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11 Steps
to Writing
a Children's Book

by the Editors of

Children's Book Insider, The Children's Writing Monthly

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Legal Disclaimers
THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE COPIED AND DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.
Copyright 2017, Children’s Book Insider, LLC all rights reserved. No part of this
book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage
and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Children’s Book Insider, LLC

901 Columbia Rd
Fort Collins, CO 80525
http://writeforkids.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO READERS: This publication is designed to provide

accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered.
This information is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not
engaged in rendering legal, accounting or any other professional service. If
legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the service of a competent
professional should be sought. Therefore, the Author and Publisher assume no
responsibility to any person or persons in connection with the use of this
publication, and this publication is sold with this understanding and none other.

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So, You Wanna Be a Children's Book Writer?

Awesome! Writing a children's book is one of the most

rewarding and enriching experiences imaginable.

We've been helping people just like you become published

children's book authors since 1990 and, along the way, we've
managed to boil down the entire process into ten steps (plus
one bonus step that's maybe the most important...).

In this eBook, we'll share those steps with you, and provide
links to great information that will make your journey
enjoyable, easy and fun.

We hope you'll be inspired and encouraged by what you'll find.

We also hope that you'll make the big step that has lifted
many people from “wannabe” status to being successful
authors: joining the Insiders of Children's Book Insider!

We have a special offer for you later on. Until then, let's start
your journey!

PS: If you enjoy the book, please share it with other aspiring writers by
using the Twitter and Facebook links at the bottom of each page.

Jon & Laura

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Step 1: Get the Right Mindset

If you dream of writing for children because you see it as a

route to fame and riches, it's time we had a little talk:

That's probably not going to happen.

Sure, it might happen -- J.K. Rowling's done quite nicely,

thank you. But the vast majority of children's writers do it for
love, not money. They have a passion for sharing ideas and
connecting with young readers that means more than wealth
or recognition.

If you have that passion, than all the lonely hours of writing
and the occasional rejection letter are just small prices to pay
for the opportunity to create something wonderful and
(hopefully) lasting.

So let's start our journey by looking inward. I'm going to ask

you some questions. Take whatever time you need and answer
them honestly. If you're reading this ebook in Adobe Acrobat
Reader, you can type your answers right on the screen. If
you've printed this ebook out, write the answers in the space
provided. Here goes:

Why do you want to write for children?

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What unique viewpoints, experience or wisdom do you
have to offer young readers?

How well do you deal with criticism and rejection? If

the answer is “not so well”, are you willing to develop a
thicker skin?

Do you regularly read current children's books, or is

your knowledge of the children's book market largely
based on your own childhood experience, or from being
a parent years ago?

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Are you willing to learn, and invest in yourself to
become a better writer?

This isn't a quiz, and there are no right or wrong answers. But
there are some things you need to understand before we
proceed:

Anyone who tells you that you can knock out a children's
book, send it off to a paying publisher and see your book on
the shelves in a couple of months isn't being truthful. You'll
have peaks and valleys on your journey that will require
patience and perseverance.

Contrary to what you may have been told, writing children's

books is not easier than writing for adults. Yes, kids' books
are shorter, but that just makes things more challenging. The
author Mem Fox put it best: “Writing a picture book is like
writing 'War and Peace' in haiku.”

There are two kinds of writers – those who say “I've written
my story. Where do I send it?' and those who say “I've
written my first draft. How do I make the plot smoother, the
dialogue better and the characters more believable?” Can you
guess which author invariably succeeds? Writing is an art.
Mastering it offers the same challenges and rewards of
mastering the violin, or skiing or painting. Take your time,
sharpen your skill, learn to love the journey.

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Publishing will always be out there but, if you really want to
make it , worry more about being a skilled writer. The rest
will take care of itself.

Don't Preach. You have a message you want to impart to

kids? That's fine. But chill. No one, young or old, wants to
read a story that practically bangs them over the head with a
“moral”.

Skillful writers know how to subtly incorporate their message

into a compelling read. Until you master your craft, stick to
making kids laugh, or gasp with fear or swoon with romance
before you try to tell them something “important”.

Relax. For all its challenges, starting a children's writing

career is a truly wonderful adventure. You'll meet amazing
folks along the way, learn more about yourself than you ever
imagined and, ultimately, make your mark on the life of a
young reader. That's pretty cool. Just remember to have
patience, stay the course, invest in learning to sharpen your
skills and keep on writing no matter what. The payoff is
certain to be worth it!

Now go back and look at the answers you provided to the

questions I posed. Do they fit with what we've just covered?
Are there some areas that will require a bit of attitude
adjustment? Let all of this sink in a bit and revisit those
questions later. You might just find that you're very much
prepared for the journey ahead.

Before we leave Step 1, here are some links that will

really help:

VIDEO: Think Like a Writer, Not an Author

5 Ways for Writers to Blast Through Self-Doubt

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Step 2: Choose Your Age Group

The world of children's literature is divided along age lines.

Become familiar with the standard categories and read from
each of them. Before long you'll find yourself gravitating
toward one or two of these. That's how you'll know which
age group you're best suited for.

Here are the categories, along with some classic books to

check out:

Picture books — In its broadest definition, a picture book is a

book in which the illustrations play a significant role in telling
the story. Under this umbrella are several types of books:

1. Baby Books – For infants and young toddlers, these books

are generally lullabies, nursery rhymes, fingerplays, or
wordless books. The length and format varies with the
content.

2. Toddler books – Very simple stories for ages 1-3 (under

300 words) familiar to a child's everyday life, or concept books
(teaching colors, numbers, shapes, etc.) Books are short (12
pages is average) and the format can be board books (sturdy
paper-over board construction), pop-ups, lift-the flaps or
novelty books (books that make sounds, have different
textures, etc.) See the "Max" series of board books by
Rosemary Wells (Dial).

3. Picture books – Traditionally, picture books (also called

"picture story books") are 32-page books for ages 3-5 or 4-
8, depending on the publisher and complexity of the story.
Manuscripts average about 500-800 words these days,
though you can go a little longer if your book is geared

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toward the older end of the 4-8 age range.

Plots are simple (no sub-plots) with one main character who
embodies the child's emotions, concerns and viewpoint. The
illustrations (on every page or every other page) play as
great a role as the text in telling the story. Picture books
cover a wide range of topics and styles. Start by studying the
Caldecott Medal winners from the last 10 years (older picture
books are still great to read, but writing styles, pacing and
text lengths have changed in the last decade). Also check
out the Notable Children's Book Lists from the American
Library Association. The Younger Readers category will list
the best current picture books for both ages 3-5 and 4-8.

Nonfiction in the picture book format can go up to age 10, 48

pages in length, or up to about 1500 words of text (though
the average would be 800-1200 words). Narrative nonfiction
(true stories with a plot arc, such as biographies or historical
events) is currently very popular in the picture book format,
as well as creative ways to teach science, math and
technology to young children.

4. Early picture books – A term for picture books geared

toward the lower end of the 4-8 age range. These stories are
simple and contain under 1000 words. Many early picture
books have been reprinted in the board book format, thus
widening the audience. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric
Carle (Philomel) is an example.

Easy readers – Also called "easy-to-read", these books are

for children just starting to read on their own (age 5-8).
They have color illustrations on every page like a picture
book, but the format is more "grown-up" — smaller trim
size, sometimes broken into short chapters. The length
varies greatly by publisher; the books can be 32-64 pages

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long, with 200-1200 words of text on average. The stories
are told mainly through action and dialogue, in
grammatically simple sentences (one idea per sentence).
Books average 2-5 sentences per page. See the "Amelia
Bedelia" books by Peggy Parish or other I Can Read books
published by HarperCollins, as well as Random House's Step
Into Reading line.

Transition books — Sometimes called "early chapter books"

for ages 6-9, they bridge the gap between easy readers and
chapter books. Written like easy readers in style, transition
books are longer (1200-2500 words), books have a smaller
trim size with color or black-and-white illustrations every few
pages. See the Branches line of early chapter books from
Scholastic.

Chapter books — For ages 7-10, these books are about

5000-12,000 words long, broken into 3-4 page chapters.
Stories are meatier than transition books, though still contain
a lot of action. The sentences can be a bit more complex, but
paragraphs are still short (2-4 sentences is average).
Chapters often end in the middle of a scene to keep the
reader turning the pages. Look at the Amber Brown books by
Paula Danzinger, the Ivy & Bean books by Annie Barrows, and
the Kingdom of Wrenly series by Jordan Quinn.

Middle grade — This is the golden age of reading for many

children, ages 8-12. Manuscripts suddenly get longer
(25,000-50,000 words, though fantasy and science fiction can
be longer), stories more complex (sub-plots involving
secondary characters are woven through the story) and
themes more sophisticated. Kids get hooked on characters at
this age, which explains the popularity of series and trilogies.
Fiction genres range from contemporary to historical to

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science fiction/fantasy; nonfiction includes biographies,
science, history and multicultural topics. Check out some
middle grade novels from the list of Newbery Medal winners
to get you started (note: occasionally the Newbery committee
gives the award to a picture book, but most winners are
novels for readers age 14 and under).

An older middle grade category (10-14) has emerged in the

last few years. These books include topics (both fiction and
nonfiction) appropriate for children who have outgrown
middle grade but aren't yet ready for the themes (fiction) or
who aren't studying the subjects (nonfiction) of high school
readers. The characters still are relevant to middle grade
readers, but the situations they face in the books may be a
bit more complex than traditional middle grade. These books
can also appeal to older readers who aren't yet interested in
full-blown young adult books.

Young adult – For ages 12 and up, these manuscripts are

50,000 – 75,000 words long. Plots are complex with several
major characters, though one character should emerge as
the focus of the book. Themes should be relevant to the
problems and struggles of today's teenagers, regardless of
the genre. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton defined young adult
when it was first published in 1967; now the category
includes ages 12 and up (most YA), and ages 14 and up
(with characters in their late teens). The Michael L. Printz
Award Winners list gives you some great titles to get started.

Before you move on, check out this short video:

How Do I Determine the Proper Age Group For My Manuscript?

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Now, head to the library or bookstore, and pick out five books
to read in the age group that most interests you. After
reading these books, make notes below on what you liked,
what you didn't, and why or why not you think you can write
for this age group as well. (If, after reading five books, you
don't feel connected to that age group, choose another one!)

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Step 3: Develop Your Idea

Let's begin with a simple test to determine what, exactly, you

feel passionate about. Once we have that, you can start
polishing a story idea.

You walk into a bookstore with a large magazine selection.

Where do you go first?

Crafts magazines? Photography? Sports? Cooking?

Your answer (unless you head right to Playboy or High Times)

has given you a tremendous starting point for your first story.
Start with your passion and writing will seem much, much
easier!

Combine this passion with what we've just learned about age
groups and you might start seeing a clear picture of your first
manuscript. A middle grade story about a young
photographer? A chapter book about a boy who dreams of
being a famous chef? A picture book about a little girl who
idolizes race car drivers and wants to be one? It's all up to
you!

So, now that you’ve explored your interests and discovered

that you’re drawn to picture book biographies, or middle
grade novels, or silly easy readers, you’ve probably got some
ideas itching to be developed. So let’s see if they’re really
ready to be turned into books.

First, sum up your idea. Write the general concept for your
story or nonfiction book in one to three sentences. You’re not
going to get every nuanced relationship or plot point into
those three sentences, but you should be able to convey the
essence of what makes your idea unique. You may not know

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much about your idea at this point, so use the space below to
write what you know.

MY IDEA:

Maybe you know your main character and his/her problem,

and have some ideas about how that problem might be
solved.

Perhaps you read an article about new research being done on

how dolphins communicate, and think the topic would make a
great picture book.

Sum up your idea and a few specific key points that give your
idea some shape. “Dolphins” isn’t specific enough. “How
dolphins communicate, and new research that suggests
dolphins actually have a meaningful language” is a starting
point for a book. “Jeremy gets a new baby brother,” isn’t
anything special. “Jeremy tries to sell his new baby brother at
the neighborhood garage sale” is the basis for a plot.

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If you’ve been reading books for the age group you’re
interested in writing for, now you can compare your idea to
published books and judge if it’s right for your
audience. Does your picture book idea lend itself well to
many different action scenes and illustrations? Or does it rely
heavily on dialogue and internal character development that is
best expressed through thoughts and emotions? If the latter
applies to your idea, it’s better suited to a novel.

Since it’s still just an idea (and not the whole first draft of
your manuscript), you shouldn’t be too invested in keeping it
exactly as it first came to you. In most cases, published books
are the result of ideas that have evolved past the initial spark
of inspiration. So now’s the time to brainstorm and play
with the concept. Ask, “What if?” What if the main character
were a boy instead of a girl? What if I used my idea as a
springboard for a more complex story for young adults? What
if I changed the time period from the present to 1975?
What if I took my serious topic of global warming and added
some humorous sidebars? Or, what if I created a child
character to “host” the book, who lives in the future after
many of the climate changes have taken place? What if I
wrote the entire book as free verse? What if my picture book
looked like different pages from a character’s web site?

Think big. Get weird. Reach for the most outrageous

concept you can, then dial it back until it makes sense. The
one thing that will keep your idea from ever getting published
is if it’s ordinary. A predictable, safe, run-of-the-mill book
simply won’t justify the publisher’s substantial financial
investment to bring it to print. Your book doesn’t have to be
shocking, or violent, or disturbing, but it does have to be
fresh, interesting and surprising. It has to be something the
editor’s never seen before. And chances are, your first idea
won’t fit these criteria.

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Study authors who have charted new ground with their
books. Look at Pirates by David L. Harrison, illustrated by
Dan Burr (nonfiction picture book for ages 8-12, written as a
collection of poems); ttyl by Lauren Myracle (young adult
story of three high school girls written as Instant Messages);
Lincoln Shot: A President’s Life Remembered by Barry
Denenberg, illustrated by Christopher Bing (written as a
commemorative edition of The National News one year after
Lincoln’s death, the entire book looks like a 19th-century
newspaper); or Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants chapter
book series (each book a combination of story, comic strip,
and Flip-O-Rama). All these books embodied themes and
ideas that had been touched on before, but packaged in a
new, exciting way.

Look again at your idea, and ask “What If?” Make

some notes below:

Now, watch this:

Laura Backes on Developing Stories for Different Age Groups

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Step 4: Write Your First Draft

Over the past 23 years, we've written enough on the subject

of writing craft to fill a library or two. Any attempt to distill
that into a few paragraphs would be a major disservice. So
here's where we have to make a pitch:

Join the Fightin' Bookworms and we'll teach you

everything you need to know.

Plot, dialogue, pacing, point of view, character development....

It's not brain surgery, but it will take some time and attention.
So seriously, spend what you would each month on a light
snack and you'll have it all at your fingertips. Check us out at
http://writeforkids.org/come-join-the-insiders-2/

Until then, here are a few pieces of writing instruction to get

you started:

Writing Picture Books - How to Get Started

Write for Success: 7 Tips For Children's Book Writers

Writing Tips: 4 Rules Beginning Children's Book Writers

Should Never Break

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Step 5: Start Revising

There's a reason your manuscript, in its current state, is

called a “First Draft”. It's because there's a second, third
and fourth draft still to come (at least).

I don't care how great you think your first draft is, it can get
better. And it must get better. So now's the time to take your
ego out of the equation and look hard at what you've written.

Here's a cheat sheet to help you:

1. Go to the library and ask for the librarian's opinion about

the best recent books in your age range. Read them. Then
read your manuscript. How do they differ? Where does your
story bog down while the other books soar? If you're honest
with yourself, you'll soon see that you have work to do. If
you're attentive, you'll also know where you have work to do.

2. Read your manuscript multiple times, each time looking at

only one specific thing:

* Is the plot interesting and realistic?

* Are the characters real, or do they sound stagey and stiff?
* Does your dialogue sound like two real people who actually
having a discussion?
* Are you describing too much, rather than letting the details
unfold naturally? (This is also known by the old axiom “show,
don't tell”.)
* Does your idea still hold up? If not, change it to make it
more original/marketable/interesting.)

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Starting to discover your flaws? Great! Make notes on
what you've learned below. Now rewrite that
manuscript!

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Step 6: Get Feedback

OK, here comes the scary part: It's time to let someone else
look at your manuscript!

But not just anyone. What you need here isn't cheerleading
from loved ones. The most important feedback you can get is
actual constructive criticism from people who know children's
literature.

There are a few places to look for honest feedback:

Your local children's librarian. She's pretty busy but, if

you develop a relationship and ask nicely, your friendly local
librarian may be willing to take a gander at your story and
offer some thoughts.

Local writer's groups. Check the bulletin board at your

library and look at Meetup.com to see if any active writing
groups are accepting new members in your area.

Online critique partners. At the CBI Clubhouse, Fightin'

Bookworms can connect via our Critique Exchange and swap
critiques with one another. It's a great way to make new
writing friends, get feedback and sharpen your own critiquing
skills.

Professional Critique Services: Spending a bit of money

and having a professional editor review your critique can be a
great investment.

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Step 7: Revise Again!

Take the feedback you received in Step 6 and ask yourself

the same questions you posed in Step 5.

Chances are, you've got more work to do! And that's a good
thing – every time you revise, you make your manuscript
stronger and more publisher.

Get cracking!

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Step 8: Choose Your Path to Publication

We’ve been working with aspiring children’s book writers for

23 years. And, for the majority of that time, our response to
the question “How do I get published” has been the same:

Craft a terrific manuscript, research publishers, assemble a

strong submissions package, send it off….and wait.

If you’re one of the fortunate ones, your wait will be rewarded

with a contract offer. If you’re like most writers, the cycle will
be completed by another rejection letter. Not the most
fulfilling process, but it was the only process that worked.

Placing your fortunes in the hands of an unknown, unseen

editor is such an ingrained part of being a writer that it’s hard
to imagine an alternative reality. And yet, an alternative
reality is precisely what’s been created. And each of us are
citizens of this brave new world.

Writers can, if they are so inclined, completely sidestep the

traditional publishing structure and take on a more
entrepreneurial role. Thanks to ebooks, apps and print on
demand, the ability to create, promote and sell one’s writing
are now within the reach – and budget – of almost every
writer. And, for the first time since Gutenberg, the very
definition of “book” is being rewritten.

For many in the writing community, the reaction to all of this

has been panic. That’s easy to understand. Unlike the world of
computers and technology, publishing has always evolved at a
rather glacial pace. But now, the future of the written world is
tied inextricably to the ones and zeros of the digital
marketplace, and — just like that – writers, librarians,
booksellers and publishers find themselves part of an industry

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that moves at light speed. After centuries crawling at a snail’s
pace, the new velocity is startling. And scary.

But here’s the good news: the dust is settling, and the road
ahead is finally becoming clearer. And, we believe, it’s a road
that can take writers to some very exciting places.

In order to fully appreciate this new path, each of us must

first take a giant step back, and remember something
fundamental:

We’re storytellers. And, for thousands of years, storytellers

have known one vital fact — it’s about the story, not the
medium.

Whether on cave walls, around a roaring fire, on papyrus,

glossy paper or in the glow of an eReader, a story is still a
story. Failing to understand every detail of how books got
typeset, printed, bound and shipped never prevented anyone
from writing a bestseller. Nor should your current level of
knowledge regarding digital technology be in any way in
impediment to thriving in the decades ahead.

Just tell your story. You’ll figure out the rest when you need
to. Until then, know this:

Today, For the First Time, The Author Has The Power
to Choose His or Her Path to Publication

Choice = power. And you now have choices.

You can still go the traditional route, submitting your

manuscripts to publishers. It’s as valid a way of reaching the
market as it ever was. But now you can choose to opt out of

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that model. Self-publish, create ebooks for the Nook and
Kindle, build an app for the iPhone or Android. It’s all
possible, it’s all eminently doable and it’s all now a
completely legitimate means of publishing your work and
reaching millions. No more waiting around for someone else’s
arbitrary decision. You have control, so use it.

And get your ego out of the way. Sure, it’s a thrill to see your
book in a bookstore. And yeah, perhaps seeing it in online in
eBook form isn’t quite as compelling.

But it’s not about you and your ideal of what being an
“author” is. It’s about your reader. And if a young person is
moved by something you wrote, it matters little whether it’s
on a printed page, an eReader or even a smart phone. Reach
your readers how they want to be reached, and the rest will
sort itself out.

So, why are we telling you all of this?

Because we want to change your definition of what it

means to “be published.”

Write apps. Write ebooks. Create videos. And don't worry if

you don't yet understand these technologies.

We do. And we'll teach you .

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Step 9: Research the Market!

If you've decided to take a shot at creating apps or ebooks,

your next step will be to learn the lay of the digital
landscape. The hows and whys of building and marketing
your electronic creation. If you're at that stage, here are
some useful resources:

http://writeforkids.org/blog/2014/10/interactive-ebooks-for-
kids-put-the-readers-in-control/

http://writeforkids.org/blog/2014/02/how-to-develop-an-
app/

http://writeforkids.org/blog/2014/02/childrens-digital-
publishing/

But perhaps you're saying, “Ebooks and apps are great. But
I still want to get a book published traditionally and see it in
my local bookstore.”

We hear you. Traditional publishing isn't going anywhere and

yep, there is something to be said for receiving a nice
advance check and maybe royalties. And then there's the
thrill of seeing your name on a bookstore shelf alongside the
greats.

So let's go on to the next step – researching the publishing

market and finding the right potential publishers for your
manuscript.

We've made that part easy. Here's a quick video that lays
out exactly how to do it:
http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/how-to-find-the-right-
ublisher-for-your-manuscript/

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Step 10: Submit Your Manuscript!

You've polished your manuscript, researched appropriate

publishers and studied their submission guidelines. Perhaps
you've decided instead to pursue a literary agent to represent
your work and submit it to publisher on your behalf. Research
agents in the same way you would a publisher (look at their
website, read their submission guidelines, look at other
books they represent. The Guide to Literary Agents blog is a
good place to start researching agents.). Now you're finally
going to send your manuscript out into the world to be read
by editors or agents.

Publishers and agents will specify on their guidelines exactly

what they want to see from authors. The submission packets
usually fall into the categories below. If you are sending your
work to a literary agent, follow the same format:

Cover letter with the entire manuscript:

When sending the entire manuscript, you only need to include

a brief cover letter. This letter contains 3-4 short paragraphs:
One with the title of the book, the word count, the age of the
audience and the genre (humorous picture book for ages 3-6;
historical middle grade mystery). The second paragraph gives
a 1-4 sentence synopsis of the book, just enough information
so the editor knows if the subject will appeal to her, or if she
should pass the manuscript on to a colleague. Then list any
publishing credits, awards and memberships in writing
organizations (if you're a beginner, just leave this paragraph
out). Finally, thank the editor for her time, and state that
you've enclosed a SASE for her reply (see below).

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Query letter:

A query is a one-page letter that describes the manuscript

with enough detail so the editor knows if she wants to read
the whole work. Many editors prefer to receive queries for the
initial submission. A query letter has a similar format to a
cover letter but the synopsis can be more detailed, and
should be written in the tone of the manuscript (humorous,
scary, rhythmic, etc.) Think of the synopsis as a pitch for your
book, something that might appear on the jacket flap.

Query letter with outline/synopsis and sample

chapters:

For works longer than picture books and easy readers, editors
may request that the query be accompanied by more detailed
information. A separate synopsis can be several paragraphs
long, and for novels gives a better picture of the plot and
subplots as well as the major characters.

An outline is used for nonfiction book proposals. Write either

a short paragraph describing the focus of each chapter, or
bullet the main points. Sample chapters for fiction and
narrative nonfiction (such as a biography) mean the first two
or three chapters. The two or three most unusual chapters
can be sent for nonfiction without a story arc.

SASEs, packaging, binding and more:

Always include a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) of

the proper size and with enough postage for the editor's
response. If you're sending a query letter only, a business-
size SASE with one first-class stamp is fine. If you're
submitting manuscript pages, the envelope should be big
enough to return everything to you. Some publishers say
they will only respond to submissions if interested, and won't

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return manuscripts (larger packages mean a staff member
has to stand in line at the post office and have the envelope
hand-cancelled as per postal regulations). In those cases, a
SASE isn't necessary.

Don't staple, bind or otherwise attach pages together with

anything except a paper clip. Don't mail by UPS, FedEx,
overnight mail, or in any way that requires a signature. Don't
put anything in the envelope other than your submission and
SASE. Remember that publishers receive hundreds of
manuscripts a month, and larger publishers funnel
submissions through mail rooms. Keep your submission
streamlined and hassle-free, and let your writing speak for
itself.

Online Submissions:

More editors (and literary agents) are accepting submissions

via email. Your letter and any manuscript pages should still
be written the same way as above, with proper formatting,
but everything should be pasted into the body of the email.
Most editors and agents will not open attachments.

Ultimately, it's up to you to research exactly how an editor or

publisher wants a submission presented. Some nonfiction
publishers request bibliographies and an analysis of the
competition, some fiction publishers want authors to present a
marketing plan. If you follow the instructions to the best of
your ability, and craft the most professional, polished
submission you can, then you'll give yourself the best shot at
persuading an editor to take a serious look at your work.

There's one thing left to do....

Wait.

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After a few weeks (or maybe a few months), you'll hear back
from the publisher. If it's a contract – WOO HOO! It's time to
celebrate!

If it's a rejection, take a moment to be disappointed. Then,

get back to work, secure in the knowledge that every great
author has experienced the same thing. And probably many
times over.

Get back on the horse. Keep writing. Keep revising. Keep

submitting. Keep the faith. Your time will come.

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Step 11: Give Yourself an Unfair Advantage

Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you're ready to embark on an

amazing career writing children's books.

And here's some more good news – you've just made a friend in the
business!

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winning and bestselling authors such as Anastasia Suen, Ken Derby and
Anne McGee to name a few.

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If you enjoyed the straightforward, easy-to-follow advice we've
offered in this eBook, just wait – it's only the tip of the iceberg! You're
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We have a special, ultra-low price for readers of this eBook. First, though,
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categories of books for kids and teens, and lots more.

Come See For Yourself! Visit us right now @

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Notes:

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