Recently, I reviewed children’s novel Septopus by Rebecca Fung on this site. Rebecca is also a publisher at Owltitude Press, a small Australian press specialising in children’s books. Septopus was the first book from Owltitude, so far the only one, but keep an eye out for more. You’ll see Rebecca’s plans below.
Take it away, Rebecca, and thanks for kindly agreeing to this interview!
GR: What gave you the idea to start Owltitude Press - and why that name?
RF: I worked in a small legal publishing company as an editor - very different from children's publishing but I worked closely with a group of people who'd started up their own publishing company. Their story was very inspiring (one of the things I love about stories!). They told me things like how they started out together and raced around madly selling their first book out of a van - and now it's their strongest selling title.
I love writing children's books and I had a manuscript so this was the place we wanted to start. We felt children could be inspired as I was. We discussed ideas for growing children's love of reading and writing and we wanted to be part of that.
'Owltitude' is a mash-up of owls - animals that I find super-endearing (and also a symbol of wisdom and learning which we thought very appropriate) and the word 'altitude' - we wanted to challenge ourselves and kids to write their best and push their creativity further.
GR: Tell us a bit about the process of publishing Septopus.
RF: When I started Owltitude Press I had most of the Septopus draft written and revised. I had engaged some amazing beta readers to read it for me and they gave most helpful feedback so it could be further edited and improved.
Because we really wanted to get children more involved in Owltitude Press, we reached out to schools and some children test-read the first couple of chapters of Septopus and gave feedback. I was so impressed by the interest and variety of feedback given by children in middle to upper primary school.
I also worked with Kathy Creamer, my illustrator. It was highly enjoyable working with an artist and receiving illustrations to choose from and develop with her.
Kathy is an absolute star. She went above and beyond in her work on Septopus. She was tireless in working on feedback and the little details she puts into her illustrations are so clever. They really take the book to the next level. I found out a good artist can teach you a lot about your own characters.
GR: What else are you planning for Owltitude Press?
RF: I've talked to people about several projects and I'm writing a new manuscript now. However, I don't want to rush into anything. When I talk to people I want to feel that we're both committed to the project and it's both the right time and the right fit - we don't want to do something that anyone's uncomfortable with to meet a quota or anything.
GR: What are some of the best moments in running a press?
RF: When the books arrived back from the printer was a high point! I've worked in publishing before and this is always a favourite time for me - when you see your work become a tangible product.
The book launch was also fantastic. We launched the book at Book Face St Ives and the staff were so cooperative. Everyone who attended made the day special. We had special Septopus gingerbread and other themed food, there was a great turnout, the children asked interesting questions, everyone was supportive and we sold out of books!
Every time someone buys a book, says they've enjoyed a book or wants to talk about books with me is a great moment. Having a press gives a lot of freedom to work with books (which I love) and do it at my own pace, and look for my own opportunities. I'm open to all sorts of ideas.
GR: Are you working on something, yourself, right now?
I'm writing a book about a magical zoo - a zoo with magical creatures such as dragons and unicorns in it. I've also been asked if I would write a sequel to Septopus and the answer is yes, I have been sketching out ideas for that too!
Thanks, Rebecca! That was fascinating. I think it’s great that you got children so involved in your first publication.
If you want to check out Owltitude, the new web site is now up.
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