The blog will update sporadically, if at all, in the next week. I'm going to be in Mission Viejo visiting my family all the way down in So Cal. It's been a while and honestly I am looking forward to the warmer weather and seeing my friends and family again. It's been almost three years.
Also, I'm putting this out to you, the readers. A request for help. I'm working on a small children's book proposal for, get this, a Christmas book for next year. I figure a year is just enough lead time. Anyone know anyone I should get into contact with or know what avenue or publisher I should pursue once the proposal is finished? Would appreciate any help!
I studied illustration in school, and children's books were my main interest. I kind of gave up on that field to pursue baking, but hopefully my education can help a little here.
ReplyDeleteWhen approaching a publisher, it is helpful to have an illustrator with a few examples of how you thought the book would look, but never never bring a publisher a fully illustrated book. They want a lot of control over how the book will look, so they are not inclined to take a finished product. You can also approach a publisher without an illustrator already on board, but it means more work for them.
http://www.childrensillustrators.com/links.cgi/publishers
The link is for a list of publishers. It takes some hunting, but most of them will tell you what kind of submissions they take. Most of the larger ones will not take a book if you don't have an agent.
And, I haven't had coffee yet, so I'm sure there is more valuable information in my brain that just isn't coming to the forefront. Let me know if you have any questions.
Oh, and you might want to check out the society of children's book writers and illustrators. http://www.scbwi.org/about.htm
Garrett - I have a neighbor who wrote children's books. Call me when you're back and I'll put you in touch with here. - Dennis
ReplyDeleteThis lady (Joceyln) is on Yelp and works in publishing. Perhaps she can help or steer you to the right person?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bigtomatopress.com/pages/btp-staff.html#jocelyn
I know a couple of ways. Are you writing a fiction book or do you have something larger in mind, like a set of books with advertising tie-ins and what not? For a straight up book you would write, edit, and query either an editor or agent.
ReplyDeleteI'm a freelance editor and I subscribe to a handful of publishing blogs, some of which might be helpful for you. When you get back from the holidays, I'd be happy to send you a list.
ReplyDeleteWarm weather? Yeah think again...it has been pretty cold down here and rainy
ReplyDeleteGarrett,
ReplyDeleteI love your writing... good luck with the children's book. I don't have any advice to offer, just well wishes.
Have a great time in So.Cal. I'm also in So.Cal. for the holidays, but I'm afraid that it may not be as warm as you expect... Its been cold and rainy since we arrived yesterday! Anyway, happy holidays!!
Check out Buried in the Slush Pile's blog - she works at a small publisher of children's literature.
ReplyDeletehttp://cbaybooks.blogspot.com/