He was a bit of a mystery man, as he didn’t seek the spotlight. But, what he accomplished in his lifetime still is important today.
To solve this mystery, let’s play like Nancy Drew, pull out our magnifying glass, and follow the clues.
Clue #1Edward Stratemeyer was an author of many books for boys. 168 to be exact. Most of the books he wrote under his own name.
Some of them he wrote under another name, a pen name, or a pseudonym.
Clue #2 In 1905, at the age of 43, Edward formed the Stratemeyer Syndicate. Edward realized that he couldn’t keep up with the demand for his books and stories. So he created the Syndicate and started creating book outlines, and then hiring ghostwriters to flesh out the story. A ghostwriter sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it? But a ghostwriter is someone who writes a story or book under someone else’s name.
And, Stratemeyer Syndicate sounds like a big business. It was actually just two employees…Edward and his assistant, Harriet Otis Smith.
This is the Syndicate’s letterhead, which was used on official stationery in letters to writers.
Clue #3 Edward created many famous series for young readers, including the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins, and a series that featured a young, independent, and feisty sleuth.
Yep, Edward created the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, first published in 1930.
The Secret of the Old Clock, published April 28, 1930.
Clue #4 Birthdays were important to Edward Stratemeyer. According to Stratemeyer Syndicate expert James D. Keeline, Edward recognized the importance of these special days with his younger readers. Edward would often reference the birthdays of his young main characters. And, Edward would often gift books to family and friends on their birthdays.
So now that we’ve solved the mystery of Edward Stratemeyer, and in honor of his birthday (October 4, 1862), perhaps a book birthday gift is in order? Here’s a link to the first Nancy Drew Mystery Story, The Secret of the Old Clock. Or, if interested in learning more about the mysterious Edward Stratemeyer and one of his most prolific ghostwriters, Millie Benson, check out my biography here.
Happy birthday, Edward Stratemeyer, and Happy Reading!
To learn more about this amazing author, book packager, publisher, and giant in the world of children’s literature, visit Stratemeyer.org
Julie K. Rubini is the author three MG biographies, including, Eye to Eye: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan, Virginia Hamilton: America's Storyteller, (Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books, 2018, Outstanding Merit) and Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Hidden Ohio. Julie authored Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive and Sing, and served as editor on Virginia Hamilton: Five Novels for the Library of America. Julie is also the Founder of Claire's Day, Ohio's largest children's book festival. www.julierubini.com and www.clairesday.org
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From the Mixed-Up Files is the group blog of middle-grade authors celebrating books for middle-grade readers. For anyone with a passion for children’s literature—teachers, librarians, parents, kids, writers, industry professionals— we offer regularly updated book lists organized by unique categories, author interviews, market news, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a children's book from writing to publishing to promoting.
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