I am interested in writing a series of children's books. Which publishers should i approach?

Question

Also will the publishers have their own illustrators?

I have already writtten the first one.

Answer 1

There are two types of publishing: Tradition and Self-Publishing. You will first need to decide which of these methods you want to pursue. Each has advantages and disadvantages that need to be researched. For instance, traditional publishing can be a very long road, littered with MANY rejections. Self-publishing will guarantee you a printed copy of your book, however you will not see it in a brick-and-mortar bookstore.

http://www.lulu.com is, in my opinion, the best self-publisher around. You can set up your book on their website, for free, and they will print copies as they are purchased. They do not edit your book, so you will need to take care of that on your own. This will also NOT get your book in a traditional bookstore, although you can purchase a very affordable package that would allow sale of your book through online bookstores like Amazon.

I would also NOT go anywhere near PublishAmerica. I have never heard anything good about them. Here is one author's experience with them:
http://www.todays-woman.net/poetry-scams-71.html

"Writer's Market", along with "The Guide to Literary Agents" are my two suggestions for diving into the traditional publishing market. I suggest looking for an agent first because they are the best step through the publishing door. You will create a submission package that matches the agents preferences (some, for instance, just want a query letter and summary in your first contact with them while others want more). Once you find an agent that is willing to represent you, they will market your book to publishers. Remember, in traditional publishing you should not be paying for anything! They get paid when you get paid!

The publishers will want to choose their own illustrators, so you don't have to worry about that factor.

Keep in mind that the children's book market is one of the most competitive out there. You will recieve many rejections on your way to becoming published, but be persistant.

Last piece of advice: check out the website Preditors and Editors. They will help you avoid any scams which will make the road that much smoother:
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

Keep writing the rest of that series!

Answer 2

I would go to the library or book shop and have a look at the sorts of books I wanted to write and just write down the address of the publishers. Publishers almost always have their own illustrators, and knowing the kind of style you like first before approaching them is a big help.
Maybe try Usborne Publishing, Red Fox Books, Penguin.

Good luck with your venture.

Answer 3

Go write your story first before approaching any publisher

Answer 4

publishamerica.com is a self publishing company, I believe. However, if you want to score with a mainstream publisher, you should get an agent first. Andrea Brown Agency is a good one, so I've heard. Their website is www.andreabrownlit.com

Their agents work with specific fields, and a lot of them focus solely on children's literature (fiction and non)

Answer 5

Go to the one that made J K Rowling a fortune.