While the submission process may feel like second nature to experienced writers, it's easy
to forget that newcomers aren't aware of the specific procedures. And since everyone can
benefit from a refresher course now and then, here's a rundown of the steps:
First, collect addresses of appropriate publishers by perusing market guides like
Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market, industry newsletters such as Children's Book
Insider, and looking through similar books at the store or library. Then send a
self-addressed, stamped envelope to the publisher asking for writer's guidelines (you can
start this process while you're still writing your book as it may take a few weeks to
receive a response). Review the guidelines carefully to make sure your manuscript fits
with what the publisher is looking for.
Most publishers want to see the entire manuscript for picture books. Type your
manuscript on white paper, double spaced, indenting at the beginning of each paragraph.
Use at least one inch margins on each side, and justify the left margin only. Put your
name and the title of the book at the top of each page, and number the pages
consecutively. Your name, address, phone number and email should appear in the upper
left-hand corner of the first page. Center the title of the manuscript about a third of the
way down on page 1, skip a line, and then start the text.
Don't break the text up into pages as it would appear in the finished book, and don't
include illustrations unless you're a professional artist (in which case, send a black and
white dummy with a sketch of each illustration and 2-3 copies of finished color
illustrations along with the typed manuscript). Send with a brief cover letter stating the
title, intended age group, and word count of the story. Add any previous publishing
experience and memberships to writing organizations (if you don't have such experience,
leave this section out). Mention if this is a simultaneous submission (sending the
manuscript to several publishers at once), and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
(SASE) with enough postage to return the manuscript if necessary.
For longer fiction, publishers often want a query letter and sample chapters. The
query starts out with the same basic information as the cover letter above, but also
includes a brief synopsis of the plot. Try to write the query in the same style as the
manuscript, and include information on the main characters, the conflict and the
resolution of the plot. Add your publishing experience, and tell the editor you can send
the entire manuscript if she's interested. Ideally, the entire query letter will fit on one
page. Send with the first two chapters of the manuscript and a SASE.
For longer nonfiction, a book proposal is generally requested. This gives a brief
overview of the book (one or two paragraphs describing the tone and slant of the
information), and a chapter-by-chapter outline (with a sentence or two listing the
information covered in each chapter). Attach the first two chapters if it's requested in the
writer's guidelines, and also a bibliography of your resources. In your cover letter, list the
target audience, the estimated length of the finished manuscript, why your book is
different from others on the market on the same subject, and your expertise on the topic.
Send with a SASE.
Nonfiction picture book publishers may require a query (in which case you'd
outline the book in one or two paragraphs and also include the information from the
nonfiction cover letter above), or the entire manuscript. If sending the whole manuscript,
attach a brief cover letter as with fiction picture books, but also mention how your book
fits into the current market and your credentials on the topic.
Following the proper submission procedures gets easier with practice, and ensures
that your manuscript will get a serious look. Take the time to give each editor exactly
what she wants, and she'll give your work closer consideration.
Note: For much more information on writing cover letters, query letters and book
proposals, see Author to Editor: Query Letter Secrets of the Pros, edited by Linda Arms
White. It includes over 30 actual queries used by authors to sell everything from picture
books to young adult nonfiction. Go to http://write4kids.com/a2e.html for all the details.
About the Author:
Laura Backes publishes Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's
Writers. For info about writing children's books, free articles, market tips, insider secrets
& more, visit http://Write4kids.com. For a free 3 month mini-subscription to CBI, go to
http://write4kids.com/minisub.html
