How do I get my children’s book published?

Help! I just finished a children’s fairy tale and tried to find a publisher to send it to, but there are so many that I’m so confused. Any editors or experts out there who know how I go about sending my manuscript, which publishing companies to send it to, and increase my chances of getting it published?

The first thing I would suggest you do is join a writing or critique group. That will give you the support of other writers and help you learn what you need to know. Yahoo Groups has some excellent ones. I am the owner of such a group. We are full at this time but there are many others to choose from. I suggest you try to find a smaller group. With huge groups, sometimes your questions and concerns fall through the cracks.

You can do great research online at places like Preditors and Editors, or many sites for children’s writers. You should read and note the publishers of children’s books at your local library or bookstore. Then you can research the ones who publish books similar to yours.

Once you have decided on a few publishers, check their websites or write to them requesting their submission guidelines. This is extremely important. Each publisher will have different guidelines, and you must follow them exactly. Failing to do everything they say will get your manuscript rejected before it is even read. You also must watch for the term “unsolicited manuscript” which means a submission from an author instead of an agent. Some publishers will only accept manuscripts from agents, and it would waste your time to submit to them.

If there is anything in the guidelines that you don’t understand, or if you have a question that isn’t covered in the guidelines, write or email the publisher and ask. They would rather answer your questions then have to reject your manuscript because you didn’t follow the guidelines.

You have embarked on a great journey. It will be long and you will receive many rejections, but it will be worth it in the end.

From a fellow children’s author.

Fairy Dream Forest – Care for Children – Ilse DeLange – Ride the wind

Jessie Steele Cupcakes Apron $25.50 Heirloom quality Designer Hostess Apron constructed from a fine Cotton. Ties at neck and waist for easy adjusting. Contrast Bias-trimmed at edges. Two round-edged waist pockets adorned with flat bows gives this apron a dressed-up feel that makes it appropriate for not just cooking, but for any occasion! Coordinates with the Cherry Cupcakes Pot Mitt (sold separately)….

Fox Run Fairy Tale Cookie Cutter Set $5.99 This is a set of 6 tinplated cookie cutters in the shapes of CASTLE, PRINCE FROG, CROWN, MAGIC SHOE, WAND, WIZARD HAT, all of which are 3 inches long. Great also for brownies and finger sandwiches….

Crocodile creek On the Go Lunch Box School lunches can now be more fun than ever with this beautifully-designed, high-quality lunch box. Lunch box is 10`w x 7.5`h x 3`d. We have given special attention to make certain that the lunchboxes currently offered by Crocodile Creek do conform to or exceed U.S. and European safety standards….

Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs $6.85 Rapunzel is one of the most iconic new Disney Princess characters in over 10 years. This fall 2011 she will be officially welcomed into the Disney Princess family. To celebrate Walt Disney Records will be releasing an iconic compilation of songs, which focus on key “glowing” story moments from classic Disney Princess films that showcase the “Glow from within” of our Princesses – their positive att…

Hans Christian Andersen’s Thumbelina $3.71 THUMBELINA – DVD Movie…

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Flower Fairy Kids’ 3-piece Table and Chair Set $128.99 Flower Fairy matching table and chairs are perfectly sized for kidsChildren’s furniture is beautifully handcrafted and hand-paintedTable top features rounded removable center panel with storage cloth bag below

Tinker Bell (DVD) $19.79 Description not available.

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Greek Myths for Young Children (Paperback) $8.9 Eight well-known Greek myths, presented in bright, colorful comics with decorative detail.

Fairies $11.93 Fairies