A Brown Bookshelf reader let me know that there are two Plum Street publishing companies – Plum Street Press, based in New Orleans, and Plum Street Publishers, based in Arkansas, which issued the call for submissions. So sorry for the mix-up. Lucky for us, both are open to new work:
Here’s what I wrote about Plum Street Press:
When I saw the cover for Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest, written by Marti Dumas, I was intrigued. Fly fro, ready for action, cool sub-title: The Quest for Screen Time. Loved it. Who gave that story a home? New Orleans boutique publisher Plum Street Press.
Along with the Jaden Toussaint series, they publish the Swift Walker science and geography series.
Here are the submission guidelines:
All our stories feature children of color as the protagonist, although race need not figure prominently in the story or at all. We are particularly interested in middle grade manuscripts (approximately 10,000-30,000 words targeting 8-12 year olds) but will also be accepting submissions for picture books and YA. Queries can be sent to: query.plumstreetpress@gmail.com.
Plum Street Publishers, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, was the company that asked us to spread the word that they’re looking for authors and illustrators. It was founded by award-winner Liz Smith Russell. For almost three decades, she was Publisher at August House. She continues her commitment to multicultural children’s books at her new company.
Here’s the call for submissions:
Plum Street Publishers is seeking submissions for children’s, middle grade, and YA titles. We are also interested in viewing artists’ portfolio samples for our forthcoming picture book line. We are committed to publishing diverse voices and experiences and promote tolerance and understanding through books for young readers. Our submission guidelines can be found at http://www.plumstreetpublishers.com/pages/publishing-with-plum-street.
Get those portfolios and stories ready.
CUTE cover. Will pass the word.
Thanks so much for the info on the Call for Submissions! Will also check out the book.
Hi. I wanted to let you know that Plum Street Publisher and Plum Street Press (which publishes the Jaden Touissant books) are two very different entities. The PS Publisher focuses on Arkansas-based adult books (ie books for grown ups) and does not have any children’s books in their catalogue yet; PS Press is the children’s books publisher. It is Publisher that has a call for submissions.
Their URLs are
Publisher: http://www.plumstreetpublishers.com/
Press: http://plumstreetpressbooks.com/
Thanks so much, Barbara. I corrected the post. Arkansas-based Plum Street Publishers is the one that has the call for children’s book submissions. Luckily, Plum Street Press (which publishes Jaden Toussaint and Swift Walker) is open to submissions too. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment alerting me to the mix-up. Thanks, too, for supporting our work on The Brown Bookshelf. Kelly
I would like to do several Arkansas picture books. I have one noteworthy subject (rural AR churches) I working on for over a decade and it could/will be a B & W picture book beyond most.
http://www.curtisneeley.com/AR-Rural-Churches–Forgotten-but-not-yet-Gone/index.html
Hello! Patrick Henry Bass,
I look forward each month to your
Patrik’s Picks.
I love & enjoy reading & so does my son, James. James enjoys reading his bible daily. He volunteers to do community service. He enjoys motivating & encouraging other youth & helping senior citizens.
It would be an honor if you could read my son, James Herschel Taylor’s (just turned age 17) 1st published book, “America’s Chess Board” & if you like it to put his book on your Patrik’s Picks list in the Essence Magazine.
James completed The “New Writers in Action” Scholarship program 8/2016 at age 16. Ms. Millie McGhee Morris is his Mentor & publisher.
My husband, James and I are trying to promote our son’s 1st book – all proceeds will go towards his college fund. James will graduate high school May 2017. He plans to attend an HBCU.
Our son, James has Aspergers a mild form of Autism. Our son is a very hard worker and is on the Honor Roll. James is a member of his chess club at Alton High School in Alton, IL.
At age 14, James was the 1st child ever to be chosen out of over 1000 applicants to be on the Genealogy Roadshow 2nd Season which aired on PBS January 20, 2015 (filmed at the St Louis Central Library in MO).
At age 15, James was the only youth in training assisting the National President at the 35th National Conference for Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) 10/2014. James was a Moderator at the sharing dinner & James introduced the Key note speaker, Tony Burroughs.
Mr. Bass, we would greatly appreciate your support & the Essence Community’s support. Thank-you! in advance for your time & consideration.
Have a wonderful day and week!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
James & Berhonda Taylor
Parents of James Herschel Taylor
americaschessboard@gmail.com
618-616-1408
***To Purchase “America’s Chess Board” available to purchase now on CreateSpace, Click on the Link below:
https://www.createspace.com/6204862
***To Purchase America’s Chess Board on Amazon now, Click on the Link below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989095762
Also available on Kindle