Podcast Summary:

The Good Ship Illustration – “What publishers reeeeally want to see in your picture book pitch”
Episode Date: November 7, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into what publishers are truly seeking in picture book pitches. Hosts Helen Stephens, Katie Chappell, and Tania Willis—each experienced illustrators—share frank, encouraging advice and personal stories, demystifying the pitching process, discussing the upcoming Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and offering insights into overcoming creative confidence hurdles.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bologna Children’s Book Fair Excitement ([00:27]–[02:34])

• The team excitedly discusses their (almost completed) plans to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, a pivotal event for illustrators and publishers.

  • Helen: “We thought it was exciting until a minute ago because we thought we’d booked a stand at Bologna, but we now realize none of us have done it yet.” [00:27]
  • Bologna is described as “the Frankfurt of children’s book fairs” where publishers sell co-editions internationally, and illustrators network.
  • There’s pride in community achievement: “We had six people who were runners up to for the illustrators exhibition and one of them, Lisa Lofredo, was actually in it.” [01:27]

• Pitching Opportunities:

  • The Good Ship’s upcoming Picture Book Picturing masterclass is announced—a free event for anyone interested in breaking into picture book publishing.
  • “You don’t have to be in the course. That’s happening on the 17th… we’ve had 70 picture books published between us… a masterclass all about how to get a foot in the door.” [02:10]

2. Real Talk: Pitching to Publishers—What REALLY Matters ([02:34]–[04:53])

• There is no perfect formula:
  • Helen shares her personal experience: “The way that I pitch a book is usually that I might go in for a meeting with a publisher… they ask if I’ve got any ideas and I pull something out that’s kind of scrappily sketched out.” [02:56]
  • “Everybody’s saying the same as me. It’s true. There isn’t like a list… you don’t have to write a letter that’s this many words addressed to somebody in a very specific way.” [03:31]
  • Persistence is vital: “Send them out to everybody at once. Don’t get hurt when you don’t reply... They might open your samples and love your dogs, but… just send it again next year.” [03:42]

3. The Accent Debate & Fun Diversions ([04:53]–[06:03])

• Playful tangent about British accents on words like “masterclass.”
  • “Geordies do master. They say Master and plaster and quite a few other words with that long A.” [04:56]
  • This segues to the idea of multiple perspectives (and voices!) in the group, keeping things light and relatable.

4. Making Connections & Getting Noticed ([06:03]–[07:53])

• Visibility is key:
  • “I interviewed a lot of art directors and editors… all of them said that they’re looking on Instagram. So if you like Instagram, get your work on there… have a lovely portfolio on your website.” [06:43]
  • Networking through professional bodies like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is encouraged.
  • “When they stitch all those little bits and pieces together... All of those like little ticks help them see you as somebody who is being noticed and they remember you.” [07:24]

5. Overcoming Pitching Anxiety & Mindset Shifts ([07:53]–[11:21])

• Many listeners dread sending work to publishers; the hosts normalize this fear.

  • “I literally [am] in tears [at] the thought of sending my work for someone else to look at it.” [08:00]
  • Helen recalls: “We used to call it pants down time… when it’s published in the September edition… Oh, God, no.” [08:42]
  • Katie: “I wonder if it’s like desensitizing yourself… We didn’t like looking at ourselves on camera or hearing anything recorded ever. And it was excruciating.” [09:09]
  • Notable quote:
    • “And what’s the worst thing that can happen? They’ll say, I don’t like it. And that’s one person that doesn’t like it.” — Katie [09:38]
    • “If they don’t like it, they just ignore me. And I… assume that they absolutely love it, but they’re too shy to get in touch.” — Helen [09:43]
    • “What other people think of you is none of your business.” — A [10:06]
    • “Everyone’s got an opinion and some of them stink.” — C [10:13]

• Mindset advice:

  • Your work is enough.
  • Rejection is normal, and rarely personal: “It’s so unlikely that they would love your idea and go, ‘we love that so much, we’ll ask somebody else to do it.’” [11:44]
  • “If you want to be an illustrator and you really want to do this, just get on with it. Don’t let anything get in your way. No one can stop you except yourself.” [11:21]

6. The Myth of Being Magically ‘Discovered’ ([12:00]–[12:22])

• The hosts debunk the notion that talent alone is enough for publishers to find you.
  • “If you’re really talented, you don’t have to promote yourself, which is a lot of rubbish.” — B [12:15]
  • Proactive marketing is essential (Instagram, contests, networking).

7. Looking Ahead to Bologna: Fun, Community, and Trends ([12:57]–[16:46])

• The team discusses booth plans, merch (tote bags, stickers), and in-person podcasts for the 2026 fair.

  • “We stood in a smelly ditch. This time we have an actual stand.” [13:54]
  • “If you’ve ever thought of going, do it this year. It’s so much fun… You see the best work ever. It’s exhausting… but the inspiration will keep you going forever.” — A [15:01]

• International Perspective:

  • “If you think your work doesn’t fit into whatever country you live in, when you go to Bologna, your work will fit in somewhere.” — B [15:31]
  • Exposure to diverse international trends can be career-changing for illustrators.

• Quirky ideas for connecting with fellow creatives:

  • “We could have so much fun. I want us to make a big Gone Fishing sign as well for when we go for a wander.” — C [16:40]

Memorable Quotes

• “Just do it. Send, send, send.” — B [07:53]
• “What other people think of you is none of your business.” — A [10:06]
• “Your work is enough. Yeah.” — C [09:37]
• “If you want to be an illustrator… just get on with it. Don’t let anything get in your way. No one can stop you except yourself.” — A [11:21]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bologna Book Fair chat & community shoutouts: [00:27]–[02:34]
• Pitching advice and realities: [02:34]–[04:53]
• Accent & tone banter: [04:53]–[06:03]
• Visibility and building networks: [06:03]–[07:53]
• Mindset challenges & overcoming fear: [07:56]–[11:21]
• Dismissing the myth of being discovered: [12:00]–[12:22]
• Bologna plans & value of global fairs: [12:57]–[16:46]

Conclusion

This episode offers a warm, practical, and occasionally hilarious inside view into the picture book pitching process. The consensus: there’s no secret formula—persistently share your work, build your network, and don’t let self-doubt sideline your passion. Above all, embrace visibility and community, whether online or at inspiring events like the Bologna Book Fair.