Magic world of Czech Illustrators for Children
New literature for young adults at Macmillan
Macmillan South Africa would like to invite writers to develop new youth literature.
Background
Literature written in African languages for teenagers or young adults is an underdeveloped literary genre in South Africa. Although we have recently seen a growth in the number of novels, full-length dramas and short stories in the said languages, most titles seem to fall nicely into mainstream, ‘serious’ African literature.
Research shows that only the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature and Siyagruva Series, are dedicated to producing literature for young adult readers in South Africa. It must be pointed out that Siyagruva titles (Robin Malan is the editor) are published in English and then later translated into African languages. On the other hand, the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature encourages writing in all eleven official languages. Its contribution to the development of the youth genre is evident in the number of winning titles that are on the prescription list. One notable example is North-Western Setswana novelist, Kabelo Kgatea, whose novels (four have won the Sanlam Prize) are currently prescribed for high schools, including Grade 12. The major criticism about this prize is that it is awarded every second year and the entries per each respective African language hardly surpass 10. For example, in this year’s competition, no prize was awarded in the Nguni category.
As Macmillan South Africa (Pty) Ltd, we have identified this huge gap and resolved that there is an urgent need to develop this genre.
Problems with current literature
By being moralistic, criticising them, disapproving of things like their long uncombed hair and loud music, much literature in the market creates a distance between the reader and writer. Because of that, most of the works talk down to the reader. It is worth noting that when you write for the young adult, your readers have been criticised, belittled and talked down to before; and they hate it!
Most of the literature on the market also tends to use stilted language. This has to change if a writer is to win these readers’ attention and appreciation. We encourage writers to use contemporary, yet standard language. You may, however, teach them a word or two that they do not know but don’t make them read the novel or drama with the constant help of a dictionary.
The Future: What Macmillan is looking for
Macmillan South Africa would like to invite you as a writer to help us develop the new youth literature. Unlike Siyagruva Series and Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature which focus on the genre of the novel, we intend publishing novels, dramas and short stories in all of the eleven languages. We would like these books to be aimed at learners in Grades 10 to 12. You may write in any of the three abovementioned genres.
Youth novel
We’re looking for:
· Authentic youth novels
· Novels with a clear plot and development of characters
· Appropriate setting and background that learners can identify with
· Stories that are free from any form of bias and stereotyping, such as gender, ethnic, race and religion, unless used as a theme that is positively resolved.
· Novels that address issues of national concerns, HIV/Aids, social justice, child and human rights, should be treated with sensitivity (if they feature at all).
Things to remember when writing:
Be on the teenagers’ ‘side’. Do not pretend – they are good at picking up hypocrisy.
Do not come across as disapproving – teenagers fear rejection. Have a clear grasp of their fears, dreams, music, aspirations, likes and dislikes, etc. You do not have to like every aspect of their lives but unless you look at teenagers with affection and tolerance this genre is not for you.
Respect teenagers and try to communicate with them and understand their point of view.
Teenagers generally like things to happen fast so your story should be well-paced to grab their attention.
Use accessible, contemporary language.
Be as classless as possible in order to appeal across regional boundaries.
Write a story that is engaging, readable and enjoyable for learners of each age group.
Where themes are concerned, we are not going to be prescriptive. But it is highly recommended that writers dwell on contemporary themes. A story must be of sufficient general interest to their age group. We are looking for stories of between 96 and 168 pages, typed on New Times Roman (font size 12) on A4-sized paper, depicting the main character that your intended reader will easily identify with (the character should preferably be their age). In terms of word count, your novel could be between 30 000 to 40 00 for senior readers. The page numbers and word count given serve as guidelines rather than absolute rules.
Young adults want to read stories that deal with the kind of problems they have to face themselves, and there is no need to avoid unpleasant realities. However, please do avoid explicit vulgarity. They read newspapers and watch television; they know what is going on in the world and they need truth, not false protection.
Irrespective of the nature of the theme you are addressing, there are a few points worth pondering by the writers when writing:
Short Stories
We’re looking for:
· A wide variety of authentic texts.
· Different styles such as satire, humour, lyrical etc.
· Can include flashbacks, movement in time and space
· South African and African authors and stories
· Stories with a clear plot and story line
· Stories that do not exceed 12 pages (or a word count of between 1000 to 3000)
Drama
We’re looking for:
· Authentic drama texts such as stage plays, radio dramas and television dramas
· South African and Afrocentric theatre
· Traditional and contemporary themes
· Word count: approx. 15 000 words
· 1 Act, 2 Act or full-length dramas
As a requirement for the NCS, we would like to draw the writers’ attention to the following things that all submissions should include:
· Author’s biography
· A glossary of terms
· A short summary of the manuscript in English.
When you have an outline of your story, please submit a short synopsis in English to the Publisher:
English literature by email to Linda Naidoo: lindan@macmillan.co.za
Afrikaans literature by email to begga@macmillan.co.za African languages literature by email to Dumisani Sibiya: dumisani@cleverbooks.co.za
We will be having our Publisher's Day on March 11th, 2009.
This will be a day for writers and illustrators to pitch their work to the publishers. It provides an opportunity for publishers to see what work our writers and illustrators have done during the past year and also for them to meet new writers and illustrators.
Maskew Miller Longman Children's Literature Awards: competition
R7500 will be awarded to the story winner in each language and to the illustration winner. There will also be a runners-up prize of R3500.
Click on the title above to get more details.
Closing date: 30 April 2009.
Writers and illustrators required
Writers are invited to submit stories as follows:
· Gr R readers (8 pages each, including a title page)
· Gr 1 readers (16 pages each, including a title page)
· Gr 2 readers (24 pages each, including a title page)
· Gr 3 readers (32 pages each, including a title page)
All stories must include artwork briefs.
Due date: 30 November 2008.
Email to: bernita@yebo.co.za
Fees:
Writing:
· R2000 per reader, payable on invoice after the manuscript and a/w brief has been handed over, and
· 5% royalty per reader
OR
· 10% royalty – no fees
Illustrators are invited to send portfolios / examples of their work to bernita@yebo.co.za as soon as possible. (Illustrators who can work under pressure during November and December can also apply to work on the Foundation Phase Learner’s Book.)
For the Readers, Illustrators will be paid R150 per page plus 2% royalty.
This is not a reading scheme. Each reader will stand on its own. The story should make learners want to read.
Illustrators required
Die eerste vier titels wat reeds vroeg in 2009 gepubliseer word:
· Repelsteeltjie
· Klein Duimpie
· Die Drie Varkies
· Gouelokkies en die Drie Beertjies.
Formaat:
· 195 mm x 130
· 32 bladsye
· Volkleur
Spesifikasies vir Illustrasies:
· Volkleur
· Eenvoudiger, helder, oop tekeninge
· Geskik vir aanvangslesers
· Teks en Illustrasie moet mekaar baie spesifiek ondersteun om beginlesers te ondersteun
· Enige Medium
· Omslag en titelblad nie ingesluit nie
Indien u belangstel om in aanmerking te kom vir hierdie projek, stuur asseblief een voorbeeldillustrasie gebaseer op enige van bogenoemde stories in lae resolusie jpeg na hierdie adres (talita@fantasi.co.za) teen Maandag 17 November op die laatste.
SA Pen Studzinski Literary Award
Circulated by SCBWI SA for SA PEN (http://www.sapen.co.za/)
- Any inquiries please e-mail SA PEN at rudebs@icon.co.za -
A call for entries
WRITE ! AFRICA WRITE !
PEN/STUDZINSKI LITERARY AWARD
Detailed rules and conditions for submission are available at http://www.sapen.co.za/, or e-mail SA PEN at rudebs@icon.co.za
Following the success of the HSBC/SA PEN Literary Awards, SA PEN announces a call for entries for the new PEN/STUDZINSKI Literary Award.
Writers from African and SADC countries are invited to submit original, previously unpublished, English-language SHORT STORIES
The best entries will be selected by an editorial board for inclusion in a book to be published next year, under the working title “NEW WRITING FROM AFRICA”
Three prize winners will be selected by
Nobel Laureate J M Coetzee
Prizes, given by John Studzinski, will be awarded:
£5 000, £3 000 and £2 000
Rules for submission of entries:
Entrants must be citizens of an African or SADC* country.
Stories, on any subject, must be in English; length should be 2 500 to 5 000 words.
Entries must be previously unpublished. More than one entry may be submitted.
Entries must be typed, in double spacing, on one side of A4 paper. Pages must be numbered and securely fastened together. Three copies must be submitted.
No name or address should appear on the typescript, but each page must carry the title of the story. The identity of authors will not be revealed to judges.
A covering letter with the name, e-mail & postal address, contact numbers, and photocopy of the ID of the entrant (as proof of citizenship) must be included. Entrants may currently reside outside of Africa.
Submission of entries implies adherence to all rules and conditions of this award, including that of copyright.
Closing date: 30th September 2008
Send your entry to: PEN/STUDZINSKI Literary Award, P O Box 30327, Tokai, 7966, Republic of South Africa. Fax and e-mail entries will not be accepted.
*SADC COUNTRIES
Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
A website to visit regularly!
BOOKCHAT
An independent, non-profit website that seeks to promote South African children’s literature.
This is achieved by:
- A growing database aimed to include all indigenous children’s books (so far containing details of more than 2 200 books) with search facilities;
- News of local children’s book events;
- Details of South African children’s book awards;
- Lists of recommended books in different age groups and categories;
- “Thoughts by Jay” – a new feature containing a monthly essay by Jay Heale on an aspect of our local youth literature scene. Accessible on http://www.bookchat.co.za/
With kind premission from Jay the “Thoughts by Jay” article was reprinted from Bookchat website
Thoughts on
BOOK AWARDS AND PRIZES
By Jay Heale
Quite rightly, at the AGM of IBBY SA in August, attention was drawn to recent book awards in the field of children’s literature. Wendy Hartmann,
It was fitting that these book creators should receive an extra round of applause because there is precious little publicity concerning any of these book prizes. It’s like a pat on the back in the dark. What
Yes, we all know that Literacy is essential for our children – and apparently for our adult town councillors as well. But once they – young or old – possess the ability to read, only one thing is going to keep them reading: suitably relevant books created with quality. That means Literature.
There are two highly publicised international prizes for children’s literature. The longest established is the Hans Christian Andersen Award, presented by IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) biennially to an author and an illustrator for their whole body of work. It is often called “The Little Nobel Prize” and it confers a gold medal but no financial reward. The newer award is the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, administered by the Swedish Arts Council and “may be awarded to authors, illustrators, narrators and/or promoters of reading whose work reflects the spirit of Astrid Lindgren”. The prize is worth about US$ 790,000.
We can be proud that South African authors and illustrators (and even a few book promoters like Biblionef) have been nominated for both these awards. Our work in this field is definitely of sufficient quality. Why haven’t we had a sniff at either of them? I think it’s because something is missing in this country – a national award that says clearly “South African considers that quality children’s literature is important”. Mark you, if cabinet ministers are as good at reading as town councillors, that’s hardly surprising.
UK has the highly publicised Carnegie awards; the USA trumpets aloud the Newbery winners; in Canada there is an annual Governor General’s Prize for the best Canadian children’s book of the year. What interest does the South African government take in the national children’s literature? None.
Joy Cowley is a popular and successful children’s author in New Zealand. Here are a few of the recognitions she has received: Commemoration Medal for services to New Zealand; Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to children’s literature; A W Reed Award for Contribution to New Zealand Literature; Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. There is an author who has been (justly) recognised for her contributions. There is no similar award on offer in South Africa.
Why can’t we have a President’s Book Award or a Minister’s Book Medal or a South African Children’s Book of the Year with money attached? Most of our few book awards are given by publishers. Praise to the new Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award (started last year) which does offer some money and a bit of useful publicity. But such a prize doesn’t do enough to raise the status of children’s literature in South Africa. That’s what I’m after – on behalf of the authors and illustrators (and translators) who work with such skill and dedication for so little recognition.
Is there anyone “up there” reading this?
Jay Heale – September 2008