Of all the different types of literature that can be written, children’s literature is arguably the most rewarding. Whether it’s comical, inspirational, imaginative, or thought-provoking, there is just something so magical about writing a story for children. If done well, your book can help to inspire critical thinking and a lifetime love of reading – and learning – in youngsters, and could potentially even have a hand in shaping future generations.
After dedicating countless hours coming up with a great plot, an engaging and thought-provoking storyline, characters that young readers can connect with, and meaningful message, arranging all of your thoughts into a story, and then painstakingly going back over what you have written with a fine-tooth comb and making corrections, you’re ready for the next step in the journey: publishing!
Just like with every other type of literature, there are three potential ways to publish a children’s book:
- Traditional publishing
- Independent (also often referred to simply as “indie”) publishing
- Self-publishing
As the name suggests, traditional publishing is, well, for lack of a better word, the most traditional option. What is traditional publishing? How do you traditionally publish a children’s book? To find the answers to these questions, keep on reading.
Let’s establish what traditional publishing is first
To traditionally publish a children’s book, you will first need to sign with a literary agent. Once you have signed with an agent, you will then need to submit the manuscript for your children’s book to publishing houses. If the publishing houses are interested in your book, they will offer you a contract. After reviewing the contract with your agent, if you are satisfied with the details, you’ll sign it, and the publishing process will begin.
The publishing house that you sign with will oversee all of the major elements that publishing a children’s book entails, such as:
- Selecting and hiring an illustrator
- Proofreading the manuscript
- Formatting your children’s book manuscript
- Distributing the finished product
- Marketing your children’s book
Additionally, the publishing house will pay you an advance against the royalties of your book before it has even been published. The amount of the advance varies and depends on several factors, such as the publishing house that you signed with, whether or not you are a published author, the content of your book, etc.; however, amounts can start at a few thousand dollars on the low-end to upwards of six-figure checks on the high-end.
Benefits of publishing traditionally
Since the industry determines which authors are “hot” and which are “not”, traditional publishing is often viewed as the most professional and legitimate method for aspiring children’s authors to publish a book. There are several benefits associated with traditional publishing, some of the most notable of which include:
- The support of a literary agent
- A professional publishing team, complete with editors, children’s book proofreaders, formatters, illustrators, and cover designers
- Very little – if any – upfront expenditures
- Cash advances
- Increased visibility and more reach
- Professional marketing
How to get a book deal for your children’s book
In order to traditionally publish your children’s book , understanding how the publishing industry works is essential. The following is an overview of the process, including steps that are involved in traditional publishing:
Edit your manuscript thoroughly
Before submitting the manuscript for your children’s book, you’ll want to make sure that it is as polished as you can possibly get it. While a small typo (using “to” instead of “too”) or a grammatical error (inserting a comma when you should have used a period) might not make-or-break your manuscript, if your children’s book is loaded with errors, the chances that you’ll get rejected are pretty high, no matter how amazing your story may be. That said, both developmental and copyediting should be completed before you send your manuscript out to the publishing house.
Research your market
There are tons of different types of children’s books, and knowing where your book fits in the market is vital if you want to get published. Determine which age group your story is appropriate for and make sure that it meets the interests of that age group. The following is a breakdown of the different children’s literature niche markets:
- Picture books – ages 5 and under
- Early readers – ages 5 to 8
- Chapters books – ages 7 to 9
- Middle grade novels – ages 9 to 12
- Young adult novels – ages 12 to 18
You also need to know what genre and subgenre your children’s book falls under. Is it fantast, mystery, historical fiction, or adventure? If you aren’t sure, head to the library or a bookstore and browse through the shelves, browse the books in each section, and determine which section your manuscript would fit in.
Find an agent
The majority of publishing houses will not accept manuscripts from authors if they are unsolicited; hence why you will need a literary agent to traditionally publish your children’s book. The agent will submit the manuscript to the publishing house on your behalf.
Literary agents have different specializations; for instance, they can represent historical fiction middle grade novels or fantasy young adult novels. There are several online resources where you can find literary agents. Do a quick Google search and you’ll be sure to find several options.
Submit to agents and publishers
Create submission package to send to agents. The package should contain a query letter and a sample of your work, formatted to the agent’s guidelines.
Once you’ve created your packages, send them out to prospective literary agents. The majority of agents do not require exclusive submissions, so you can – and you should – query as many agents as you can. By doing so, you can avoid having to wait a long time to receive a response from a single agent.
While you’re querying agents, you can submit your children’s book manuscript to publishers directly. Check out independent children’s publishers that accept book in your genre. Prior to submitting, however, make sure that you confirm the reputability of the indie publisher.
If you receive an offer from a literary agent or publisher, take the time to carefully review it. Read through all of the details and ask any questions you may have before signing. If you’re satisfied with the offer, sign with the agent or publisher.
Writing a children’s book is a big achievement; publishing a children’s book is an even bigger achievement. The tips outlined above can help to point you in the direction of traditionally publishing your first children’s book.