I just wrote and illustrated a childrens book. Does anyone know what to do next?

1. 61

   ChristineVianelloposted 13 years ago

   I just wrote and illustrated a childrens book. Does anyone know what to do next?
   
   Does anyone...recommend a literay agent?
   
   

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2. 68

   Storytellersrusposted 13 years ago

   My opinion?
   
   1.  Find a reputable writer/editor to read it and give you feedback if you are not in a writer's group.  If you like, you can find a literary agent, but it isn't the first step I would take. 
   
   2.  Get a copy of the 2011 children's book market survey (see http://www.amazon.com/2011-Childrens-Wr … 1582979529 ) and study the market, asking yourself where the book you created will fit.  Earmark every possibility and then go through more carefully, narrowing down the most likely prospects for your work.  Go to the library and find some of the titles from these publishers.  Narrow your list further. 
   
   3.  Follow the submission guidelines for these publishers.  Do they require a literary agent?  Do they frown on multiple submissions?  etc.  Do as they ask!
   
   Good luck!

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3. 61

   aliciaharrellposted 13 years ago

   Do what I did, go to http://www.infinitypublishing.com/ and get your book published. Infinity Publishing is reputable, dependable and does exactly what they have listed on their website plus much more. They are pro authors. Infinity Publishing treats their authors expertly, professionally and in my opinion, the best. They are looking for childrens books to publish.
   
   Literary Agents charge 15% of an author's monthly royalty. All they do is act as a liason between you and your publisher. Ask yourself, do you need this service?
   
   Looking forward to seeing your book on Google Books, in the online bookstores and throughout the USA bookstores.

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4. 60

   Tirzah Laughsposted 13 years ago

   Depends on what your goals are.
   
   No matter what have someone who is NOT your friend but who is knowledgeable about the market to read your book.  Edit and adjust.   
   
   Then decide if you want the book just published or do you want the book published by a traditional publisher?
   
   Traditional publishing... not that many literary agents rep children's books if you mean picture books.  There are a few.   YA is a different story.
   
   You'll need to write a query letter.   Then research publishers who rep the kind of books you write.
   
   Then research them.  Make sure they are A) accepting queries and B) you understand what they want in their query.    Do NOT call if they prefer an email submission.
   
   Understand that many children's book publishers have their own artists and may not use your artwork even if they use your book.
   
   They may also change the title. 
   
   Your query letter is your hook.  You need to polish it until it shines.  Also understand that some publishers will accept queries without an agent.
   
   Most queries get rejected.   So you don't burn your bridges, I suggest querying in batches of five.  This way if you find that something really doesn't work or that your query is ineffective, you can adjust it before you saturate the market.
   
   If you send your query to everyone and it stinks (even if the book is good), you've just burned your bridges on that book. 
   
   If you just want to publish, you can use CreateSpace, Lulu or Smashwords to publish your own book with ISBN adn artwork.  Please sign up for Kindle usage as well.

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5. 59

   dingdondingdonposted 13 years ago

   Definitely get an agent, and a good one. Never ever go to a publishing house without an agent: I spent my summer working in one of the biggest publishing houses in the U.S and they just don't read submissions that aren't sent by an agent. It would take too much time. They just send the manuscript straight back with a form rejection letter.
   
   Getting an agent isn't easy, but once you get one you're basically guaranteed a publishing contract: agents only make money after they've got your book published, so they won't take just any old book on. Find an agent who specializes in picture books and write a good query letter. If you google "agent query letters" I'm sure you'll find some examples of what to write.
   
   Don't self-publish. Don't ever self-publish unless you don't want to be published for real: self-publishing basically is a black mark on you as far as a publishing house is concerned. They see it as meaning you just weren't talented enough to find an agent.

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