| While the submission process may feel like second | | | | out with the same basic information as the cover |
| nature to experienced writers, it's easy to forget | | | | letter above, but also includes a brief synopsis of the |
| that newcomers aren't aware of the specific | | | | plot. Try to write the query in the same style as the |
| procedures. And since everyone can benefit from a | | | | manuscript, and include information on the main |
| refresher course now and then, here's a rundown of | | | | characters, the conflict and the resolution of the plot. |
| the steps: First, collect addresses of appropriate | | | | Add your publishing experience, and tell the editor |
| publishers by perusing market guides like Children's | | | | you can send the entire manuscript if she's |
| Writer's & Illustrator's Market , industry newsletters | | | | interested. Ideally, the entire query letter will fit on |
| such as Children's Book Insider, and looking through | | | | one page. Send with the first two chapters of the |
| similar books at the store or library. Then send a | | | | manuscript and a SASE. For longer nonfiction, a book |
| self-addressed, stamped envelope to the publisher | | | | proposal is generally requested. This gives a brief |
| asking for writer's guidelines (you can start this | | | | overview of the book (one or two paragraphs |
| process while you're still writing your book as it may | | | | describing the tone and slant of the information), and |
| take a few weeks to receive a response). Review | | | | a chapter-by-chapter outline (with a sentence or two |
| the guidelines carefully to make sure your manuscript | | | | listing the information covered in each chapter). |
| fits with what the publisher is looking for. Most | | | | Attach the first two chapters if it's requested in the |
| publishers want to see the entire manuscript for | | | | writer's guidelines, and also a bibliography of your |
| picture books. Type your manuscript on white paper, | | | | resources. In your cover letter, list the target |
| double spaced, indenting at the beginning of each | | | | audience, the estimated length of the finished |
| paragraph. Use at least one inch margins on each | | | | manuscript, why your book is different from others |
| side, and justify the left margin only. Put your name | | | | on the market on the same subject, and your |
| and the title of the book at the top of each page, | | | | expertise on the topic. Send with a SASE. Nonfiction |
| and number the pages consecutively. Your name, | | | | picture book publishers may require a query (in which |
| address, phone number and email should appear in | | | | case you'd outline the book in one or two paragraphs |
| the upper left-hand corner of the first page. Center | | | | and also include the information from the nonfiction |
| the title of the manuscript about a third of the way | | | | cover letter above), or the entire manuscript. If |
| down on page 1, skip a line, and then start the text. | | | | sending the whole manuscript, attach a brief cover |
| Don't break the text up into pages as it would | | | | letter as with fiction picture books, but also mention |
| appear in the finished book, and don't include | | | | how your book fits into the current market and your |
| illustrations unless you're a professional artist (in which | | | | credentials on the topic. Following the proper |
| case, send a black and white dummy with a sketch | | | | submission procedures gets easier with practice, and |
| of each illustration and 2-3 copies of finished color | | | | ensures that your manuscript will get a serious look. |
| illustrations along with the typed manuscript). Send | | | | Take the time to give each editor exactly what she |
| with a brief cover letter stating the title, intended | | | | wants, and she'll give your work closer consideration. |
| age group, and word count of the story. Add any | | | | Note: For much more information on writing cover |
| previous publishing experience and memberships to | | | | letters, query letters and book proposals, see Author |
| writing organizations (if you don't have such | | | | to Editor: Query Letter Secrets of the Pros, edited |
| experience, leave this section out). Mention if this is a | | | | by Linda Arms White. It includes over 30 actual |
| simultaneous submission (sending the manuscript to | | | | queries used by authors to sell everything from |
| several publishers at once), and include a | | | | picture books to young adult nonfiction. Go to for all |
| self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with | | | | the details. |
| enough postage to return the manuscript if | | | | Laura Backes publishes Children's Book Insider, the |
| necessary. For longer fiction, publishers often want a | | | | Newsletter for Children's Writers. |
| query letter and sample chapters. The query starts | | | | |