The Building Blocks of Helen H. Wu, Publisher & Author

This month, we'll be highlighting the Donors from Our Rate Your Story *Build-A-Story* Contest (August 1 - 31st). Each will share a little bit about themselves and the building blocks of their career, tell you about their latest project and leave YOU a building block to help build your stories! Be sure to check them out! AND don't forget to enter our contest (more info here) to be eligible for prizes!

INTRODUCING HELEN H. WU:

Thank you so much RYS for having me! I’m a children’s book author, illustrator, translator and publisher. My books include Tofu Takes Time, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, I love to share stories that empower children to understand the world and our connections.

I’m the Publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children’s book publisher based in San Diego, California. Yeehoo Press features picture books on cultural inclusivity, social emotional learning, hands-on experience, and STEAM related topics. Yeehoo books are published in English editions in the US and in simplified Chinese editions in mainland China.

HELEN'S INSPIRATIONS:

Since childhood, I've been passionate about writing and drawing. However, growing up in China, I never considered it as a viable career path, and it wasn't until the last two decades that picture books were introduced into China. In 2012, I began my journey in children's book publishing by illustrating a self-published picture book.

As a first-generation immigrant in the US, I've battled impostor syndrome, especially as I transitioned into my role as a publisher at Yeehoo. Despite occasional doubts stemming from being a non-native English speaker and discovering English picture books later in life, I've learned to harness these thoughts as motivation. They inspire me to think outside the box and forge my unique path in the industry. While these concerns may persist, I've gained control over them, using them to fuel creativity and innovation.

HELEN'S LATEST BOOK:

LONG GOES TO DRAGON SCHOOL, Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, cultural inclusion, and self-discovery.

[Click on the Title or Cover / Art to Purchase Long.]

Long Goes to Dragon School, was inspired by my own experience as a minority immigrant student. It follows a Chinese dragon who struggles to breathe fire in his new Western dragon school, only to discover he must carve his own path to finding a sense of belonging. As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve felt impostor syndrome ever since—including throughout my journey as an author. But here’s the good news: while I don’t think these thoughts will ever go away completely, I’ve learned to control them. In fact, I’ve learned to let them motivate me to think outside the box and find my own unique path in writing and publishing. I managed to use those feelings of insecurity to motivate myself to keep learning, keep going, and seizing every opportunity that came my way. I learned that taking even a small step forward is a significant achievement and should be celebrated. So eventually, I embraced my multicultural identity and began to tell stories that were not only personal to me but also unique and universal.

I identified with Long's story because I could relate to feeling like an outsider and struggling to find my place. I wanted to write a story that celebrates cultural differences and encourages readers to embrace their individuality.

HELEN'S HORIZON:

My upcoming book, Ping’s Perfect Pot, illustrated by Zihua Yang, will be published by Beaming Books in December 2024. In this story of persistence and not giving up, a girl tries to make the perfect pot for the tangerine tree she and her grandfather got for Lunar New Year. I can’t wait to share the rich culture of Lunar New Year with the rest of the world! I’m also translating a book from Chinese, Wooshi Witch Grows A Garden, by Yun Dai, art by Gui Tuzi. It’s about a determined witch who discovers the extraordinary potential nestled within the ordinary elements, unveiling the magic that lies just beyond our everyday perception. It will be published in spring 2024.

HELEN'S BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUCCESS:

ON BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR YOUR JOURNEY: In the world of publishing and storytelling, everyone follows their own distinct path. You possess a unique voice that sets you apart. Remember, behind every success story lies years of dedication and resilience. Keep writing, keep submitting your work, and keep pushing forward. And above all, don't forget to enjoy the journey!

ON MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION IN YOUR QUERY: The query letter holds great importance for editors and agents as it serves as the initial introduction to a writer's work. A strong query letter includes a compelling hook, a concise synopsis highlighting the unique aspects of the manuscript, relevant author background, professionalism, clear word count and genre indication, and a closing that expresses appreciation. Crafting a well-tailored query letter increases the chances of capturing the recipient's interest and moving forward in the publishing process.

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA:

Social media has become increasingly important for editors, agents, and authors in the publishing industry. It offers a platform to build a presence, connect with readers, network with professionals, market books and projects, and engage directly with the audience. While its significance may vary for individuals, social media can be a valuable tool for establishing credibility, expanding reach, and fostering meaningful connections in the publishing world. However, it's important to note that its significance varies depending on individual goals and preferences. Some professionals may choose to focus more on other forms of networking and promotion, while others may find social media to be a central part of their strategy. Ultimately, the importance of social media should be weighed in alignment with specific career goals and personal preferences.

ON WRITING TO TRENDS:

The current trend in children's picture books is a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and representation. Themes related to SEL and STEAM, social emotional learning, empathy, emotional intelligence, mental health, mindfulness, hands-on experience, such as building, constructing, gardening, are also gaining prominence.

While it's important for writers to be aware of trends and market demands, it's not necessary to strictly write to those trends. Authenticity and genuine storytelling are crucial in creating meaningful and impactful children's books. Instead of chasing trends, writers should focus on creating stories that resonate with them personally and have the potential to resonate with young readers. Writing from the heart and staying true to your own unique voice will often yield the most compelling and memorable stories.

That being said, it's also valuable to stay informed about the industry, engage with current conversations, and be aware of the diverse needs and interests of young readers. Striking a balance between creative expression and market awareness can help writers navigate the evolving landscape of children's picture books.

HELEN'S FOUNDATION IN NOVELTY ITEMS - LONG THE DRAGON PLUSHIE!:

Children's picture books have the power to spark joy and curiosity in young minds, and with Long Goes to Dragon School, we wanted to take that experience beyond the pages of the book. That's why we created these adorable dragon plushies that can bring happiness to not just kids, but also teenagers and adults. Made with super-soft premium plush fabric, these huggable toys are perfect for playtime or as a comforting companion during difficult times.

But that's not all - we've also expanded our product line to include pins, stickers, key chains, and animated gif emojis that can be used on social media. Our hope is that these cute and loveable dragon characters can become more than just book characters, but also everyday companions for people of all ages. And with their heartwarming message of self-discovery and self-love, these plushies and accessories can help spread kindness and compassion in the world.

HELEN'S WISH LIST FOR YEEHOO PRESS:

We have a particular interest in stories that feature multiple layers, focusing on inclusive schools/classes/communities, hands-on experiences, STEAM elements, and a blend of fiction and non-fiction. These stories are fictional in nature while incorporating factual elements from the real world.

I'm quite receptive to exploring various genres in my reading. Although I didn't used to read many lengthy biographies, I've had the opportunity to write a biography about a Chinese American female recently. This experience prompted me to delve into the genre and read extensively within it. As a result, I now feel open to embracing diverse opportunities that come my way.