Posted by Prue Eckett on July 08, 2002 at 21:56:30 from 210.54.78.65 user Prue_Eckett.
In Reply to: Books - size & wordcount posted by John Wilson on July 07, 2002 at 02:57:11:
You would have to take up the issue of book size with publishers, John. Most writers have stories of books which, although received enthusiastically by samples of young readers, were rejected by publishers because of their size and complexity. Even when edited fiercely they were still rejected or otherwise so botched up as to destroy their setting, characters or story beyond what the writer would agree to.
Sadly, the reading public only gets what publishers decide, and unrealistic ideas about 'what children want/like' are as prevalent in literary circles as anywhere else.