How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (Full Version)

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free-to-worship -> How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/1/2008 1:57:28 AM)

I write stories for children, for ages aproximately 3 to 10 years old. I think I may be ready to get some of them published. Any idea of what I need to do?



IonMoon -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/1/2008 9:43:38 AM)

Go out and get a Writer's Market and pick a few publishers that sound like they would fit the style of your books and send out the manuscripts (making sure they are formatted properly and free of all gramatical errors, etc.). Have you already had them critiqued by people who can be objective (and are skilled with the English language!)? That is extremely important.

You should probably also spend some time in the children's section of your local library and see what is popular. See what publishers are putting out right now and try to guess at what they might be looking for next (in other words, you want something similar too, but different from what is newly published). They won't want more of the same, but it will give you an idea of the general trend in which publishing is moving.

You might also want to talk to the librarian, if she has free time, and see what she thinks of the ideas you have.

Tara P



Ellie-Mae -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/1/2008 9:51:17 AM)

You could also publish them yourself at places like Lulu.com and then take them to a consignment shop. or sell them on consignment at a locally owned business. Or sell them online.

We had a local guy doing that here. I am not sure how well they sold at first (really good book, I bought one and wanted the whole set) until he was discovered, and I think he has a publisher deal now.



weaselofdoom -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/1/2008 8:44:55 PM)

Is the Writer's Market the same as the Christian Manuscript Submission's website? I am thinking about uploading a book proposal to that website. It will cost me $98. I am a little hesitant to pull the trigger though. Thoughts?



IonMoon -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/2/2008 10:24:53 AM)

NO! I just looked at that site... $98 for each manuscript for work you can do for free (practically)? And you have no idea who, if anyone, is going to actually look at your manuscript?

Yes, it is hard to get out of the slush piles, but I will take my chances there.

Reputable publishers will not charge you a penny to look at your manuscript. You need to pay for printing and shipping (unless they happen to take electronic submissions- then it is nothing!).

Writer's Market is a book published yearly that lists reputable publishers and their guidelines- what they are looking for, how much they pay. They also have a website you can subscribe to www.writersmarket.com. There are some more specific books for certain markets, too: Poet's Market, Novel & Short Story Writer's Market and Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market.

Duotrope is similar, but free- but it only covers short fiction.

Tara P



Dancre -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/2/2008 6:55:56 PM)

Tara is absolutely right on. If a publisher or agent asks for money, then run. The best way to get the book published is first, learn to write well, have a great plot and characters and send out the query letters. If you don't give up, then you will be published. It may take sometime, but you'll get there.

here's a website that will help you find a good publisher:
http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/peba.htm


quote:

ORIGINAL: rainbowtvp

NO! I just looked at that site... $98 for each manuscript for work you can do for free (practically)? And you have no idea who, if anyone, is going to actually look at your manuscript?

Yes, it is hard to get out of the slush piles, but I will take my chances there.

Reputable publishers will not charge you a penny to look, at your manuscript. You need to pay for printing and shipping (unless they happen to take electronic submissions- then it is nothing!).

Writer's Market is a book published yearly that lists reputable publishers and their guidelines- what they are looking for, how much they pay. They also have a website you can subscribe to www.writersmarket.com. There are some more specific books for certain markets, too: Poet's Market, Novel & Short Story Writer's Market and Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market.

Duotrope is similar, but free- but it only covers short fiction.

Tara P



weaselofdoom -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/3/2008 7:57:09 AM)

Wow, I'm glad I came here first for suggestions! Otherwise I might have flushed away a hundred bucks. That's like a half tank of gas these days.

My writing is pretty good. It's this world of publishing that really has me confused. It seems like a job unto itself. Being a graphic designer, I could layout, design, and print the book myself. But then comes the marketing aspect.



Dancre -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/3/2008 10:57:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: weaselofdoom

Wow, I'm glad I came here first for suggestions! Otherwise I might have flushed away a hundred bucks. That's like a half tank of gas these days.

My writing is pretty good. It's this world of publishing that really has me confused. It seems like a job unto itself. Being a graphic designer, I could layout, design, and print the book myself. But then comes the marketing aspect.


Dear, you have no idea. LOL!! It can be very confusing. But from what I've learned is publishers are looking for original stories with interesting characters. The most important thing you can do in your story is show where you need to show and tell where you need to tell. If you don't show, they don't want you. Also watch for misspelled words. They hate that one. Don't think the editor will fix your story, they won't. Print on demand (doing it yourself) also has drawbacks. Just b/c it worked for one, doesn't mean it will work for you. If it did, we'd all self-publish. Plus newspapers won't review your book. Not to mention, you have to buy the books, then sell them. Hang in there, dear, you'll get there. :)



Kathrynpagecamp -> RE: How do I get a children's book published that I wrote? (7/6/2008 7:26:09 PM)

You should consider joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You get a lot of good resources and a monthly newsletter for an initial fee of $75 and an annual renewal fee of $60. It's a professional group, not a publisher, but it provides some great advice and insight into the industry.

Here is a link to the SCBWI web site.



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