SPECIAL FEATURE From Facebook to published book



When US writer and publisher Sherry Bushue came across an illustration by British SCBWI member Emma Graham on Facebook, she reached out to her. Words & Pictures brings you the story of how a transatlantic working relationship was born.


Please introduce yourselves.

Emma 
I am an illustrator and aspiring writer, living in the United Kingdom. My work was honoured as a finalist at 2016 SCBWI BI conference in The Hook, a finalist in The Stratford Literary Festival picture book competition, and my first illustrated book Symphony Hollow, written by Jessica Reino was published by Spork. I work traditionally in ink and pencil and have a passion for nature.

Sherry
I am a PAL published author who founded and runs The Little Fig, a children’s book publishing and packaging company. My home is in the middle of the United States of America.


How did you 'meet'?

Emma
I had a lovely introductory email from Sherry, saying she had seen my work and would love to chat about working on a book together. She emailed over the text for Everybody Counts and scheduled a Zoom video meeting to discuss further.

Sherry
The Little Fig’s team, based in the Midwest of the USA, collaborates with authors and illustrators around the globe. Many months were spent researching illustrator’s works to find the perfect style match for a manuscript, Everybody Counts! by Matt Forrest Esenwine.

Early one morning I saw a post of the Emma’s illustration on a children’s Facebook site. Emma’s work literally jumped off the page. A quick message was sent and a Zoom video conference was scheduled with the Emma, Jenn Bailey, the editor, and me. Mouse’s Star, by Emma Graham launched the beginning of many more collaborations across the waves.

Emma
‘Mouse’s star’ (an early version) was her inspiration. It was shared at The Hook at SCBWI BI conference in 2016. Since then the story has had a major rewrite and is submitted for publishing (along with another two stories in the series).



Did you know right away that you wanted to work together?

Emma
Yes! Sherry was so enthusiastic and open to ideas. She let me explore ideas for the story.

Sherry
Definitely! Video conferences allow us to chat face-to-face, in real-time collaborations. Emma’s designs and visions are incredibly intuitive and expressive. She is professional, creative, and pays special attention to details when illustrating both fiction and nonfiction works for kids.


Can you describe your working method?

Emma
Once I have the text, I then very roughly sketch layout ideas on a scaled down dummy version and also get to sketching character ideas. Often there is a lot of research, especially for Everybody Counts! This manuscript covers twelve cultures, their traditional food and counting in their native languages. We ‘meet’ to discuss the dummy and redraws are done if necessary. Once we are happy, I then draw up to full size and send for approval/discussion. We work well together, along with Jenn, Sherry’s editor. We share ideas and thoughts and often have a good giggle too!

Sherry
Our collaborations and communications have been clear and easy since the first video conference. Emma decides on a manuscript that interests her. Once she accepts, a video conference is set, including the editor, to discuss visions for the book. From there Emma submits a very rough black and white sketch for approval. Next comes the detailed black and white layout of pages, including future text placement. The author is brought in to ensure accuracy of details. Then Emma begins her painting processes.


How often did you communicate during the project?

Emma
Every week either via email or conference calls. To be honest, Sherry is so encouraging and easy to work with she has helped me get over my unease with video calls. Urgh! They used to fill me with dread, but being on a good similar creative wavelength has put me at ease. I sometimes dislike technology, but it makes the world smaller and business easier.

Sherry
We communicate several times weekly. Living in a time that offers extensive accessibility at the tips of our fingers makes communications easy throughout all the processes. Zoom video conferencing offers us a friendly face-to-face platform where we can share anything on the computer. We also utilize emails, Dropbox, and the occasional phone calls.


Did Emma have any contact with the author or did everything come through Sherry?

Emma
Not yet!

Sherry
Most of the contact with the author is through me. Once the book is completed, there will be a Zoom conference to introduce everyone involved in the process.


Why do you think working like this works for you?

Emma
Being creative, passionate about detail and research, being at ease with how we work together, and having a love of the world that we share. Communication is easy, too. I get answers to questions quickly which makes my working process uninterrupted and keeps ideas flowing.

Sherry
Emma is quite a lovely person and an enormously talented artist. She is the key in the collaboration of bringing the children’s picture books to life. Thank you, Emma!


Are you planning to work together again?

Emma
Yes, I am busy working on the next book with Sherry. The roughs are with her and I can’t wait to get started with painting.

Sherry
Most certainly! Everybody Counts! will be published/packaged in 2020. Emma is currently working on a ‘silly substance’ narrative nonfiction. I look forward to continuing our collaborations in the future. Emma is such a delightful and respected woman. We are fortunate to have formed a friendship from USA to UK, no boundaries.



Emma also paints sculptures for public art trails - this was ‘Nellie’ from the Ipswich trail last year

 You can see Emma's work here, find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.






You can find Sherry at www.thelittlefig.com and you can also find as a Featured Author on the SCBWI website here.


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