I am ready to start writing and illustrating children's stories that I intend to try to get published, but I want to know what format publishing companies want or prefer. For example, should I type up the story in a word processing program and have the pictures separate? Should I do them on the same paper or have them separate, but matched so they line up right myself or do they prefer to do all the layout? I would also appreciate any advice from experienced writers, early childhood educators, or anyone who works in publishing.
2006-09-21 07:37:24 · 4 answers · asked by christina_m_taft 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
If you are merely a writer, there is an industry standard manuscript format that can be found in books such as "The Childrens Writers' and Illustrator's Market." Essentially, it's a manuscript page, 8.5" by 11" with 1.25" margins, in Courier New (preferred) or some other serif font, with standard paragraph and chapter breaks.
If you're also an illustrator, any pictures you'd want to put in, a reference (such as, "Illustration 1 goes here") would be put into brackets in the text. The corresponding illustrations would accompany the manuscript.
Keep in mind that publishers often want to have control of what illustrations go with the story, so you should ALWAYS make it known that you have no problem having someone else illustrate your story. Unless you DO have a problem, and then your illustrations better be spectacular and perfect for the story. In theory, a good editor will see the quality and know that your book will sell. But that's not guaranteed.
2006-09-21 12:45:27 · answer #1 · answered by Brighon Nemo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is a writer's market specifically geared to Children's literature. I also know that some publishers don't want you to bring artwork with you, as they like to find their own illustrators.
Here is a great site you might want to check into if you haven't already: http://www.write4kids.com/
2006-09-21 14:41:08 · answer #2 · answered by jennybeanses 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They dont want to see any format. They dont want your manuscript. You need to make a proposal and get a literary agent. Let the agent get your book sold, any other way is doomed to fail
2006-09-21 14:40:40 · answer #3 · answered by admiralgill 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
by crying
2006-09-21 14:38:38 · answer #4 · answered by dOnNa 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋