How do I get a childrens book published at minimum expense?

Answer 1

You will want to get a literary agent. Most publishing houses won't read unsolicited manuscripts unless they come from a reputable agent. Not only that, but an agent will negotiate the terms of your contract for you so that you can keep as many of your rights to the book as possible.

I really like the current issue of the "Guide to Literary Agents". It is from the folks at Writer's Market, who do an excellent job is creating resources for authors to start their research of agents. I'd also recommend their book "Formatting & Submitting your Manuscript".

As for finding out if they're reliable, and excellent resource is the website Preditors and Editors-- they are a good jumping off point to start your quest!
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

If you have written any poetry or short stories, you should try submitting them to journals or magazines that are appropriate (Writer's Market can help you find some). It helps if you have proven that your writing can sell!

When it comes to money, you should NOT be paying to have your book published. This is a commodity that you are selling, and be wary of anyone that wants money up front. The kinds of "publishers" that charge you to print your work are called vanity presses and it will not get your book into bookstores. These can be useful if you only want a few copies for friends and family, but that doesn't sound like what you want. Places like iUniverse, Lulu, and PublishAmerica all fall in this category. Beware! Agents should NOT be charging up front either, they get paid when YOU get paid.

Do your homework, and find out exactly what they want in a submission package or a query letter. Then submit over and over until you finally find an agent who accepts you. You will face a lot of rejection, but keep going!

Answer 2

Contact Morris Publishing, Kearney KS.

Answer 3

Ask for advice at a local book shop (not part of a chain of shops). They might be able to inform you about local publishers and may even be willing to stock the first few copies of your book. I used to live in Cumbria and the Bluebell Bookshop in Penrith was always plugging a local author's work.