always disheartening to face any kind of rejection and I’m sure that there will be more to come. Decca rejected The Beatles with the words ‘guitar music is on the way out.’ and look what happened to them.
So one can only hope that Scholastic are perhaps wrong about the illustrative style of Waldo and that sooner or later things will take off and the lovely woman from Scholastic might be held in the same regard as Dick Rowe.
Dave.
I bought Waldo for my 2 year old grandson and he absolutely loves it, and I bet he isnt the only one – you should get a list of poeple who you have sold to and their comments and send it to those (well I wont swear but you know what I want to say).
The illustrations are perfect for children. Scholastic are right idiots – there must be other publishers?
Hey Dave,
That’s such a ridiculous letter! The illustrative style is amazing, and a total breath of fresh air for me and hubs – we actually look forward to reading Waldo at bedtime as it’s so different to any of the other books the kids have – it’s cool and modern. I love the turning the book round for some pages, and the colours and simplistic shapes are perfect. My children knew exactly what they story was about, and this has spread to their every day life – if they hurt each other, or say something nasty, I remind them of the book and what it means. You’ve explained bullying and the way it makes people feel perfectly and it teaches them to be kind, even to someone who has been mean to them – something every child should be taught. It’s so easy to understand, and looks fantastic.
Keep at it, there are plenty of people to support you, and I for one will help promote Waldo best I can xx
Hey there!! (bonnita graphics) please don’t ever give up! As u said urself your never going to please everyone. Waldo is amazing, and once my shop does a few more sales i will be it buying the book for my little one ready for when she can read it
As a designer i LOVE your style and wish i had an ounce of your imagination when it comes to illustration. They are fun simple bright and exciting and that’s what keeps childrens attention!
Hey you! Don’t doubt the wonder of Waldo!
You’ve had such a great reception on Folksy alone, surely this must show you how fab the book is?! Everyone thinks its amazing, I wish I had a Waldo book (one day I will)
I really thought you were onto a winner there, I would have thought that the book would have been the perfect thing for Scholastic. Bullying is such a problem and from the feedback you’ve received it seems this book would be just the thing to give children an awareness of the issue.
Also, Waterstones obviously have faith in you and the book, focus you’re attention on doing well Saturday. Hope everything goes fandabbydoozie for you
One day soon, Scholastic will be kicking themselves that they turned you down. Fools.
Kitty x
Hello Dave, just write and tell ‘the woman’ that Waldo has packed his passport and surf board and skis as he has safely arrived in Sydney and is going on a skiing holiday soon and when he gets back he is learning to surf!!
He is very much loved already, so there!
Gah!
Ignore this letter at once!
Connie
Wow, that’s fantastic. So glad it went well for you.. next stop world domination!!! Amy x
Just catching up….
I agree, ignore the letter! The Beatles are a great example of how determination pays off…not only did Decca not take them on, but when they tried to release one of Macca’s songs as Cilla Black’s debut single it totally flopped. Gutted for them!
It looks like things are going from strength to strength so keep at it
xx