Mara Bergman of Walker Books takes us through the book publishing process
Mara Bergman
Mara Bergman is Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books, an independent publishing house focusing on children’s books and young adult fiction. The company was established by Sebastian Walker with just 18 books in 1980, and now creates more than 300 books a year, including Anthony Horowitz’s popular Alex Rider series. The company celebrates its 30th Anniversary next year. As well as being an editor at Walker, Mara writes picture books herself and her 11th book was published by Hodder in July 2009. Mara gives us some tips on how to ensure our submissions make a good first impression.
How did you become Senior Commissioning Editor at Walker Books?
This was a long time ago! I had been working for Random House children’s books in New York at the time when Sebastian Walker, founder of Walker Books, was co-editioning books in the US. At RH we bought in some of these books, which were indeed very special and different to the books we were publishing.
It wasn’t long after that my husband wanted to return to England (he’s English, I’m American) and we did. I contacted Sebastian, as well an editor at Walker whose name had been given to me, had an interview and was told on the spot I had the job. It was magic!
Did you receive any formal training?
The only formal training I ever had was back in NY, where I took a short copyediting course. Courses are offered now, but back then one learned on the job.
What makes Walker Books different to other publishing houses?
The great people! And we work with many of the best authors and illustrators making books today. Also, we are an independent publisher.
What kind of books does Walker Books publish?
All sorts! We publish books for the very young through to young adult, so board books, picture books, young illustrated fiction, junior novels, teenage novels, young adult novels, novelty books (ie, interactive books such as pop-ups), non-fiction, specials (lavishly illustrated classics) and some poetry too.
What happens to a submission once it reaches your office?
Firstly, it is read. If the editor reading it likes it, it will be passed on to another editor to read. If not, it is returned to the author (but the author must have sent us a self-addressed stamped envelope!).
If the script is liked by the second editor as well, it will be discussed at an editorial meeting. Then, if it gets the thumbs-up there, it will go to a development meeting, which is attended by our publishing director, sales team and rights team.
If it sounds like something everyone is keen to publish, it will then go to an acquisitions meeting, along with the costings. It is at this meeting where the fate of the script is determined: if it’s accepted, then the whole book-making process can begin!
What do you look for in a submission?
My area is fiction and I look for arresting characters, plot and voice.
How can a new author get past the slush pile?
Apart from sending in a very good script, a very good letter is important too. The writer should give a short (one paragraph) synopsis of the story and say something about his/her writing and previous publications.
Once you have accepted a manuscript, how do you prepare it for publication?
This is a very long process involving a general edit, line edit, copyedit, proofread, and many checks along the way, and this is while the designer is working on the cover and interior design.
What is your favourite part of this process?
Working with the authors.
What is the most challenging part of it?
I’d have to say that working with authors is the most challenging too - probably why it’s so rewarding!
Whose writing has excited you recently?
I’d hate to say because we are working with so many wonderful writers right now.
What would you say the main challenges are for an aspiring author?
Breaking through; it seems to be getting harder and harder but I think that’s because there are so many good books out there and therefore lots of competition, especially now that writing courses and writing groups are so prevalent.
What advice would you offer an aspiring writer?
Be persistent and develop a tough skin; your work will probably be rejected many times before it is accepted.
Join a writing group, or share your work with like-minded writers; keep abreast of what’s being published; read publishing magazines and reviews.
Most of all, keep writing and don’t give up!
For further information, please visit www.walker.co.uk
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Mara Bergman is so inspiring, I hope I could work with people like them.