Children Book Publishers Basics

Your guide to professionally seeking children's book publishers
By Kristina Seleshanko Whether you are new to professional writing or have never written for children's book publishers before, it's vital to take the time to understand this niche business before attempting to find a publisher. If you're new to the world of publishing children's stories, you have a lot to learn! Although many people consider children's books simple, they are actually more difficult to write and publish than adult books are. And if you've been published in other genres, you'll find many of the rules for submission and writing are different from what you're used to.

When seeking children book publishers basics, there are three important areas you must consider. Study each separately, taking your time so you have a full grasp of the business. Only then proceed to the next step, which ultimately will lead you to successfully working in children's book publishing. Consider these three basic areas:

1. How do I properly prepare my manuscript for publishers of children's books?

2. Where do I find traditional children's book publishers?

3. How do I submit my manuscript to publishers of children's books?

Prepare your manuscript for children's book publishing

You've written a children's book and read it to some kids who seem to love it...so it's time to find a publisher, right? Wrong. Publishers are inundated with submissions, so it's vital to make your book stands out. Perhaps the most important way you can do this is to polish, polish, polish your manuscript. Join a critique group, hire an editor and read every book you can find on writing children's books.
Try:  The Purple Crayon is an excellent site for anyone interesting in writing children's books; be sure to read "Getting Out of the Slush" for tips on capturing a publisher's eye. You'll also find articles on formatting your manuscript, genres of children's books and much, much more. Can't find a local critique group to help polish your book? Critique Circle may be a better choice, anyway; join this online group and other writers will offer helpful reviews on what you write.

Discover publishers of children's books

Unless you plan to self-publish a children's book, you'll need to do a bit of research on publishers. It's a simple process, even if it does take time. First, check out a good market guide; then study the publisher's website to examine what sort of books they publish and gain tips for submission. Also, look in bookstores for children's books similar to yours; who publishes them?
Try:  Start by reading Publishing Central's guide to getting your children's book published, then head on over to F + W Publications to purchase your copy of the "Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market," considered the essential guide for selling your children's book.

Submit your manuscript to traditional children's book publishers

Every publisher has slightly different guidelines, so always read those thoroughly (either on the publisher's website or from your market guide). Address your cover letter to a specific editor. Include a SASE (self addressed, stamped envelope). Don't bind your manuscript in any way, and do not include illustrations with your book.
Try:  Moira Allen's Writing-World.com offers good advice on submitting children's book manuscripts, including tips on illustrations, writing cover letters and more. The Children's Book Insider also offers a number of articles on submitting children's book manuscripts.

• When you're writing children stories, publishers want you to know there are some basic "don'ts." These include never including illustrations (unless you're a trained illustrator), using colorful or fancy paper and envelopes, using express or registered mail, including a resume and binding your manuscript in any way.