Berkeley Parents Network: Publishing a Book

Berkeley Parents Network

Publishing a Book

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > The Arts, Entertainment, & Media > Publishing a Book

Getting my writings published
I have an idea for a children's book
How to get a children's book published
Resources dealing with publishing a children's book
Related page: Working in Publishing

Getting my writings published

June 2005

I would like to get some information/advice/tips on getting my writings published. I've never thought of ''writing'' as something I'd be doing seriously but I've been writing essays on parenthood , based on my experiences, that my well-meaning, sincere and true friends say, ''You should get that published!'' I have no training or degrees in journalism or creative writing. I don't have a clue as to the first thing one must do to break into this industry. Writing has always been just something I love to do...but lately, I've been thinking, it would be interesting if I can get paid to do it!! Do I have to have an agent?? Thanks! sahm-writer

Try reading The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner. She's spent her career in publishing. The second section of the book talks about the do's and don't of trying to get published. It's very readable and should give you a feel for where to start. Pam

I missed the original post, but if you're looking to get nonfiction published, I highly recommend Michael Larsen's ''How to Write a Book Proposal''. I used it as a template, followed every bit of advice, and sold my (first and as yet only) proposal quickly to a good publisher. Almost all the publishers who rejected the proposal commented to me on how good the proposal was, and were sorry not to be able to accept it.

FYI, I did it all without an agent. If I were to change one thing, I would have hired an agent to represent me after the initial offer from the publisher. Negotiating a publishing contract without an agent is like going to court without a lawyer. published author

I have an idea for a children's book

April 2004

I have an idea for a children's book that would be a collection of quirky songs/lullabies that mom's (and dad's too) have made up to sing to their children. But I'm not sure how to approach publishing houses. I've published before but short stories/personal essays where I sent completed pieces. Should this also be complete and then submitted or should I query first? And if I query first, how much of the book do I need to have completed, if any? Does it matter if I don't have it illustrated? Do people work through agents or directly with publishing houses for children's books? Thanks for your advice. Confused mommy - Cynthia

Like many parents, now that I have a child (or two) I have some great ideas for children's book. I looked in the resources and there is only one listing form 1999. I would like some more up to date information from those in the know (in the publishing industry, those having previously published a children's book, etc...) How do I start (other than putting pen to paper)? What are the resources? Must I have a prototype done to present or is a rough mock up OK? What about hooking up with an artist? How do you submit the raw idea or finished product? What are the things to watch out for in terms of contracts? This seems like it should be a somewhat easy process but is so daunting if you don't know where to start. Any information or pointers would be greatly appreciated. Suzie

I just wrote an article about this very topic that will be published in the May issue of the Neighborhood Parents Network newsletter. Following is a condensed version of some of the resources I listed that can answer your questions.

Books and web resources:

Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market, published annually by Writer's Digest 
Books, is the bible. Includes a comprehensive listing of children's book publishers - 
how many books they publish a year, types of books for which theyUre looking, 
payment terms, and how to send queries, manuscripts, or illustration portfolios.

The Business of Writing for Children by children's author Aaron Shepard gets 
straight to the point about topics ranging from publishing to the craft of writing.

It's a Bunny-Eat-Bunny World by Olga Litowinsky, former executive editor for 
children's books at Simon & Schuster, is a comprehensive guide to Rsurviving and 
thriving in today's competitive children's book market.S

Web resources on children's writing are available at the following sites:
dmoz.org/Arts/Writers_Resources/Children's_Writing/
dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanities/Literature/Genres/Children_s/Writing/
Writing_for_Children/
childrensbooks.about.com/cs/forwritersartist/.

Organizations:

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (www.scbwi.org) is the 
primary organization serving this market. There are three regional chapters of 
SCBWI in the Bay Area (www.sbcwinorca.org).

Classes and workshops coming up in the next few months:

Children's Picture Book & Early Reader Workshop ($250)
Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.P5 p.m. & Sunday, June 13, 9:30 a.m.P1 p.m., Book 
Passage Bookstore (Corte Madera)
www.bookpassage.com

Of Course You Can Write Children's Picture Books ($45)
Saturday, July 17, 10 a.m.P4 p.m., Piedmont Adult School
www.piedmontadultschool.org

The Magic of Writing for Children ($165 members with $45 membership/$195 non-
members)
May 22PJune 19, 2P4:30 p.m. (5 Saturdays), Writing Salon (San Francisco)
www.writingsalons.com

Picture Book Workshop (focus more on illustration, but covers business aspects) 
($195)
Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m.P5 p.m. , Palo Alto Arts Center
www.brookescudder.com

How to Write A Children's Picture Book ($65 plus $3 materials fee)
June 8 and June 15, 6P9 p.m., City College of San FranciscoQDowntown Campus
www.ccsf.edu/Services/Continuing_Education/othersem/Summer04/

Also - if anyone is interested in getting together for a support group around this topic, please let me know! Lysa

How to get a children's book published

May 2003

I wrote a children's book for my 18 month daughter and used real photographs to illustrate it. Well, one book has turned into a couple different books with the same theme. Family and friends who have seen the homemade books have suggested trying to get them published and sold. Has anyone had any experience with presenting a children's book to a publisher? Do you go to an editor first? I have no idea where to begin and would appreciate any information/experiences. Thank you, Amy

Hi, I have worked for almost 20 years as a book buyer, and would be happy to give you a buyer's perspective on what works and what doesn't. I do have publishing connections as well, and have a good understanding of the industry, and am happy to share what I know. However, as I am not an agent or an editor I will not promise anything beyond my own opinion! Please email me if you are interested in showing me your books. I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can. Tracy

Resources dealing with publishing a children's book

July 1999

I am looking for resources dealing with publishing a children's book. How one goes about it? If a prototype is necessary, and to what degree of finished quality is necessary for the prototype? Where does one go once you are to an almost finished point? Any information or pointers on this issue would be greatly appreciated. Tamara

I recommend the book "Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market," updated yearly. It talks about how to prepare a story for submission, promoting books, contract terms, and lists numerous publishers. Wendy

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.