Debut Author Series - Shyala Smith
We at SAIL Fest UK want to amplify the voices of all South Asian writers and illustrators working in kids books. In particular, we are very proud of our 2024 debut cohort who have struggled against odds to be published, and to be discovered by readers all over the UK and the rest of the world.
In this series, we invite debut South Asian authors and illustrators to reflect on their journey so far.
Over to Shyala Smith, the author of Sai’s Magic Silk illustrated by Jani Balakumar and The Language of Flowers illustrated by Aaron Asis.
Chart Your Course: There is No Single Path to Publishing
Growing up on a diet of Western literature, I dreamed of becoming a novelist, inspired by Jo March. The next best thing was a career in advertising, where I forged ahead. Then, during the pandemic, I realised I had run out of excuses—and what better time than then to pursue lifelong goals?
While all of this was unfolding, I was in Sri Lanka, and while trying to find books for my daughter, I became increasingly frustrated by the lack of books featuring South Asian children. At the same time, there was a massive diversity push, and it felt like the publishing world was becoming more inclusive and open to writers across the globe.
Twitter pitch parties were becoming the best way to attract attention from agents and editors, and with my marketing background, I felt it played to my strengths. I had a lot of success, participating in several and drawing significant interest. I took part in DVPit, where I pitched Sai’s Magic Silk.
[Original pitch]
Sai is a boy who loves saris and dressing up. Other kids don’t share his enthusiasm—only if they knew how magical it really is and the places it takes him. One day, Sai meets a boy who is just as fascinated by the magic silk.
I received many likes from editors and agents, but there was one I was unsure about sending to. That is a fun story. For the longest time, I hesitated to send my manuscript to Cherise Lopes-Baker, because, when I Googled her, I saw she seemed to work for an adult imprint. I assumed she must have liked it by mistake (these things are known to happen). If it had not been for my husband saying, 'What is the harm in sending it?' who knows what would have happened? Months later, I heard back—she was the actually the editor at Tate Publishing and wanted to acquire Sai’s Magic Silk! Now, Sai graces the shelves.
Sai’s Magic Silk is illustrated by Jani Balakumar.
With two books published, I still don’t have an agent, and my career wouldn’t have been possible without the diversity call, which allowed us to submit directly to publishers without needing one.
But now, it feels almost impossible to get noticed without an agent, and I believe this puts many writers of colour at a disadvantage. The disappearance of pitch parties, due to platform fragmentation, has made it even harder.
Of course, there are still publishers who accept un-agented writers, and I am deeply grateful to them. Two years after I sent one of my submissions, Lantana reached out, wanting to publish The Language of Flowers.
The Language of Flowers is illustrated by Aaron Asis.
In closing, I want to share two revelations I wish I’d known when starting: there’s no single path to publishing, and there’s a lot of eternal waiting.
Shyala Smith is a children’s author, screenwriter, and marketing professional whose stories often explore the complexities of immigrant life. She is the author of Sai's Magic Silk and The Language of Flowers. Born and raised in Colombo. Shyala now lives in London with her family.
Follow her on Twitter / X: @Shyalas, Instagram: @shyalasmith and
Visit her website at https://www.shyalasmith.me/
