A few weeks ago, I was talking to an editor at Stone Arch Books about Blackbeard’s Last Stand, the piratey graphic novel I wrote for them, due out in spring 2007. The conversation turned to my first published graphic novel, System Shock, published in the UK by A&C Black. That’s when my editor said, “Oh yeah, we just bought that one.” Obviously, I was confused but my editor assured me that Stone Arch had just bought the North American rights to my book.
A quick call to A&C Black confirmed that indeed System Shock was sold at the recent Bologna Children’s Book Fair. It’s good news for all, but it also confirms another thing I’m learning about writing: writers areusually the last to know about anything regarding their book. I’m hoping that this changes as this writer grows in popularity. For now, I’m happy if I know about a change to my book before the reader does.
Up there on the right is the cover for the new US edition of System Shock. I really like the new title text, which is more colourful than the flat red of the UK edition (below right.) The editors will also be “Americanizing” the text to remove all references to loos, lorries, biscuits, the queen and all things British. Other changes will include adding colour to the pages. I’m still not completely sure about how well that’ll turn out, but I’m reserving judgement until I see the pages for myself.
The new edtion uses the same image as the UK edition, on the right, but cleans up the design. I like the simpler layout, but I think it’s interesting that they removed the speech balloon from Jack, the blond one hanging by the scruff of his neck. The UK edition has him saying “The System is crashing!”, which may seem a bit corny to adults, but it’s always worked well as an immediate signifier to kids that the book is a comic.
Giving a reluctant reader a comic that looks like a book, is a great way to get them interested. With the UK edition, there was certainly no doubt that System Shock was indeed a comic. The US edition doesn’t make it so clear, but I’m sure that once readers crack open the covers they’ll be hooked. I’m also sure the big stamp reading “Graphic Novel” will help too.
The US edition of System Shock is available to order right now, from the Stone Arch Books website and most likely from your local independent bookseller. It’s part of their Graphic Quest series and will be sold directly to schools and libraries in the US and in Canada. So, get out there, grab your copy and be prepared to get shocked!
Hey, congrats Liam!
Must have been a shocker to find out about the North American Rights in such a way. A good one, but still…
ha ha Anita – it certainly was a shock, but I’m always happy to get surprises like that. 🙂
Congratulations is in order!
I too agree that giving a not so avid reader a graphic novel is a good way to peak their interest. I was just saying that to my boss a couple of days ago. Her son is more into “things” that don’t include reading. Your GN is another good one to include on a list for her. Pirates are cool, as are monkeys. *coy smile*
Question, does it normally happen that way? Your not always told? Between you and Anita I am learning so much about writers and the life of publishing your work.
I’m an artist and my biggest worry is people stealing my ideas for their own and getting ‘the visual’ out to the public.
Thanks for the congrats, Queen. Yup, more and more teachers and parents are realizing that comics and graphic novels are great way to get kids reading. It’s good to see after many years of distain from these same educators.
As for the writers in the loop regarding their own projects, I can only speak for myself, but yes this seems to be the way it works. My name and the illustrator’s name may be on the cover but there are many, many other people involved in making any book happen. And so there is often communication break down along the way. This time around, AC Black can be forgiven. System Shock was over six years old, I haven’t written anything for them since (although I’d like to) and all the editors involved in the project had long since moved on to other publishing houses (another quirk of the industry!) So, getting in touch with me might have been a bit of a pain, although it would have been nice if they tried.
The worry about stealing ideas/visuals is a normal (and healthy) one. But don’t stress about it. Publishers won’t do it, because getting caught is vewry embarrassing. Besides, it’s much easier for them to hire the writer/artist who created the idea/visual than finding another creative to try re-create what you created originally. As for other people (as in individuals) stealing your visuals – that is a real risk, but it’s also a great form of flattery (I know, flattery doesn’t pay the rent.)
Thanks for dropping by!
LOL I remember when we used to sell these hand to hand in the showroom. Wasn’t it you talking up the buyer how System Shock came to North America? I can’t recall. Anyway, looks like we knew a good thing before those fancy pants book buyers of Bologna did. Terrific to hear that.
That’s right, Jason! We use to put this book into the hands of teachers and try to convince them that comics weren’t forged in the fires of hell. Some believed and others scorned. And yes, we both gave a quick presentation to the buyer at some edu publisher on the merits of comics for reluctant readers. I think all we got was a polite thank you and some stale cookies. But it looks like comics get the last laugh!
AC Black really were ahead of the trend with these books and I’m happy to see the they’re now going to reach a whole new audience in the US and Canada. Comic’s march to world domination continues!