The Best of CaféLit 13

 

 

How we came to publish this one

We publish one of these annually. We use a variety of methods for picking out the best that’s been published each year. We try to get the best 3000 words or so for each month. This year we asked contributors to select one story for each month they were published.   

The title

And so the title describes the collection – selected as described above.

Some notes about the process

Stories do get a copy edit before they go on to the site. We produce a camera ready copy and send it to all contributors to check. Once we’ve received their responses  we correct the camera ready and then it is given a final proof read     

The cover

We have a standard picture but just vary the colour year on year.

Some notes about style

 

Most of our stories are not typical of the sort of thing that you see in women’s magazines though there are a few of those nevertheless. We also have a variety of longer and shorter stories, and amusing, feel-good and darker ones.

Who we think the reader is

Our vision for CaféLit is that the reader enjoys the stories during their tea and coffee breaks.  

What else

The CaféLit magazine and The Best of books are amongst our top earners.  

Review copies

It’s always great if you can buy the book and give us a review. Just click on the link to be taken to our bookshop. If you would like to review and you are strapped for cash, just get in touch for a free PDF.

 

Grab your copy here.        

 

The Sea and the Moon by Pam Pottinger and India Rose Bird

How we came to publish this one

We’ve known Pam for a while and so when she sent her picture book text to us we were delighted to offer her a contract. The story works well and we are fortunate that she has a personal relationship with India Rose Bird whose illustrations are fabulous.  

The title

Plain and simple: the book is about the sea and the moon.

Some notes about the process

Much of the work in producing a picture book is about making sure the pictures and the text work well together. We had to think about page turns, how the eye would be drawn and whether the pictures add to the story as well as illustrating it.   

The cover

Beautifully evocative and, with the title, inviting you to think about the sea and the moon.

Some notes about style

Clearly this book is meant for young children but if it’s at all possible for this age group, I would say this is a literary text. It almost becomes poetry as you read it.

Who we think the reader is

This is a book to be read by an adult to a young child. Hopefully they will also take the time to discuss the pictures and what the story tells us about the sea and the moon.

What else

Picture books can be expensive to produce, especially if we have to commission an artist. In this case it was lovely to have two people who were willing to work together.

Review copies

It’s always great if you can buy the book and give us a review. Just click on the link to be taken to our bookshop. If you would like to review and you are strapped for cash, just get in touch for a free PDF.

 

Grab your copy here.