Embarking on the journey to publish a children's book can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With numerous publishing options available, it's essential to understand where and how to submit your manuscript for the best chance of success. This guide will walk you through various publishing paths, helping you make an informed decision about where to submit your children's book.
Before diving into submission platforms, it's crucial to ensure your manuscript is polished and ready. This includes editing for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as refining your story's plot, characters, and illustrations. Once you're confident in your work, it's time to explore the publishing landscape.
Traditional Publishing Houses
Submitting your children's book to traditional publishing houses can provide credibility, professional editing, and wider distribution. However, the process can be lengthy, and acceptance rates are often low. Here are some renowned publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts:
Scholastic - Known for popular series like Harry Potter and Captain Underpants, Scholastic publishes both fiction and non-fiction books for children and young adults. They accept unsolicited manuscripts via their website.
HarperCollins Children's Books
HarperCollins is one of the world's largest publishing companies, with an impressive roster of children's authors. They accept unsolicited submissions through their online portal, Manuscript Central.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - An imprint of Simon & Schuster, this division publishes picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, and young adult fiction. They accept unsolicited manuscripts via email.
Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House is the world's largest trade book publisher, with numerous imprints dedicated to children's literature. They accept unsolicited submissions through their online portal, Submittable.
Independent (Indie) Publishers
Independent publishers offer more flexibility and faster turnaround times than traditional houses. They often provide opportunities for greater author involvement in the publishing process. Here are a few indie publishers that accept children's book submissions:
Beaming Books - An independent publisher focusing on picture books, early readers, and middle-grade novels. They accept unsolicited manuscripts via email.
Albert Whitman & Company
Founded in 1919, Albert Whitman & Company publishes picture books, chapter books, and novels for children and young adults. They accept unsolicited manuscripts through their online submission form.
Candlewick Press - An independent publisher with a strong commitment to children's literature, Candlewick Press accepts unsolicited manuscripts via email.
Chronicle Books
Chronicle Books publishes a wide range of children's titles, from board books to young adult novels. They accept unsolicited submissions through their online portal, Submittable.
Self-Publishing Platforms
Self-publishing allows authors to maintain creative control, earn higher royalties, and enjoy faster publication timelines. Here are some popular self-publishing platforms for children's books:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) - KDP enables authors to publish and distribute their books globally in both print and digital formats. They offer a 70% royalty rate for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that provides global distribution to over 39,000 libraries, schools, and retailers. They offer a 45% royalty rate for print books and 60% for ebooks.
Blurb - Blurb specializes in self-publishing high-quality, full-color books. They offer a range of printing options and accept children's picture books, activity books, and more.
Lulu
Lulu is a self-publishing platform that offers print-on-demand and ebook distribution. They provide a 80% royalty rate for print books and 90% for ebooks, with no upfront costs or fees.
Before submitting your children's book, thoroughly research each publisher or platform to ensure they're the right fit for your manuscript. Carefully follow their submission guidelines, and be prepared to wait patiently for a response. With persistence and a well-crafted story, you'll increase your chances of finding the perfect publishing home for your children's book.