Christine Evans

There are two routes to take if you're interested in publishing a children's book: self-publishing or traditional publishing.

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Self-publishing means you publish the book yourself by hiring an illustrator (unless you create your own art), hiring an editor, and then signing up with a company who you pay to print your books. I don't have any experience of self publishing but this substack from Darcy Pattison is extensive. 

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​All of my books are traditionally published. Traditional publishing includes major publishers like Penguin Random House as well as smaller publishers such as The Innovation Press (they published Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist).

 

With traditional publishing industry all of the costs and distribution, and some marketing, is handled for you. However it is quite difficult to break into. I have an agent who submits to publishers on my behalf and handles contract negotiations etc. Most agents require you to have 3-5 polished picture book manuscripts before querying them (this is not the case for novels).  

 

I highly recommend before you start on this journey that you READ a lot of books. If you want to read picture books, go to the library or a bookstore and study a massive pile of books. I also recommend joining a children's book writing course. Some suggested courses are below. ​

 

Writing Classes

UCLA Extension

The Writing Barn

Making Picture Book Magic​

 

Kidlit Groups

SCBWI

12x12 picture book community 

Inked Voices

Kidlit411 on Facebook

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Books

Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron

 

Other Resources

Kidlit Survival Guide and especially this post

Author Josh Funk – resources for writers

Debbie Ridpath Ohi FAQ > Getting Into The Business

Publishers Weekly

Publishers Marketplace

MSWL

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