As I was perusing last Sunday’s Parade magazine, I noted a small mention of a new children’s book – The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by TV’s Glee star, Chris Colfer, (he plays Kurt Hummel.) At first, I sighed. It sure helps if you’re famous, I thought. This is not to say that Colfer’s book isn’t fabulous – it may very well be – but the road to getting published for the rest of us is a long one, it seems.
I couldn’t help but wonder … with so many celebrities being published in children’s books … can they all really be such talented writers? Or I am just experiencing a moment of weariness on my own path?
Here are just a few of the celebrities who have published children’s books – Jay Leno, Queen Latifah, Jamie Lee Curtis, Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Tim McGraw, John Lithgow, Jeff Foxworthy, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Romano, Brooke Shields, Jerry Seinfeld, Henry Winkler, George Forman, Will Smith, John Travaolta, Katie Couric … and the list goes on.
It almost makes me wish I were famous, too, but for one thing …
There is one glowing gem in all of this … my journey to being published is just that … a journey. It’s been a road with delays and frustrations at times, it’s true, but also one with an endless and continuing richness of experience in the children’s book world, the company of friends and colleagues along my path, and a constant and evolving education on what constitutes a great children’s book. I know, when I am published, it will not be because I’m famous; it will be because I have written and illustrated something that is truly worthy of being in the hands of a child.
And that really counts for something.
Still A Dreamer 
Jeanne- you are absolutely correct in your thinking. I took two writing courses at UVA recently and both professors stated the same. Publishers only want celebs as authors, as the publishers are only looking at the bottom line. Too bad for those of us who are very talented, yet out of the limelight. Perhaps we will have our reward in the afterlife. 😉 HA!
In the meantime, blogging gives us an audience and feedback–this must be our reward during this life. In our own small way, perhaps we can make a difference.
I admit, it is difficult to sit on the sidelines and watch the golden folks take all the prizes. D.
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In one respect I can’t blame the publishers in this terrible economy. However, I am going to keep doing what I’m doing to be published and bring my heart and talent to children in this lifetime or die trying. I am watching others I know that have been working on children’s books, friends and colleagues, either get agents or come increasingly closer, and that’s where I’m headed. I really feel the right person and opportunity is there for me. I WILL get there.
But when you see children’s books by Jay Leno … really?
That should just be a bigger incentive for us all!
jeanne
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