Embarking on the journey to publish a picture book is an exciting venture. Submitting your manuscript is a crucial step that requires careful preparation. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the industry standards to crafting a compelling submission package.
Before diving in, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the picture book market. Understand the typical word count (around 500 words or less), the importance of illustrations, and the various genres within picture books. Researching recent releases and bestsellers can provide valuable insights.
Preparing Your Manuscript
Your manuscript should be well-crafted, engaging, and age-appropriate. It's crucial to know your target audience and write accordingly. For instance, a picture book for toddlers will have simpler language and concepts than one for school-aged children.
Once you've written your story, revise it thoroughly. Read it aloud to ensure the pacing is right and the text flows well. Consider joining a critique group or working with a professional editor to get feedback.
Formatting Your Manuscript
Picture book manuscripts should be formatted in a specific way to make them easy to read and understand. Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Courier, size 12, with double-spaced lines. Each page should be represented by a new line of text, with a note of any illustrations needed.
Here's an example of how to format a simple two-page spread:
Page 1:
In the heart of the woods,
a tiny hummingbird found a raging fire.
Page 2:
With a determined chirp,
the hummingbird flew to the stream.
Illustration note: Hummingbird fetching water
Crafting a Compelling Title
A strong title can pique an editor's interest and give a sense of what your story is about. It should be catchy, memorable, and relevant to your story. Avoid using all caps or excessive punctuation, as this can make your title look like spam.
For example, "The Tiny Hummingbird and the Big Fire" is a clear, engaging title that tells us the story will feature a hummingbird and a fire. It's also under 60 characters, which is ideal for picture book titles.
Creating a Submission Package
Your submission package should include your manuscript, a cover letter, and sometimes, a synopsis. Each of these elements serves a unique purpose and should be crafted with care.
Start with your manuscript, ensuring it's perfectly formatted and polished. Then, create a cover letter that introduces you and your work, explains why you're submitting to that particular publisher, and briefly describes your manuscript. Finally, if requested, write a synopsis that summarizes your story's plot, characters, and theme.
Finding the Right Publisher
Researching publishers is crucial. You want to find those who accept unsolicited manuscripts and publish picture books similar to yours. Look for publishers that align with your values and aesthetic, as this can increase the likelihood of a successful partnership.
Websites like Manuscript Wish List (MSWL) and Writer's Market can be invaluable resources. They provide detailed information about publishers, including what they're looking for, how to submit, and their response times.
Submitting Your Manuscript
Once you've found the perfect publisher, follow their submission guidelines to the letter. This could mean sending your manuscript via email, snail mail, or using an online submission form. Always include your cover letter and synopsis (if requested) with your manuscript.
Before hitting send or dropping your manuscript in the mail, double-check that you've included all required elements and that your submission is free of typos and errors. This final step can help ensure your submission makes a strong first impression.
After submitting, be patient. Publishing is a slow process, and it can take months to hear back. If you don't receive a response after the publisher's stated response time, it's polite to follow up with a polite query. Keep submitting to other publishers in the meantime to increase your chances of success.