I’m Ready to Publish
Ready to Publish? Choose Your Path.
How to Publish a Children's Book
If you’re ready to publish a children’s book, the first step is understanding the different publishing paths available to you. Whether you want to pursue traditional publishing, self-publish your work, write nonfiction, or break into children’s magazines, this guide will help you choose the right next step without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Revise and polish your manuscript
Before submitting to publishers or agents, make sure your manuscript is fully revised. Professional critique and editorial feedback can dramatically improve your chances of acceptance. Our revision workshops & tools are right here.
2. Research publishers and agents
Many children's book publishers only accept submissions through literary agents. Study publisher catalogs and submission guidelines to identify companies looking for books like yours. Children's Book Insider is your source for publishers and agents looking for manuscripts.
3. Prepare submission materials
You'll usually need a query letter, synopsis, and properly formatted manuscript pages. These materials introduce your book to editors and agents. Any of the tools listed below will help you get your submission just right.
4. Submit your manuscript
Follow each publisher's or agent's submission instructions exactly. Keep records of where and when you submit.
5. Consider professional guidance
Many writers improve their chances by investing in workshops, critiques, or publishing guidance programs before submitting.
Most Writers Get Stuck at the Publishing Stage — and That’s Normal
Many children’s writers finish a manuscript only to realize they’re suddenly facing a completely new challenge: figuring out what happens next.
Should you submit to publishers? Query agents? Self-publish? Build a platform first? Revise again?
The good news is that publishing doesn’t have to feel mysterious or overwhelming. Once you understand the path that fits your goals, the next steps become much clearer.
That’s exactly what the guides below are designed to help you do.
Now that we’ve revisited the basics, it’s time to choose your path!
Is your manuscript polished and ready to go?
The next step is choosing the right publishing route. Select the path that matches your goal and we’ll show you exactly the right tool:
Fiction:
Traditional Publishing
Learn everything you need to submit your work to publishers and agents – the right way!
Fiction & Nonfiction:
Self-Publishing
Self-publish your work with step-by-step instructions from an experienced book shepherd.
Nonfiction:
Traditional Publishing
Looking for a wise mentor to help guide you to success as a nonfiction author? You just found him!
Nonfiction & Fiction:
Magazine Writing
Travel, educate and share your passions as a freelance magazine writer. Here’s how to make it happen, step-by-step.
Choose the path that fits your vision — and take a big step toward seeing your work in print.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Every publishing path has its own rules, expectations, and challenges. Sometimes the fastest way forward is learning from professionals who’ve already helped thousands of writers navigate the process successfully.
Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing, self-publishing, or magazine writing, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Need more help?
If there’s something specific that’s keeping you stuck, we’ve got on-demand workshops and Blueprints from some of children’s writing’s biggest names to help get you on track and moving toward your goal.
Every aspect of the writing, editing and publishing process is covered, all at extremely affordable prices.
You can also explore our famous Writing Blueprints, easy to follow step-by-step guides to writing a fabulous picture book, easy reader, chapter book and middle grade/young adult novel.
We also have Blueprints to help you self-publish or begin a career as a freelance magazine writer.
And you get lifetime access to everything we offer!
