Short Answers to the Three Questions I Hear the Most
1. Can you tell me how to get my book published?
I really wish I could, but I don't know any great secret path to publication. If I did, my list of published titles would be much longer.
I can give you a few hints:
- Do your research. Your public library will have, or can get for you, books on manuscript format, market guides, etc. For a great reading list, visit the Children's Writer Resource List.
- Son of Do Your Research. Make friends with your local children's librarians. Look at the newest books being published for your target age group. Reading about children's literature is great, but you really have to read the literature itself to keep up with what is going on today.
- The Return of Do Your Research. While looking at new books, pay attention to the publishers. See who is publishing what sort of book. Get submission guidelines. Don't waste both your time and theirs by submitting something in a field or for an age group that particular publisher doesn't handle.
- Don't Write Down to Children. Remember, they are short and young, not stupid.
- Don't Moralize. The only thing you owe your reader is a good story. If children are read enough good stories, they develop a love of language and reading that lasts their entire lives. What better lesson could you give than that?
I am including a few links of interest to children's writers. You can find more information there. But don't forget to read the real thing!
2. I've written a picture book. How do I find an illustrator?
You don't. If your text is accepted, your publisher will find an illustrator. I didn't ask Nancy Winslow Parker, Nancy Tafuri, or Donald Crews to illustrate my books (Do you really think I would have had the nerve?). My publisher did. And I am so pleased.
3. Do you do school visits?
Sometimes. Email me for details.
Links
(These links are repeated on the Links page, so you don't have to leave now...unless
you want to.)
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