The Tuntun program was founded in 1990 in Korea and hires authors to write board books and picture books in English as part of their EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners. My books, SHAPES ARE EVERYWHERE, POTTY TIME, and ANIMAL FRIENDS are a part of this program.
Work-for-Hire
Selected writers are paid a flat fee and asked to choose from a list of subjects needed for books in various formats (e.g. lift-the-flap, flip-the-flap, pop-up, fold-out, etc.). If the manuscript meets their needs, the fee is paid. If after revisions, the editors find the manuscript will not work, writers are paid a “Kill-fee.”
Would you recommend it?
I found it fun and challenging to work in these different formats, and I fully appreciate Tuntun’s goals:
- to develop children’s emotional, mental and physical capability
- to enrich their sensibility and five senses
- to help them find that books are fun
- to encourage them to be interested in English
- to explore and discover the world through the books
- to spark their imagination and curiosity
Projects like these provide a great way for writers to pass the time between trade book submissions and contracts, or while you search for an agent.
Where can I buy these books?
I’ve had many requests for my Tuntun books–especially POTTY TIME–but unfortunately, the catch with Tuntun work-for-hire books is that they are only available in Korean through their various educational programs.