Comments on: anthropomorphic characters: a.k.a. talking animals

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:10:54 +0000

Hi Fiona, I am not at all familiar with the market in Ireland (I am speaking for the U.S. market.) In the U.S., the best publisher listing guide is the CWIM. Good luck with your stuff, Fiona! Selling a talking animal story can be a challenge, but if it meets a publisher’s needs, it can be published!

Take care,
Cynthea

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:07:35 +0000

Hi Saleema,

Checking the CWIM (Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market book) will help a great deal. There is an index which lists publishers who take animal stories. The index also lists publishers by book type as well (e.g., middle grade, picture book, etc.)

By: Fiona Griffin

Fiona Griffin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:53:32 +0000

I’m not sure if there are any who would specifically cater for writers of anthropomorphic stories. They still seem taboo.

I live in Ireland, which does not cater at all for anthropomorphic stories so I have found that sending them to UK publishers may be the only option.

Try the Children’s Writers & Illustrators Yearbook. It has great advice.

Also, check out my website: http://www.freewebs.com/pedroswinebar. I’d love to get some feedback from a fellow author. Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Fiona Griffin.

By: Saleema

Saleema — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:17:11 +0000

Thanks so much for your encouraging words about talking animal stories. I simply love writing anthropomorphic animal stories! Can you suggest any publishing houses that welcome talking animal novels from first time authors, (for kids ranging in age from about 6 to 13, depending on reading level)?

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:08:01 +0000

The answer is, it’s not! When people say, “Don’t write about talking animals because nobody wants them,” they’re simply mistaken. I heard this, too, when I began and it horrifies me to think that people are still spreading this rumor.

FALSE: NO ONE WANTS TALKING ANIMAL STORIES OR FANTASY OR WHATEVER…

TRUE: NO ONE WANTS *BAD* TALKING ANIMAL STORIES, *BAD* FANTASY, *BAD* ANYTHING.

The reason anthropomorphic characters in particular are so often scorned is because so many novice writers think they can write these kinds of stories. Seriously, practically everyone thinks writing a talking animal book is a cinch. But here’s the truth: it takes a lot more than making the animal talk to write a good talking animal story. It has to be convincing. Any fantasy story has to be convincing. Many people don’t know how to make their talking animal stories convincing. So a zillion manuscripts get rejected with talking animals in them simply because they’re not good. Then these writers or advice-givers then assume that editors don’t want talking animal stories.

The reality is this. If you can write talking animals well, you only face a slightly harder market than if you wrote only realistic fiction simply because there are fewer editors who like to do fantasy of any sort, talking animals included. That’s the only thing I’d say to you about what to expect when you pitch your manuscript.

So don’t let the naysayers dissuade you. Publishers buy manuscripts featuring talking animals in TODAY’s market. The proof, as you have so wisely observed, is right there on the shelves. However, make sure you understand what it takes to make a talking animal book *good* if you want a shot at selling your own books.

That’s the key.
Write on!

By: Fiona Griffin

Fiona Griffin — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:03:09 +0000

I have written for children for many years, always using animal characters. Most of these have taken human characteristics. I have found over the years that I have been disuaded by most readings on the internet that writing with such roles is a big turn-off. How is this reflected in todays market when books like Harry Potter have taken over the reading market? Any advice would be greatly received.

thank you