Introduction
So, you’ve written a children’s book — congratulations! 🎉 That’s an amazing accomplishment. But now comes the big question every aspiring author eventually faces: how do you submit a children’s book manuscript to a publisher?
Whether you’ve created a whimsical picture book, an adventurous middle grade novel, or a thought-provoking young adult (YA) story, understanding the publishing process is the key to transforming your manuscript into a published book.
Submitting isn’t as simple as attaching a file and pressing “send.” You’ll need to learn how to:
- Polish your children’s book manuscript until it’s ready for professional review.
- Research children’s book publishers and understand who accepts unsolicited submissions.
- Write a strong query letter that captures attention.
- Decide whether to submit directly to publishers or query literary agents.
- Explore self-publishing and hybrid publishing options if traditional publishing isn’t the right path.
This detailed guide will walk you through every stage of the process with examples, tips, and real publisher names so you can approach submissions with confidence.
Step 1: Polish Your Children’s Book Manuscript
Before sending your manuscript anywhere, it needs to be in final, polished condition. Unlike non-fiction proposals (where you can sometimes pitch an idea first), children’s book publishers almost always expect a complete manuscript upfront.
Editing Checklist:
- Read aloud – Rhythm and flow matter in children’s books. Reading aloud will help you catch clunky phrasing.
- Check word count – Picture books usually range from 500–1,000 words, middle grade books from 20,000–50,000 words, and YA novels can go up to 90,000 words.
- Consistency – Make sure characters, tense, and voice stay consistent throughout.
- Feedback – Join a critique group or share your draft with educators, parents, or librarians.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re submitting a picture book, you do not need to provide illustrations unless you are a professional illustrator yourself. Publishers prefer to match manuscripts with illustrators from their own networks.
Step 2: Research Children’s Book Publishers
Not all publishers are the same. Some specialize in picture books, others in middle grade, and some only work through agents. Finding the right publisher for your manuscript increases your chances of acceptance.
The Big Five Publishers (Agent Required)
- Penguin Random House
- HarperCollins
- Simon & Schuster
- Hachette Book Group
- Macmillan
These major publishers typically do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. To reach them, you’ll need a literary agent.
Mid-Size and Independent Publishers (Sometimes Accept Unsolicited)
- Scholastic (occasionally open calls)
- Candlewick Press
- Charlesbridge
- Lerner Publishing Group
Small Presses That Accept Unagented Submissions
Many independent children’s book publishers accept manuscripts directly from authors. Examples include:
- Albert Whitman & Company – Known for The Boxcar Children.
- Peachtree Publishing – Focus on children’s fiction and nonfiction.
- Tilbury House Publishers – Social and cultural themes.
- Lee & Low Books – Specialize in diverse and multicultural stories.
- Kane Miller (via Usborne Books) – International children’s titles.
🔎 Where to find publishers:
- Directories like Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market.
- SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).
- Publisher websites’ “Submission Guidelines” page.
Step 3: Follow Submission Guidelines Carefully
Every publisher has its own submission requirements. Ignoring them is one of the fastest ways to get rejected.
Typical Submission Requirements:
- Picture books – Query letter + full manuscript.
- Middle grade / YA – Query letter + first 10–20 pages + synopsis.
- File format – Word (.docx) or PDF, double-spaced, 12-point font.
- Submission method – Some use email, others use online portals.
📌 Always read and follow the instructions on each publisher’s website. If they say “send only the first three chapters,” don’t send the whole book.
Step 4: Write a Query Letter for Your Children’s Book (With Example)
Your query letter is your first impression. Think of it as a professional pitch.
Structure of a Query Letter
- Greeting – Address the editor or agent by name.
- Hook – A short, intriguing pitch about your story.
- Summary – A brief overview of the book’s plot and characters.
- Target audience – Specify age range and genre.
- Author bio – Include relevant background or experience.
- Closing – Thank them for their time and include your contact info.
Sample Query Letter
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am excited to submit my 750-word picture book manuscript, The Midnight Library Cat, written for readers ages 4–8. The story follows Luna, a curious cat who sneaks into the town library at night to help books find the perfect readers.
Fans of Library Lion and The Day the Crayons Quit will enjoy this whimsical, heartwarming tale about the magic of reading.
As a former librarian, I have shared thousands of picture books with children and understand how pacing, rhythm, and voice capture young listeners.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be happy to send the full manuscript upon request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Step 5: Decide Between Literary Agents vs. Direct Submission
Should you query a literary agent or submit directly to a publisher? The answer depends on your goals.
Why Choose a Literary Agent?
- Many major publishers only accept agented submissions.
- Agents know editors and can pitch directly.
- They help negotiate contracts, advances, and royalties.
Why Submit Directly?
- Smaller publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts.
- More direct control of your submissions.
- Good option for first-time authors testing the waters.
✅ Strategy: Do both — query agents while also sending to select publishers that accept unagented submissions.
Step 6: Submitting Your Manuscript
Once you’ve polished your manuscript and query letter, it’s time to send.
Submission Package Checklist
- Query letter.
- Full manuscript (for picture books).
- First 10–20 pages (for novels).
- Synopsis (if requested).
- Cover letter (sometimes required).
Tracking Submissions
- Use a spreadsheet to track submissions, dates, and responses.
- Note publishers’ response times (some reply in weeks, others in months).
Step 7: Handling Rejections
Rejections are normal — even bestselling children’s authors like J.K. Rowling and Dr. Seuss faced many before breaking through.
How to Handle Rejections
- Form rejection: Don’t be discouraged. Keep submitting.
- Personalized rejection: Take it as a positive sign — your manuscript was read carefully.
- Revise if needed: If feedback repeats, consider revising.
Persistence is the real secret to publishing success.
Step 8: Alternative Publishing Paths
If traditional publishing feels limiting, there are other options.
Self-Publishing Children’s Books
- Platforms: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press.
- Pros: Full creative control, higher royalties.
- Cons: You handle editing, illustration, marketing, and distribution.
Hybrid Publishing
- A mix between traditional and self-publishing.
- Authors may share costs with publishers.
- Research carefully — avoid vanity presses.
Writing Contests
Contests can provide visibility and sometimes publishing contracts. Check out:
- SCBWI Work-in-Progress Awards.
- Greenhouse Funny Prize (for humorous children’s books).
- Diverse Voices Book Prize.
Step 9: Do’s and Don’ts of Submitting a Children’s Book
✅ Do:
- Follow submission guidelines exactly.
- Keep your query letter under one page.
- Proofread everything before sending.
- Submit to multiple publishers unless prohibited.
❌ Don’t:
- Send illustrations unless you’re an illustrator.
- Submit unfinished drafts.
- Mass-email every publisher with the same generic letter.
- Get discouraged after a few rejections.
FAQs
Do I need an illustrator to submit a children’s book?
No. Publishers prefer to select illustrators themselves. Only include art if you are a professional illustrator.
Can I submit to multiple publishers at the same time?
Yes, unless the publisher specifies “no simultaneous submissions.”
How long should a children’s book manuscript be?
- Picture books: 500–1,000 words.
- Middle grade: 20,000–50,000 words.
- YA: 50,000–90,000 words.
How long does it take to hear back from a publisher?
It can take anywhere from 1–6 months. Some publishers never respond unless they are interested.
Should I copyright my book before submitting?
Your manuscript is automatically copyrighted when written, but registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office provides stronger legal protection.
Conclusion
Submitting a children’s book manuscript is an exciting — and sometimes nerve-wracking — journey. By polishing your manuscript, researching the right publishers, writing a strong query letter, and following submission guidelines, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of success.
Remember, even the most beloved children’s authors were rejected many times before finding the right home for their stories. Whether you choose to query agents, submit directly to publishers, or self-publish, the important thing is to keep going.
Your story deserves to be told — and with persistence, it can reach the children who need it most.
