I want to write children's books, I would i get them published?

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! Agents like to know that you are a commodity people are willing to spend money on.

If you haven't read them yet, check out these books for help in your writing:

1) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser-- This is an excellent reference for any kind of writing. It will make your emails, essays, stories, and other writing clearer. I recommend this to everyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

2) "Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott-- This is slightly more geared towards fiction writing, but can be helpful when you are attacking ANY large project in your life. Definitely a must for creative writers, students, or people who are looking for an entertaining book on writing.

3) "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. This targets creative writing, and focuses on the practice of writing. I write a lot of poetry and am working on a novel, and this is incredibly motivational to me.

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!

Happy writing!

Answer 2

It's important to know what specific publishers are looking for and the best way to approach them.

Also keep in mind that if a publisher has already put out a book similar to the one you've written they probably won't want to print another that would compete with the first. They are looking for something fresh and new. You can get lists of books printed by publishing houses...submit your work to ones that don't already have a book like yours.

You'll want to learn the common mistakes that most new writers make & how to avoid them. Most importantly, expect some rejection along the way...don't give up because of it. Pay close attention to all feedback you receive about your writing.

Here are some links that provide valuable information:

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/childbook/childbookFULL.html
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/publishbook/publishbookFULL.html
http://adamsmedia.stores.yahoo.net/writing.html
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764537288.html
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-3207.html
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764552570.html

These are all sources that answered many of my own questions about getting published. Hope they prove helpful to you as well...best of luck with your books!

Answer 3

Go to your local bookstore or Amazon.com and buy a book on writing for children. These books list the Publisher's of Children's books and tell you what the requirements are for each Publisher. If you are writing short stories, say for Magazines, you will send in the whole story plus a cover letter giving a bit of an outline of your story and telling what ages it is written for. For novels or longer non-fiction, you will send a letter of inquiry and maybe the first chapter to see if the publisher is interested.

Answer 4

Judging by the way you expressed your question, I'd say you have no chance of getting them published.

Answer 5

Dude--learn to formulate a sentence correctly...at least work on your typing!

Answer 6

Grammar is sort of important. No, grammar is not your nanny!