Story Monsters Press signs China publishing partnership

Story Monsters Press announced a new publishing partnership with Shaanxi Science and Technology Press at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. The deal opens the door for select children’s books to be translated, published and distributed in Mainland China.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives children’s authors a new path to Chinese-language publication and access to readers in Mainland China. - The deal expands cross-cultural reach for books focused on literacy, imagination, kindness, perseverance and character development. - Story Monsters Press is now accepting submissions for Chinese-language publication, including titles from independent authors and other publishers if rights are available.

What happened: - Story Monsters Press announced an international publishing partnership with Shaanxi Science and Technology Press during the American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago. - The agreement covers translation, publication and distribution of select children’s books in Mainland China. - Representatives from Story Monsters Press, Shaanxi Science and Technology Press and the Maeya Culture Exchange Group took part in the official signing ceremony.

The details: - Shaanxi Science and Technology Press is based in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. - The publisher was founded in 1979. - The press is known for educational, scientific and children’s publications. - Story Monsters Press said the partnership is intended to expand access to quality children’s literature. - Linda F. Radke, president, publisher and Monster-in-Chief of Story Monsters Press, called the agreement one of the most meaningful milestones of her 40-year publishing career. - Radke said Story Monsters Press has spent more than four decades helping children discover reading through books that encourage curiosity, creativity, kindness and character. - Story Monsters Press said it appreciates Lynn Tang, chairwoman of the Maeya Culture Exchange Group, for helping make the partnership possible. - Story Monsters Press also thanked Mr. Zhou Weijun and Mr. Li Long of Shaanxi Science and Technology Press for supporting the collaboration. - Authors and publishers keep ownership of all rights except the Chinese-language rights used for this program. - More information is available in the Chinese Edition Publishing Program.

Between the lines: - The partnership gives Story Monsters Press a foothold in the Mainland China children’s book market through a local publishing partner with established educational credentials. - The program appears aimed at both traditional publishers and self-published authors, broadening the pool of eligible titles. - The emphasis on rights retention may make the opportunity more attractive to authors who want international exposure without giving up broader control of their work.

What's next: - Story Monsters Press will review children’s titles for readers through sixth grade for possible Chinese-language publication. - Eligible submissions must have Chinese-language rights available. - The company is likely to use the new program to build a pipeline of titles for Mainland China distribution.