~ About Annie M.G. Schmidt ~

Foreign rights

The most famous twentieth-century Dutch writer, Annie M.G. Schmidt was thought of during her lifetime as the “real queen of the Netherlands”. She was a highly original woman with a broad perspective and an unfailing sense of humor. Her radio and TV series, plays and musicals brought her unprecedented popularity. Many of her books have been filmed, and almost everyone in the Netherlands is able to recite at least a line or two from one of her songs or poems. Her children’s books have become a national institution.

Throughout her career – she died in 1995 at the age of 84 – she was showered with accolades, including the Dutch and Austrian national prizes for children’s literature. Her work has appeared in translation all over the world. In 1988 the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren presented her with the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the “Nobel Prize” of children’s literature. The jury praised her “ironic tone, witty criticism and style that is amusing, clear, rebellious and simple to its essence.”

About children’s books written by Annie M.G. Schmidt published by Querido
Querido was founded by Emanuel Querido in 1915, and has been publishing children’s books since 1971, specializing in picture books, quality fiction for all age groups. Querido publishes 50 to 60 new titles yearly, mostly by Dutch and Flemish authors (80% of the books on the listwere written in Dutch). Among them are many award winning and classic writers, like AnnieM.G. Schmidt, Guus Kuijer, Toon Tellegen, Bart Moeyaert, Simon van der Geest and Marjolijn Hof. Foreign authors and illustrators whose work has recently been published by Querido are Timothée de Fombelle, Cornelia Funke, Aidan Chambers, Shaun Tan, Rebecca Stead and Marianne Dubuc.

Foreign publishers wishing to publish translations of books written by Annie M.G. Schmidt please contact Luciënne van der Leije, Senior Foreign Rights Manager:
Rights & Licenses
Weteringschans 259
1017 XJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
copyright@singeluitgeverijen.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20 760 72 17

Translation grants Dutch authors and illustrators
Foreign publishers wishing to publish translations of books by Annie M.G. Schmidt by Querido may apply for a subsidy towards the translation costs. The Dutch Foundation for Literature exists to promote interest in Dutch-language literature abroad. Further information and an application form are to be found on www.letterenfonds.nl.

Contact details for the Dutch Foundation for Literature:
Nieuwe Prinsengracht 89
1018 VR Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Agnes Vogt, a.vogt@letterenfonds.nl
Phone: 31 (0)20 520 73 00
Fax: +31 (0)20 520 73 99