Writing a quality children's book is hard. And every year publishers
receive far more manuscripts than they could ever publish, so getting
published is even harder. Is there any way to significantly improve your
chances of becoming a published children's book author? Answer: YES!
It starts with understanding the reason publishers choose a book to publish.
It's not primarily because the book is well-written (although it MUST be).
It has much more to do with the "business" side of publishing. I explain it
all clearly in this eBook.
Over the past 20 years, I've written and/or illustrated more than 35 books
for children, parents and teachers. These include picture books, how-to
books, board books, humor books and science books. I've worked with trade
book publishers, mass market publishers and educational publishers. I've
worked with some of the biggest publishers in the world as well as small
publishers. I've taken what I've learned about children's book publishing
and put it into this book. This eBook will save you time, frustration and
disappointment. It will help you improve your chances of becoming published
and it will show you how to stay busy as a writer while you're waiting for
your first publishing contract. I'll also tell you what to do AFTER your
book is published.
Q: Do I need to include illustrations when I submit my book?
A: No! The publisher will find an appropriate illustrator for you. I don't
encourage collaborations with friends/relatives that are illustrators. What
if the publisher likes your story but doesn't like your friend's/relative's
artwork? You don't want to have to break the bad news to them.
Q: Do I need an agent?
A: Not at first - especially if you start out by working with smaller
publishers (which is what I recommend). Don't start out submitting to the
big publishers - you're competing with the most popular authors in the
business. Start small. Educational publishers are good options.
Q: What's the very first step I should take?
A: I suggest you go to your local bookstore and browse the newest children's
books. This is what the publishers are publishing and it's what they're
looking for. Compare your work to these books.
Q: How do I submit my manuscript?
A: Most publishers have their submission guidelines on their websites. There
are also some other great resources available - for free.
Q: What's the most important thing to remember?
A: Remember this: publishing is a BUSINESS. Publishers want to publish
wonderful books that sell well. Regardless of how wonderful your book is, if
a publisher does not think it will sell well then that publisher will not
publish your book.
Mike Artell's Quick Q&A for Aspiring Authors:
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