I had a discussion with someone the other day who is frustrated with the unwritten “rule” that authors shouldn’t submit children’s books with talking animals.
This person contends that there are plenty of examples of best-selling children’s books with talking animals (Chronicles of Narnia, anyone?), and in this they are certainly right.
But I don’t think that’s why this rule exists, especially for new authors.
I think it exists because a busy agent or editor needs a quick screening test for professionalism, and what better way to whittle down the slush pile of the writers who either can’t follow simple advice or who aren’t creative enough to figure out a way for animals to communicate without talking?
Look, if I really want an editor or agent to accept my talking animal book, then I’ll sell a couple of hundred thousand non-talking animal books first, and I guarantee they will want to read my manuscript.
But until then, I am just going to follow their rules.