Help to Publish a Childrens Book

Aurelia_2

QuincyBella wrote: »

I think a copy of the Artists and Writers Yearbook could really help you. It should guide you through the whole process of contacting agents, submitting manuscripts etc.

You can normally get one in your local library.

Good luck!

I second that, I'm a writer (fiction/horror, not children's books) and that is pretty much the bible for authors

A tip though is to consider an agent rather than going directly to a publisher. Publishers will take note of an agent much more than Joe Blogs off the street, plus the agent can give you advice on editing, etc. There are agents listed in the Artist's and Writer's Yearbook and they say what types of authors they represent (same goes for the publishers listed in the yearbook).

Another tip, if you don't like the agent idea (or even if you do, as a backup), is to look at who published the children's books you read to your children. Ones you like a lot could be a good place to start contact - a phone call to them to ask a couple of quick questions about submission is never a bad thing either and gives you chance to find out exactly WHO to submit the book to. Also, google for "children's book submission guidelines" - there will be some...if not many.

Last but not least... Good luck!

mrsyardbroom

Don't go down the road of self publishing until you've tried getting an agent. You could also submit your manuscripts yourself. If you've managed to keep two small people interested in your stories they must be worth a look. You might even be the next JK Rowling!

Mistymaid

For a children's picture book it's not necessary to get an agent - just start to think of picture books as a different breed to everything else.

There are some agents specialising in children's books but very few who will take on a new picture book by an unknown author.

There are however, still quite a few children's book publishers who will take a look at unsolicited manuscripts (slush) and you can sub them directly.

As others have said you can get the Writer's and Artist's Yearbook but you can also get the children's version of this.

Follow publishers instructions to the letter. Don't try to be clever, cute or send them little presents. Just keep it professional.

Good luck.

Edited to add: try this website - ukchildrensbooks.co.uk - and look at the pubs section.
It'll save you getting the directories and keep you occupied for a couple of months!

domestic_goddess

Hi

If I have an idea for a childrens book but am useless with illustrations can anyone point me in the right direction to find someone that can do my illustrations for me.

Thanks

Aurelia_2

domestic_goddess wrote: »

Hi

If I have an idea for a childrens book but am useless with illustrations can anyone point me in the right direction to find someone that can do my illustrations for me.

Thanks

From what I remember, that's not necessary. A publisher (or agent, there are some out there although maybe for already known authors) will find one for you, if I recall correctly. If you google you'll find a lot of information about it. A friend of mine is an illustrator and what she has said in the past is she'll put her portfolio forward to a publishing house and they will contact her as/when they want her style of illustrations.

Mistymaid

Subbing a manuscript with the illustrations in the UK is generally considered a no-no.
Although there are some agents in the US that will only accept submissions from someone who is a writer and professional illustrator.

Don't bother yourself with the problem cos it isn't one. As Aurelia rightly states publishers and agents have their own bank of illustrators and like to combine them with no input from the writer.