Children’s Book Publishers

There’s a dark cloud looming for children’s book publishers and the storm may hit as early as February 10th. It’s possible that these publishers will be required to give 3rd party proof that any books published by them does not contain lead.

Now, it sounds good. We all know that lead is dangerous to children. But providing such proof for every title published would put some publishers, especially small presses, out of business.

According to Publishers Weekly,

On January 22, the Consumer Products Safety Commission held a public meeting, requested by the Association of American Publishers, during which AAP, along with representatives from major children’s publishers, printers, and manufacturers of components, presented additional evidence to the CPSC’s science team and General Counsel that children’s books do not contain lead. The presentation included additional results from more than 150 tests of finished products, which have been added to the mass of evidence already compiled about the safety of components.

This is something all writers, especially children’s authors, should keep an eye on. Vivian Zabel with 4RV Publishing has been doing a wonderful job of getting the information out to writers, including names and contact information for representatives.

Bookmark her site if you’re a children’s author, hope to be published in the children’s and YA genre, or want to support small publishers and fellow writers.