Children Book Publishers Key Terms
Your guide to understanding terminology in the children's book publishing industry
Every industry has its own terminology and lingo, and children's book publishing is no different. Before you can give children's book publishers the sort of manuscripts and illustrations they desire, you must understand children book publishers key terms. Learning about children's book publishing terminology will also help you find the right publisher for your manuscript or illustrations. And even if you want to self-publish a children's book, you'll benefit from knowing industry terms.There are three main areas of lingo you should understand when publishing children's stories. Take some time to study each before you begin contacting publishers or perusing a children's book market guide. Then:
1. Learn terms related to children book publishers genres.
2. Understand traditional children's book publishers lingo regarding illustrations.
3. Comprehend general terms used by publishers of children's books.
Discover which genres children book publishers seek
Children's book publishing has many specific terms regarding genres. Understanding them is key to finding the right publisher--and to writing a manuscript that's saleable. For example, did you know that board books are a type of picture book, and chapter books may be broken down into smaller categories, including "transition books?"
Try: For good advice on the various types of genres children's book publishers are seeking, check out Moira Allen's Writing-World.com. Children's Book Insider also has great information on understanding children's book genres.
Learn about lingo for children book publishers illustrations
Whether you wish to work as a children book illustrator or you're an author wanting to understand your art director better, it's a good idea to brush up on illustrating terms. For instance, do you know what a "proof" is or how a "full bleed illustration" works?
Try: Mike Motz offers a short glossary of basic children's book illustration terms. The Purple Crayon has many excellent resources for children's book authors and illustrators, including a glossary with many terms related to illustration.
Read traditional children's book publishers glossaries
There are hundreds of general terms used in publishing, and when you write or illustrate children stories, publishers will frequently use them. Do you know what an "acquisitions editor" is and how an "advance" affects you? These and many other terms are vital to know.
Try: BellaOnline provides a glossary of terms related to children's book publishing. RightReading.com hosts an excellent general publishing glossary with terms used in the children's book publishing industry.
- When you publish a kids book, never be afraid to let a publisher, editor or art director know you don't understand their terminology. Everyone starts out as a novice, and no reasonable professional will hold honest questions against you.
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