Anyone has experience with Quarto Knows / Quarto Kids?

[bunnyheroes]

Hello fabulous writers! I'm looking to put in a submission and was wondering if anyone has dealt with them before
www.quartoknows.com/

Is it a self-publishing firm?

Hi ImperialBlether, they are a publisher that is open to freelance writers or unpublished authors working on an idea. I am looking at their kids section: www.quartoknows.com/Ivy-Kids

Quarto is legitimate, but I think they're a packager, not a publisher. So they put together books (the text, design, typesetting and printing etc) for other publishers.

Generally, packagers pay writers on a work for hire basis, so you get a flat fee and that's that. You sell them the copyright to your book.

Expect tight deadlines, little support, and no say in how the book is edited or produced.

Very helpful!! I would probably wait and see what they reply. I am less concerned about royalties but I would like to retain some control and ownership!

You won't retain anything, if I'm right here. You won't get royalties or have any say at all (apart from agreeing to the contract) in how your work is published. They will buy your work outright and it might not even end up with your name on it.

Packaging is very different to how most of the rest of publishing works. Be careful.

Thanks OnTheRise will keep an eye! I was attracted by them as my idea is heavily illustrated and has components like stickers. I don't seem to find other children novelty book publishers who accept solicitations. Lemme know if you have come across any :)

Most publishers which specialise in picture books accept submissions direct from writers, I think.

I can see problems with books with stickers: they're much more expensive to produce so will be pricier than less complex books, which means publishers have to be sure of selling a lot of them; and they're difficult to shelve, as they have to be shrinkwrapped to contain the stickers but potential readers don't like shrinkwrapped books, as they can't see what the book is like inside. Not that your book is necessarily unpublishable, but it's not going to be an easy sell.

Have you considered SCWBI (I think I've got that right)? A society for children's writers. My friends who are members speak highly of them.

Why are you not approaching agents? Hardly any publishers accept direct submissions (those that do tend to focus primarily on the e-book market.) If I were you I'd be sending it off to agents who are interested in children's books.

You're right, Blether. I'd always recommend a writer gets an agent. But relatively few agents represent writers who focus on picture books for children, which I think is what the OP is writing here.

There are several agents who represent picture book authors, but you typically need a few manuscripts ready - it's unlikely they'd take you on with only one ms. I think activity/novelty books tend to be written in-house or commissioned rather than being author-led. As mentioned, they're very expensive to produce.