By Robin Michal Koontz
with contributions by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill, Collyn Justus, Patricia Pfitsch, Sue Bradford Edwards, Esther Hershenhorn, Cheryl Zach, Shirley Burns, Ceil Boyles, and Denise Vega

I have written a children's story (or several children's stories) and want to know how to get published.

• Study contemporary children's books and magazines to learn how your story fits into today's market. Is your story age appropriate? Does it have a compelling plot and engaging characters? Go to the SCBWI website and check out a publication called “From Keyboard to Printed Page.” This article is an excellent introduction to how to prepare your manuscript and gauge where your story belongs.
• Study publishers' catalogs and current lists and review publications such as Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Children’s Writer, and Children’s Book Insider for information on what’s being published or what publishers are looking for.
• Network by joining SCBWI and attending meetings and conferences on a national level or through your local chapter. Obtain publishers' guidelines before submitting (SCBWI publishes an updated market guide each August for members).
• Make sure your work is professionally presented. Revise, edit, rewrite, revise some more. Join and stay in a critique group.
• Polish your work before submitting, and never tell an editor, "This is just a rough draft." While editors and agents used to require self-addressed stamped envelopes (SASE) with enough postage for your work to be returned to you, some have begun changing their guidelines to allow electronic submissions (especially for queries) and some advise not to send an SASE since they recycle all manuscripts.
• Carefully review specific guidelines listed on the editor’s/agent’s website or in market guides. 
• Never send more than one story to a publisher unless they request otherwise.

Do I need to copyright my work once it’s finished?

Don't worry about copyrighting your unpublished work. See SCBWI's handout “Copyright Facts for Writers,” free to members--see the website for instructions on how to obtain it. The law is on your side, and legitimate editors do not steal manuscripts. Besides, you cannot copyright an idea, only your version of that idea. There are no original stories, only original ways to present them.

What does solicited vs unsolicited manuscripts mean?

Solicited means that the editor requested to see the manuscript. Your manuscript can have solicited status either through an agent, an editor you may have met at a conference, or because you queried the editor according to their guidelines and got the okay to submit your manuscript. Most editors participating in a conference you attend will give permission to all attendees to submit their work. If so, this is considered a solicited manuscript. (Another good reason to attend conferences.) Unsolicited means you are submitting to a publisher who has not requested to see it. Do not submit your work to a publisher who does not accept unsolicited submissions. It will not be read.

Can I send my manuscript to more than one publisher at a time?

Yes. Exclusive submission means that you will not present your project to any other publisher while this publisher has it. These days, most publishers who still accept unsolicited manuscripts also allow multiple submissions. They just want to be told. Make your submission status very clear in your cover letter. Note that the increased length of time it takes for most manuscripts to be reviewed has caused many editors to modify their requirements for exclusive submissions. It is reasonable to put a time frame on your cover letter, e.g., “I am submitting this manuscript exclusively to you for three months.”

What distinguishes picture books, chapter book, middle grade and young adult books? Are there page or word count guidelines?

• Picture books are usually 8, 16, 24 or 32 pages long.
• Early readers, also called "easy-to-read", are designed for "emergent readers" - children who are just learning to read on their own (approximate ages 6-8). They have color illustrations on every page like a picture book, but the format is more "grown-up". The text may run from 500 to 2,000 words, with 1,000 to 1,500 preferred.
• Chapter books are for children ages approximately 7 to 10 who are transitioning from early readers to novels. Most chapter books deal with contemporary situations familiar to the reader. The text ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 words.
• Middle grade books for ages eight to twelve generally run 20,000 to 40,000 words.
• Young adult is the teen category. Generally, readers tend to read about protagonists who are their same age or older, but seldom read down. YA books run upwards of 60,000 words, but tend to have a larger range.

A new category known has “tween” targets children between approximately 10 and 14 years of age, and will have similar characteristics as a middle grade or YA book. The driving factor is generally the age of the protagonist and anticipated reader. A great resource for this and other information is on the Write4Kids site.

It is noteworthy that the Harry Potter series helped blur traditional standards concerning word counts in children’s books. The above list should be considered a rule-of-thumb guide for the beginning writer.

What should my query letter say? What should my cover letter say?
A query letter is what you send to see if there is interest in your project. Most publishers require a query for a non-fiction project or novel. Your query should adhere to the publisher's guidelines; never include more than they request. It should present your project succinctly, much like the preview you read on the inside of a book jacket, along with brief information about your publishing experience, if any. If the publisher requests sample chapters with your query, send the first pages, not your favorite parts. If they ask for chapter outlines, keep them simple.

A cover letter is what you include with your manuscript and should not be more than one page, if that long. If you have already queried the publisher, you can simply remind them that they requested to read your manuscript and tell them you look forward to their response (and let them know if it is exclusive or multiple). If you did not query first, then your cover letter should be like a query -- with brief information about the project and yourself. Do not include a resume unless it is a non-fiction project and your resume reflects your expertise in the subject you are writing about. In any case, your writing will speak for itself. Most editors will tell you that they can tell if a project interests them by reading the first three sentences. They do not need to be told that your kids, grandkids, students, or dog loved your story, so don't even go there.

Linda Arms White, past Regional Advisor for the Rocky Mountain Chapter, has edited a book on cover and query letters entitled Author To Editor: Query Letter Secrets Of The Pros available through Children's Book Insider. 

Many agents/editors require a brief synopsis. What should this include? Should I give away the ending of my book?
The length of the synopsis will dictate how much of your story you can divulge. With very short synopses (one or two pages), you will probably forego discussion of many secondary characters and subplots. In general, synopses, which should always be written in present tense, should reveal the protagonists goal, motivation, obstacles, and solution. It should be written in a manner that captures the agent’s/editor’s interest and demonstrates your ability to write well. The wrap-up or ending should be revealed. Agents and editors don’t like surprises. An excellent reference is: Writing the Fiction Synopsis: A Step by Step Approach, by Pam McCutcheon.

Should I get someone to illustrate my picture book before I submit it?
Almost always: no. The editor who purchases your picture book manuscript will ultimately choose the illustrator. Publishers have oodles of illustrator samples and it's their job to match your manuscript with the perfect illustrator. They may commission a famous name illustrator to increase the sales potential of a new author's book.
Except in rare circumstances, it is seldom a good idea to collaborate with an illustrator. Submitting a manuscript with sketches or art done by someone other than yourself also puts the publisher in an awkward position. They may love your manuscript and not love the illustrations. Sometimes it's easier to reject the entire package rather than deal with hurt feelings. If the illustrator is your friend or mate, this could cause problems you'd rather not deal with.

Illustrators are better off researching the market and submitting their portfolios for assignments. Don't illustrate it yourself unless you are a professional. There is also no need to describe the illustrations in your submission. If your manuscript doesn't come to life visually without your explaining it, then the writing probably needs work. If the story is intended to be told by the illustrations, then mention that briefly in your cover letter; don't clutter the manuscript with explanations.

Okay, I researched and networked and sent out my manuscript. All I'm getting back, if anything, are form rejections. What's wrong?
Most manuscripts are first reviewed by a reader, who is usually an Assistant Editor. If this editor doesn't see any promise in your manuscript for their publishing needs, s/he itwill return it with a form rejection letter which usually says something along the lines of, "Not right for our list." Don't be discouraged if you've done your homework. Keep sending it. If you get several rejections, see this question.
 
A publisher wants to publish my book, but they want me to pay for some of the expenses.
These are called Vanity Publishers and we recommend avoiding them. Though they might tell you they will put up 50% of the costs, their "costs" can be over-inflated. You are better off publishing the book yourself if you don’t want to pursue the route of getting published by a traditional publisher. You can find excellent resources about how to begin this process, how much it will cost, etc. at the library or bookstore. Two helpful books are The Complete Guide To Self-Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross (Writer's Digest Books) and The Self Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter (Para Publishing). There are also many resources online for self-publishing so you can search for those as well.

An editor wrote that she saw promise in my manuscript but wanted it revised. I think it's perfect the way it is. What should I do?
"Revision is like wrestling with a demon, for almost anyone can write; but only writers know how to rewrite. It is this ability alone that turns the amateur into a professional." -- William Knott

Unless her comments are so far from your vision you can't see how you could possibly rework the manuscript the way she suggests, then take her comments to heart. There are many workshops on manuscript revision offered by SCBWI and other writers organizations. Brainstorm with your critique group. Next to you, they probably know your story better than anyone. Tackle the suggestions and when you’re ready, send the manuscript back to her and remind her that she has read it before.

I sent my manuscript to a publisher and haven't heard a word. Should I call or write? Or will that make them mad and they'll send my work back without reading it?

If you did your homework and only submitted your manuscript to editors who are actively acquiring books such as yours, you should have an idea of how much time the publisher asks to review a manuscript. If they say three months, then by all means after three months have passed, send them a note. Wait another month, and if you don't hear anything, then call. Most editors will contact you if your manuscript is being seriously considered, but not all. The large publishing companies have a lot of hoops an editor must jump through in order to sell your book. These things take time.
 
My manuscript has been making the rounds for a year, and still no sale. What now?

Do not make the common mistake of spending more energy trying to get published than trying to become a good writer. Perhaps it is time to revise again. Hopefully you have been working on new projects and have them out there as well, once they are polished and ready for submission. You have a much better chance of getting published if you prove yourself to be a career writer, not just a flash in the pan. Publishers are more likely to invest in an author who promises to be fresh and prolific. Chances are your newer projects are better than the first! That is what usually happens with time and dedication. You might find that you will first sell your tenth book, then you will go back and revise the previous nine and sell them as well.

Would it help if I got an agent?
Though you don't need an agent to submit to many publishers, many others only accept agented material. However, finding a good agent can be as difficult as finding a publisher. Most will not be interested in you until you have a contract. This is a good time to get an agent, to help you through that process. One way to find a good, reputable agent is to network with other agented authors and see if one will read your manuscript, and if they like it, they might be willing to recommend it to their agent. The best way to do this is to attend conferences and writers' workshops. Another good approach is to pitch to agents at conferences and workshops. If the agent indicates they’d like to see part or all of your manuscript, you can send it, indicating on the envelope that it is “requested material” and the name of the conference where you pitched it. This will keep your submission from going directly to the “slush pile.”

Generally speaking, agents want to represent someone with a good track record, someone they can make money on. Literary agents usually take a 15% commission. (Illustrator's agents take 25%-30%.)
There are many things to consider and research before even contacting an agent. Many successful writers don't use an agent. They use a literary lawyer if necessary. Whether you have an agent or not, it's to your benefit to learn as much as you can about the market, contracts, rights and negotiating. Agents can get your work before editors that don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. This advantage is becoming more and more important.
If you find an interested agent, ask them for references--both writers they represent and publishers they work with. Some agents offer written contracts. Some have more informal arrangements with clients. Ask prospective agents about contracts to know what to expect. Be careful to choose a reputable agent. Agents should be members of AAR (the Association of Artists' Representatives), and should never require up front reading fees to evaluate your manuscript. Beware of agents who solicit through the mail. Also, in choosing an agent, remember that that person works FOR you; he/she should have your best interest at heart. Interview and screen prospective agents as carefully as you would employees of your own business.

The handout "SCBWI Guide to Agents" contains a listing of literary agents specializing in the children's market and much more detailed information. This is available free to members. Check the website to log in and download it or for instructions on receiving it via regular mail.
There are also listings of agents at:

Booktalk: Literary Agents Listing and Topics

Writers Net Literary Agents

Agent Research & Evaluation

And finally: How much money will I make on my first book?

Let's put it this way: Don't quit your day job! Writing for the children's book market is seldom as lucrative as writing for the adult market. Advances and royalties vary among publishers and also for individual books. Books by high profile authors will command higher advances. So will books that the publisher believes will be “big.” Below is a guideline for what you can expect but this is only a guideline; rates vary.

Picture book/early reader. For a 32 page picture book, you can expect between $3000-8000 for an advance as the author. The illustrator will usually receive a much higher advance. You will split the royalties 50/50 with the illustrator, unless you are also the illustrator, in which case, you won’t be sharing!

Middle grade and young adult novels and non fiction. Advances range from $5000-10,000 for a new author, with royalties generally 7-10%. Royalties are usually based on the retail price of the book, however some publishers go by "net price" which is the price of the book after their expenses are figured in, which means, less money.

Read your contract very carefully! In the end, writers write because they love creating stories and making words sing, and they love to see children enjoy the stories and books and poems and articles they have created. These are the true riches that a writer for children will garner. You don't have to be published to achieve this goal.

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