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Tips for Submitting a
Children’s Book to a Publisher
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Subject your work to the
same criteria an editor will use: Who is the audience for this story?
Boys? Girls? Both? What age range? If the age range is young, how does
the copy sound when read aloud? Is the vocabulary appropriate? What
differentiates this story from others like it on the market? How would
you articulate its selling points if, for instance, you were trying to
convince a bookstore owner to stock this book in his store? If you
can’t answer all these questions convincingly and authoritatively,
your manuscript probably isn’t ready for submission.
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Before submitting a
manuscript to a publisher, proof it carefully and make the
punctuation, grammar and spelling flawless. In the early stages of
choosing manuscripts for possible publication, editors will seize
every flaw as indications of lack of commitment or professionalism.
They are looking not only for great manuscripts, but for writers who
understand the business and will be easy to work with. |
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Get your manuscript in
the right hands. No matter how good the story, an editor will discount
it if it isn’t the kind of book his company publishes. Visit the
reference desk of any local library and peruse a copy of the most
recent edition of Writer’s Market. Look under the “Book
Publishers” listing, then further narrow the list to categories that
apply to your manuscript. Also visit non-book sections of Writer’s
Market, such as children’s magazines, that publish children’s
stories. |
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Once you have a list of
publishers you think might consider your manuscript, write down their
names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. Write a cover letter to a
specific editor (not Dear Editor). Beginning with the very first
sentence of the letter, you should convince the editor of two things:
1) you’re a good writer and 2) you have a good idea. Briefly describe
the manuscript and your reasons for believing it will be a successful
addition to his list. Cite previous writing experience or experience
in related fields, such as marketing or work with children. Enclose a
self-addressed stamped envelope, stick it in the mail and hope for the
best. If you don’t hear from the editor within a couple of months,
call and ask about the status of your manuscript. |
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Editors who aren’t
interested will generally send a very brief form letter saying, in
effect, thanks but no thanks. It’s frustrating to be rejected without
having any idea why, but that’s the usual procedure. Don’t take it
personally. If an editor or publisher does offer specific
feedback, take it seriously and consider adapting your manuscript
accordingly. Of course, you don’t want to compromise the integrity of
your work, but flexibility is key if you want to get published.
Editors and publishers aren’t trying to seize control of your work;
they just want to make sure it will be marketable. |
Parting words: Good luck!
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