Writer...
Illustrator...

I am often approached by aspiring writers and illustrators for information on how to get a book published. Here is some direction:

• Join or get information about the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. This organization provides valuable information on preparing a manuscript, agents, contracts, publishers, markets, preparing portfolios, critique groups, and provides a newsletter for members. They can also put you in touch with other members and writing conferences in your own geographic area. Also, check out their web site.

SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)
8271 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA
Voice: 323-782-1010
Fax: 323-782-1892
Email: scbwi@scbwi.org
http://www.scbwi.org/

• Check out (from the library), or buy the Writer's Market for broad-based information on publishing. This book is updated each year and can be found or ordered at most bookstores. Also look for books that specialize in the children's market.
• Read several currently published books (not just one) on writing or publishing for children.
• Check out the following web sites for information regarding children's book publishing.

TWENTY TIPS FOR WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Pat Mora, found on the Lee & Low Books website, under the Editor's Desk: Multicultural Literature for Children. there is a wealth of information here!!!

Where can a young writer get published???
April Wayland provides several links to sights for young authors: www.aprilwayland.com
April also suggests the site www.TeachingAuthors.com  "....we're six children's authors who also teach.  We offer lots of advice and writing prompts and behind-the-scenes stories for those who teach writing and those who want to write and those who are already writing."

The Purple Crayon: a Children's Book Editor's Site
"Here you'll find useful articles, mostly for writers and illustrators, and selected links to online resources for writers, editors, teachers, librarians, parents, and others--children's book people." http://www.underdown.org

"Write4kids.com is packed with free information, exclusive Special Reports, messaging, free eBooks, breaking news, the latest children's bestsellers, links to other important sites and much more. Our goal -- to teach you the right way of building a children's writing career and getting your manuscript published.http://www.write4kids.com/index.html

Children's Book Council (CBC) is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to encouraging literacy and the use and enjoyment of children’s books since 1945. http://www.cbcbooks.org . This site has a wealth of valuable information for aspiring writers and illustrators. If you are an illustrator, have a look at this wonderful document: "The Illustrators' Guide to Members of the Children's Book Council".

A very informative site is maintained by Michael Larson - Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agency, which has information on how to submit work to an agent, parts of a proposal, and "Three Ways to Make Yourself Irresistible to Agents and Publishers".

• Take a writing class at a college extension program or community college. Some classes deal specifically with writing or illustrating for the children's market.
• Consider a professional, reputable critique service for finished manuscripts. These two editors/authors review manuscripts and give editorial direction for a reasonable fee.

Writer's Ink
Judy Enderle and Stephanie Tessler
7721 Henefer Avenue
Westchester, CA 90045
310-348-8770
e-mail: Judink@aol.com

Children's Writers Marketplace

If you are a young writer, who would like to get published, I highly suggest reading The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published by Kathy Henderson -- Trade Paperback (ISBN: 1582970572) from: Writer's Digest Books, 1507 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207 or phone: (800) 289-0963 "Over 150 listings of opportunities for writers ages 8-18."

Anyone seeking an agent who specializes in children's writers and illustrators, might be well advised to have a look at the web site for Kendra Marcus / BookStop Literary Agency. It is informative and provides specifics about submitting materials.

To get a solid overview of things to pay close attention to if you are considering an agent, you might want to check out: Writer Beware.

Another book you might want to check out is: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, Second Edition by Harold d. Underdown, Alpha/Penguin Putnam, 2004. Visit the publishers online at: www.idiotsguides.com

For solid tips on writing books for children, you would be well advised to take a look at Aaron Shepard's website. He is the author of The Business of Writing for Children.

Magazine Markets for Children's Writers 2007 and Book Markets for Children's Writers 2007 are market directories worth having a look at. They contain up to date resources. They are both made available through the The Writer's Bookstore, where you will also find great links to a companion website for the Institute of Children's Literature, that has an additional wealth of helpful information for anyone wishing to write for children and get published.

A source of additional writing tips check out the Highlights Foundation website. There is a link there for writing tips.

Lastly, a word to anyone wanting to write books for children...keep the "child inside" alive!