Answers To Your Questions About Children's Book Publishing
"Can I Really Make Money Writing for the Children's Book Publishing Field?" Perhaps the first question that most writers have about children's book publishing is, "Can I really make money doing this?" The answer is -- absolutely! Think of the recent success of the Harry Potter series of books, written by J. K. Rowling. The children's book publishing market is a vast and growing one, and millions and millions of dollars are spent on these books every year. Children's book publishing can be a very lucrative source of income, for the talented and successful writer. "In Order to Be Successful in Children's Book Publishing, Don't I Have To Be an Artist or Illustrator?" One of the most common misunderstandings about children's book publishing is the belief is that the writer of a children's book must also be its artist or illustrator. While some children's book writers also provided the illustrations or drawings in their books (for example, the Dr. Seuss series, written and illustrated by Theodore Giesel), many do not. In fact, most children's book publishing companies will make arrangements to secure the services of artist or illustrator if the writer has no talents in this area. "Where Can I Find out More about Children's Book Publishing Companies?" If you want to find out more about children's book publishing companies, there are several standard sources of information that you can consult: publications such as Publisher's Weekly, the Children's Writers and Artists Yearbook, and other sources can provide you with the necessary contact information about various companies, editors, and even book agents (who will try to get your book published for you). "If I Want to Self-Publish a Children's Book, Where Can I Find an Illustrator?" If you are trying to self-publish a children's book and you are not an artist, you need not despair. You have several options in finding an illustrator: contact a local art school -- search the Internet for online forms for artists and illustrators -- place some online classified advertisements. Even if you are self-publishing, you can still contact the printing or publishing firm you will be using to see if they know of any talented artists or illustrators. Finally, you might also check with other writers who have successfully penetrated the children's book publishing market for recommendations on talented artists. "If I'm Self-Publishing a Children's Book, How Can I Make Sure It Is Marketable?" If you want to make sure that your children's book will not be a publishing failure, you must try to make the book a marketable -- that is, sellable. A very good way to do that would be to contact children's book publishing firms who have published numerous successful children's books. Request their guidelines for submissions -- read this document carefully and learn what it is that they require from their authors. Then try to model your book on their recommendations and requirements. If their books are selling, and you model your book on theirs, then your book stands a good chance of also selling well. |
