How do you write a manuscript for a children's book?

Question

I am an author of many children's stories. I have finally mustered up the courage to get one published, but need help getting started. Can anyone offer some detailed advice?

Answer 1

Okay, I'll give this to you very simply ... I take it that you have the 'story' already written or 'in your head' and you merely want to know how to put it into 'manuscript submission' form.

On your computer (or typewriter) at the top left, you want your 'personal information' ... and that means that you put your 'real name' (the one they'll make the checks out to), address, phone number, and COPYRIGHT (year only). You do NOT have to have a 'submission copyright' from the government, just the word 'copyright' and the year, because some publishers will want to know WHEN the story was 'written' and when it was 'put up for publication.' Some publishers (especially magazines) want to 'buy' the copyright, but if you don't have a copyright on the submission, they'll just put their own on and WILL NOT PAY YOU FOR THAT RIGHT.

If this is meant to be a 'short story' then you go down the page to the line 1/3 of the way from the 'top edge' of the paper and put the title ... center it, and USE CAPITALS.
If it's meant to be a 'book' then go down to 1/2 way, then 'space up' two lines and write the title there (also caps) ... then go down TWO lines, write 'by' in the center, and go down two more lines, and write your name or pen name as you want to see it printed ...
If this is a short story, you'll want to 'start the story' 6 lines after the title. If it's a book, you'll use the 'first page' as your 'title page' and start the story itself 1/3 down on the 'second page.
ALWAYS put 'page numbers' on EVERY PAGE, except the 'title page' of a book manuscript. Always write on ONE SIDE of each sheet of paper. Always use 'black' ink and Times New Roman or Courier in 12 font size, with ONE INCH margin on ALL SIDES of the paper, and DOUBLE SPACE the lines.
On the last page, when you are 'done with the story' you need to go down 4 lines and center the number '30' (with the single quotations, as I did here) ... that means the 'story is ended' to anyone who knows publishing. BE SURE that the '30' is there AND the 'page number.'
Now ... BEFORE you print, you need to BE SURE that your NAME AND INFO is at the top left corner of EVERY PAGE, and that on the 'first page' or 'title page' in the top right corner you have the 'word count/page count.' PUT BOTH IN, because some publishers use one, some use both, but it varies.
When you are 'mailing it' in for submission, you'll also need to 'add' some EXTREMELY IMPORTANT things ... put in a 'business sized' (#10) STAMPED, self addressed envelope', a 'query letter' addressed to a PARTICULAR editor or 'department', and an envelope that is also 'stamped and self addressed' that is LARGE ENOUGH for the 'whole manuscript' to be sent back to you.

ALWAYS keep at least ONE GOOD COPY of your 'story' printed out, as well as 'in the computer file' ... and you'll need to 'separate those' from the area around the computer (a safety deposit box in a bank is 'best' but you may 'entrust' it to a relative who lives in ANOTHER neighborhood, in case of 'natural disaster').

If you are 'good' at this story writing, you'll have 'tons' of 'manuscripts' in 'storage' and you should be able to 'grab a 'script and mail it out in a hurry once you get 'used to' this 'format.' Although most editors and publishers have computers, all of the 'good' publishers REQUIRE a 'hard copy' for reading, and you can't just 'send them a link' or a 'disk' with the story on it, because there are FAR TOO MANY different types of 'software' to read them with, and the publishers don't want to 'spend the money' to buy all of those, and they may 'farm the 'script out' to a 'reader' in another place to see if it will 'fit' what they are publishing.
I suggest you get the LATEST copy of 'Writer's Yearbook, which has both 'hints' and the 'most current' lists of publishers, what they print, and any 'submission standards' they require.

GOOD LUCK! If you can't sell the first story, don't feel too badly, because most writers accrue a 'large file' of 'rejection slips' before they get the letter that says 'we want to buy what YOU wrote.' So ... keep writing, keep submitting, and just stuff those rejections into a file (or use them to wallpaper a room), because if you do that, you WILL get 'published' someday.

Answer 2

Get the "Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market". Amazon list this for about $20.
Also, there are lots of books on the craft of writing for publication...many that specialize in children's books, too.

Like any kind of writing, you'll need to have it polished to perfection before showing it to a publisher or agent.
Don't believe the people who say that it's the publisher's job to do the editing.
It will help you a lot to find a writer's group that is right for you. You may need to check many...they're not all the same.

Best Wishes,
James

Answer 3

Your question is misleading. If you have written many children's stories in the past then you have already created those manuscripts.

The question in your narrative better suits your request. Consult the current edition of Writer's Market that is available in your local library or book store. Then turn to the children's department, find a literary agent that will accept your genre, and, following their submission guidelines exactly, submit your query letter or portions of your manuscript.

Answer 4

If you wish to support your son or daughter understand to see effectively, not with TV and films, pc programs and applications, as well as the school system is the answer, this program, Children Learning Reading, from here https://tr.im/BrlFq is.
For a kid to successfully understand and master reading abilities they need consistent attention from or equally parents. With this specific at heart, however, the instructions are held short from 5 to fifteen minutes a day.
With Children Learning Reading system you will also build and boost your connection with your child not just how to see effectively.

Answer 5

Writing it typing on the keyboard of your computer or the good old typewriter.

Answer 6

I would find a literary agent to promote your work
Try www.writers.net/agents

Answer 7

try writersdigest.com, has a bunch of basic information for beginners

Answer 8

contact a publishing agent....

Answer 9

http://www.newnovelist.com/articles/child_book_writing.htm

Answer 10

keep trying!!