Publishing a children’s picture book can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process very manageable. As a professional children’s book printing manufacturer, I want to share the exact framework I use to go from initial story idea to published book.
How to Publish a Children’s Picture Book
Know Your Audience
The first step when writing a picture book is identifying your target age range. Most picture books fall into one of these categories:
- Ages 0-3 years: Board books with simple stories, rhymes, and lots of pictures
- Ages 3-5 years: Short stories with colorful illustrations dominating each page
- Ages 5-8 years: Slightly longer stories with a mix of text and detailed artwork
I always start by studying recently published books aimed at my chosen demographic. This helps inspire my own writing and ensures I craft stories and use vocabulary suitable for that age group.
Trying out your story on actual kids in the target range is hugely valuable for getting feedback to improve your manuscript before submitting. Their input on what parts confused them or didn’t hold attention helps refine the plot, pacing, and text.
Create Stellar Writing and Illustrations
The writing and illustrations must shine for a picture book manuscript to get accepted. That means rewriting and revising the text extensively before even considering submissions.
I cannot stress enough the importance of getting critiques from multiple sources during this process. Joining writing groups, using professional editors, and getting reactions from children and parents prevents sending out a manuscript too early.
While illustrations are not usually needed to submit a manuscript, I create rough pencil sketches to help envision the book. This also aids explaining the illustrations needed to accompany the text. However, the publisher generally selects an illustrator if they accept your submission.
Target Publishers Accepting Direct Submissions
Many major publishers only accept submissions from agents, but there are still opportunities for submitting directly to children’s imprints and small presses seeking new authors.
Thorough research on recent books those publishers have released in the same age category helps determine if your manuscript fits their catalog. Follow any detailed submission guidelines provided, but typically a concise query letter introducing you and your book’s description is required along with the full manuscript text.
Be patient after submitting, as wait times for responses average three months but can take six or more. If needed, carefully revise again based on any feedback before resubmitting elsewhere.
Leverage Self-Publishing Strategically
Self-publishing should not be viewed negatively compared to traditional publishing. Many now use a blended strategy where self-publishing offers flexibility combined with submitting to agents and publishers.
For example, self-publishing a first picture book provides a chance to begin connecting with young readers. As your author brand grows, publishers see that traction and become more interested in your next books.
Just be sure to invest in professional editors, illustrators, and designers when self-publishing. This ensures the high quality needed for children’s books to compete and opens more marketing opportunities.
Build Your Author Platform
Whether self-publishing or going the traditional publisher route, authors must marketing their books effectively for success.
Start building your author platform months or years before actually publishing a book. This establishes readers eager for your upcoming book release. Blogging, social media engagement, school visits, and distributing preview book excerpts are proven promotional strategies.
In Summary
Publishing any book requires significant effort, but children’s picture books add unique challenges with condensed text and the visual storytelling element. However, following the step-by-step process I outlined that includes perfecting your manuscript, smart submission choices, using self-publishing tools, and promoting your author brand sets you up to realize the dream of publishing a children’s picture book.
Stay patient through potential rejections, be willing the put in hard work for rewrites, build relationships with publishing professionals, and experiment with all available options to maximize your chances of becoming a published picture book author. The long yet rewarding journey to getting that first book out starts with just a simple story idea!