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Studio Notes


How to Write a Children’s Book
Whether you dream of writing a picture book, an adventure novel for eight year olds, non-fiction or a chapter book series.
7 min read


How UK Publishing Was Transformed Since the 1970s
The business of books in Britain has transformed dramatically from the 1970s to today.
The UK publishing industry of the 1970s would hardly recognise itself in 2025. Back then, cigarette smoke filled offices in London’s West End handled typewritten manuscripts delivered by post to a business dominated by gentlemanly agreements and a fixed book price system.
24 min read


How to Succeed as a Freelance Illustrator or Writer in Children’s Publishing
This no-nonsense guide isn’t here to sell you a dream. It’s here to help you navigate the reality of freelancing.
11 min read


How Do I Write for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) ? A UK Guide
Writing for children with special needs presents unique and fulfilling challenges. Whether you’re creating a story, an educational resource,
9 min read


Behind the Pages: Shirley Willis on Art & Story
Shirley Willis Salariya has worked in a variety of art styles and always embraced experimentation.
20 min read


The Art of Rejection: How to Use 'No' as Your Launchpad for Success
Most people encounter rejection in various forms throughout their lives, whether in small, everyday situations or more significant moments.
7 min read


Research Tips & Tricks for Writing Children's Historical Fiction & Non Fiction
To research for accuracy in a historical children's book, use primary sources, consult secondary sources, visit historical sites.
13 min read


Publishing Terms Explained
Specialised jargon and acronyms have become deeply embedded in business communication, evolving as industries and technologies advance.
19 min read


How Do I Create Interactive E-books for Children?
To create interactive e-books for children, start with a well structured story, and integrate audio narration, animations, games, and sound
9 min read


What's new? What Are the Trends in Children's Book Publishing in 2025? by David Salariya
By the time 'Trends' are spotted - they are probably over or fading - so lets take a look at trends in children's book publishing for 2024.
20 min read


Top 10 Children's Books – Illustrator Carolyn Scrace Shares Her Inspirations
Illustrator and Writer Carolyn Scrace chooses her Top Ten Books from her wide portfolio of published work.
15 min read


Getting Feedback from Child Readers: A Guide for Authors
A Beta reader is an English term from the information technology and software industry, where beta testers attempt to identify problems in a
7 min read


Peter Cook Shares Insights Into His Career Spanning Over Four Decades, Working On CD-ROMs And Digital Encyclopaedias.
Peter Cook shares insights into his career spanning over four decades, working on CD Rom and Digital Encyclopaedias.
11 min read


Do Children's Book Publishers Find Illustrators? What Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know
Children's books are a cornerstone of literature, capturing the imaginations of young readers and shaping their worldviews.
3 min read


Essential Steps for Getting Your Children's Picture Book Published
People who work with children aren't usually considered to be less skilful than those who do the same work with adults, so why is it the...
11 min read


Suffering With A Smile
D'ARCY SARDONE 24 Jan 2024 The Hitchcockian Twist in David Salariya's Darkly Humorous World ir The Hitchcockian Twist in David Salariya's...
3 min read


It’s Only a Book!
In the world of publishing - the selling of book ideas, the rights eightsome reel — every step matters. Every fair, every pitch, every deadl
3 min read
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