Monday 15 July 2013

Answering The Question Of How Do I Get A Childrens Book Published

By Carmella Watts


If you have a completed manuscript, you may well ask, "How do I get a childrens book published?" It is quite an accomplishment to just get the manuscript written. Now, you most likely want it to get in print, either because you want the compensation available, or you just want to see it in print. You also want to share your message with those for which it is intended. To do this, you need to get it in print.

You can get published by a couple of different avenues. One way is the traditional publisher where you submit your manuscript and they pay and advance and publish and promote it for you. You can submit it yourself, or maybe obtain an agent to submit for you. If you do use an agent, be prepared to pay a percentage of your earnings. You may prefer this, however, to get the extra plus of having someone do it all for you. In addition, the agent may be able to negotiate a better deal.

You can also publish by doing it yourself. There is more than one way to do this. One is to pay a vanity press to complete the printing. You will then have to promote for yourself. Print-on-demand (POD) is a publisher that accepts your manuscript for free, then you pay when you, or someone else, orders a copy. They are printed as needed. It is a good idea to keep a few copies on hand, however. You might do the entire printing and binding yourself, but that is a skill not everyone has.

It is vital to get your manuscript in perfect shape before submission to an agent to publisher, and even before self-publishing. Your reader will quickly catch mistakes you miss, and this will affect your credibility. It can even be embarrassing when readers point out errors.

It is not always easy to find potential publishers. Being part of a network can help you stay on top of things. This can be a writers group, either one that has similar interests or just a general critique group. Both you and they can share any contact information available. A plus with the critique group is the fact that you have a convenient source for critiquing your manuscript.

Joining a professional organization such as the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is a good idea. It makes a good reference on the cover letter, plus it shows you are serious about your writing. Editors like to work with someone who takes it seriously.

Attending writing conferences are another way to further your career. Not only will you get lots of good instruction and practice, you will be staying abreast of the latest in the industry. Most conferences have the provision to meet with editors to pitch your work. Take advantage of these opportunities every time you can.

Writing is only part of the equation. In order for your message to be read by your intended audience, you will need it to be printed. You will want to have the answers to the question, "How do I get a childrens book published?" You will get a small amount of compensation and will have the pleasure of seeing your work in bound form.




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