I have written a couple of children’s books that I think are worthy of publishing. How can I publish?
February 262010
I really wish to publish my books, and i think young kids will certainly enjoy them. Is there anyway I can publish this book without going through an agent (NOT SELF PUBLISHING). Also, I am only in my early teens will that affect my ability to publish my books(s)?
As far as who to send it to, we can’t answer that question because we have NO knowledge of what your manuscript is about. Different publishers specialize in different things, and even within the realm of "children’s books" there are different types of stories.
The only thing that your age will affect is your ability to sign a contract. Your parent or guardian will need to sign it with you because you are not of age yet.
So do your own homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer’s Market"… or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".
I absolutely suggest getting an agent instead of approaching publishers directly. Since you are not a contract attorney, so you will need someone to look over any offers and to guide you through the publishing world. It seems that you have a lot to learn about the way publishing works, so they can be your guide through the tricky parts. Many amateur writers inadvertently give away a LOT of their rights for no money. Why skip an agent when they can save you from these headaches?
Also, you will not be seding your manuscript to agents or publishers unsolicited! Send them a query letter and see if they ask to see a partial, then a full. If you send the whole thing, it will just get you a form rejection letter. Research each agent’s specific submission guidelines and follow their rules!
Here are four websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark– love her!) and research, research, research! These can help you determine if the agent is legit or not:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
Again, read Miss Snark. She has attitude, but is a real-life agent and her archives can answer any questions you possibly have. Read, read, read. When you pick up "Writer’s Market" or "Guide to Literary Agents", don’t just look at the listings, read them!
And don’t submit to anyone on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html
You will face a lot of rejection, but if you really want this then keep at it! Work hard, and good luck!
February 26th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Do a Google search for "Children’s Book Publishers" or "Writing Children’s Books" and you should get a number of listings for publishers. Also search for the "Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Association" (I think that’s the name). Plenty of people there to give you good advice.
Beware that it’s extremely difficult to get a children’s book published and most publishers don’t accept manuscripts from anyone other than agents they have a working relationship with. Some do accept manuscripts from anyone who wants to send one in though.
Also, don’t bother illustrating your book or finding an artist. If the publisher likes your book they’ll handle all that for you. They prefer just the manuscript unless the author is the artist and even then they’d rather you just wrote it without illustrations unless you’re a famous artist already.
As to your age, I wouldn’t think it would matter. The story is what sells. If they feel children will read it then you’ll be published. In fact, it could be used by the publisher as a selling point for the books.
Good luck to you!
References :
February 26th, 2010 at 10:04 am
As far as who to send it to, we can’t answer that question because we have NO knowledge of what your manuscript is about. Different publishers specialize in different things, and even within the realm of "children’s books" there are different types of stories.
The only thing that your age will affect is your ability to sign a contract. Your parent or guardian will need to sign it with you because you are not of age yet.
So do your own homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer’s Market"… or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".
I absolutely suggest getting an agent instead of approaching publishers directly. Since you are not a contract attorney, so you will need someone to look over any offers and to guide you through the publishing world. It seems that you have a lot to learn about the way publishing works, so they can be your guide through the tricky parts. Many amateur writers inadvertently give away a LOT of their rights for no money. Why skip an agent when they can save you from these headaches?
Also, you will not be seding your manuscript to agents or publishers unsolicited! Send them a query letter and see if they ask to see a partial, then a full. If you send the whole thing, it will just get you a form rejection letter. Research each agent’s specific submission guidelines and follow their rules!
Here are four websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark– love her!) and research, research, research! These can help you determine if the agent is legit or not:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
Again, read Miss Snark. She has attitude, but is a real-life agent and her archives can answer any questions you possibly have. Read, read, read. When you pick up "Writer’s Market" or "Guide to Literary Agents", don’t just look at the listings, read them!
And don’t submit to anyone on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html
You will face a lot of rejection, but if you really want this then keep at it! Work hard, and good luck!
References :