The very first assumption is that you have the necessary writing skills to produce a children's book, not a need to learn to write. If you have successfully written a children's book, a natural subsequent step is to find a publisher who may be interested in printing your manuscript and distributing it to the general public. Granted, the actual book writing process might be difficult, but getting the book published may be more challenging. There are a number of tools available on the market that will help you learn to write a query letter, even find a literary agent, as well as other tips and practices that would allow you as a writer to get your foot in the door. However, there are three basic areas where you need to be strong in order to accomplish the task of finding a publisher for your children's book.
Research the Industry
Publishing children's books is an industry in and of itself within the larger frame of book publishing. There are children's book publishers who specialize in certain types of themed books, while there are others that publish generally any type of children's book. If you've not already written the book, you'll need to define what its niche category will be and learn to write to this particular children's subject. Is your writing a fantasy book? Is it a life lesson learning book teaching morals or manners? Is it about relationships? These are important considerations that need to be taken into account before you execute a sales pitch to get your manuscript published. There is no sense taking the book to a particular publisher who is not interested in a children's educational book but is only looking for first-person stories. It is always highly recommended that you do a little bit of Internet research about particular children's book publishers examining the recent titles for subject matter in order to ascertain which company may suit your particular publishing needs.
Color Me Picture-ful
Although you don't have to particularly need to be an illustrator, you won't necessarily need to have one before submitting a manuscript. Too often writers get hung up on collaborating with a local illustrator in a misconceived notion that providing images with the words is going to make the book that much more acceptable. Most publishers already have associations with a group of artists that they like to work with when publishing a new children's book. However, if you are both the author and an illustrator, you may want to add to your query letter the fact that the story and the artwork can be considered separately, so you do not lose out if they really do like the story, but want to pass on the illustration.
Perseverance
One of the stark realities of the publishing world, no matter what the niche, is the aspect of rejection. Anyone who is new to the game should be prepared to receive rejection. Many children's book publishers work with experienced and previously published authors, yes, thus creating a situation of how to become a previously published author. There are lessons to be learned from rejection letters. Often, editors at publishing houses will give you a little bit of critique or hints that will help you better learn to write. Increasing your chances at success.
Research the Industry
Publishing children's books is an industry in and of itself within the larger frame of book publishing. There are children's book publishers who specialize in certain types of themed books, while there are others that publish generally any type of children's book. If you've not already written the book, you'll need to define what its niche category will be and learn to write to this particular children's subject. Is your writing a fantasy book? Is it a life lesson learning book teaching morals or manners? Is it about relationships? These are important considerations that need to be taken into account before you execute a sales pitch to get your manuscript published. There is no sense taking the book to a particular publisher who is not interested in a children's educational book but is only looking for first-person stories. It is always highly recommended that you do a little bit of Internet research about particular children's book publishers examining the recent titles for subject matter in order to ascertain which company may suit your particular publishing needs.
Color Me Picture-ful
Although you don't have to particularly need to be an illustrator, you won't necessarily need to have one before submitting a manuscript. Too often writers get hung up on collaborating with a local illustrator in a misconceived notion that providing images with the words is going to make the book that much more acceptable. Most publishers already have associations with a group of artists that they like to work with when publishing a new children's book. However, if you are both the author and an illustrator, you may want to add to your query letter the fact that the story and the artwork can be considered separately, so you do not lose out if they really do like the story, but want to pass on the illustration.
Perseverance
One of the stark realities of the publishing world, no matter what the niche, is the aspect of rejection. Anyone who is new to the game should be prepared to receive rejection. Many children's book publishers work with experienced and previously published authors, yes, thus creating a situation of how to become a previously published author. There are lessons to be learned from rejection letters. Often, editors at publishing houses will give you a little bit of critique or hints that will help you better learn to write. Increasing your chances at success.
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