The 30 children’s book publishers below all have one important thing in common: they are accepting submissions directly from authors.
Since many children’s publishers only accept from agents, this list should save you hundreds of hours combing through the submission guidelines of every children’s publisher on earth. And here’s a bonus! You won’t even have to wait to get an agent.
If you’d like more guidance about writing children’s books, please visit my page on how to write a children’s book.
And if you need feedback on your book, please look at my children’s book editing page.
Also, check out my video course on how to write, edit and publish a children’s book.
1. Holiday House
This is a company with such a legacy and history that they have an entire book written all about it: Holiday House: The First Sixty-Five Years. I’ll save you the trouble of reading it: They’re an independent company that publishes children’s books only, specializing in hardback covers for ages 4 and up.
Submission Guidelines are here, but the essence is to mail your entire manuscript.
Editorial Department, Holiday House, 50 Broad Street #301, New York, NY 10004
Sample Titles:
- Noodlehead Nightmares
- Here is Big Bunny
2. Arbordale Publishing
They prefer books that teach science and math in fun, picture-book formats.
They are looking for manuscripts about:
- physical science
- engineering
- earth science
- science or math manuscripts with a cultural/social studies connection
- manuscripts for Pre-K3 to kindergarten-age children
Additional submission guidelines are available on their website.
3. Immedium
The best word to describe Immedium is innovative. They’ve only existed since 2004, but they’ve won many awards every year for their books and had several #1 best selling books.
They’re based in San Francisco and do a great job of maximizing your children’s book potential across all mediums, from selling television rights to making action figures.
Check out their submission guidelines here. What they’re looking for above all is originality. If you’ve got a children’s book about a topic that seems different from all the books out there, submit to them.
Sample Titles:
- The Adventures of Wonderbaby from A to Z
- The Octonauts (which became the hit TV series)
- I’m the Scariest Thing in the Jungle
4. Flashlight Press
Flashlight Press is a Brooklyn-based publisher that focuses entirely on children’s picture books.
They are looking for books that fit these four categories:
- Picture books with universal themes
- suitable for ages 4 – 8
- Less than 1000 words
- Focuses on relationships between people
If you have questions, you can also contact them via their contact page.
Here are some sample titles:
- No More Noisy Nights
- I Need My Monster
- When a Dragon Moves In Again
5. Lee & Low Books
Lee & Low specializes in multicultural books for ages 5 – 12, which is wonderful, since fewer than 10% of children’s books contain a main character who is not white.
Their writer’s guidelines say they are looking for stories where the main character is a person of color. It is a bonus if the stories include one of these 3 categories:
- non-traditional family structures (e.g. same sex parents)
- non-traditional gender identity (e.g. LGBTQ experiences)
- stories that feature a person with a disability
There are word limitations: manuscripts for fiction should be less than 1500 words and nonfiction books should be less than 3000.
They DO NOT want any illustrations (unless you are a professional illustrator).
Unfortunately, to submit here you’re going to have to shell out some money for printing and postage, because they only allow submissions by mail.
6. Kids Can Press
The biggest Canadian publisher of children’s books, Kids Can Press accepts manuscripts from Canadians, but not from children or teenagers. They’ve won five big literary awards in the last five years, and have a great track record of introducing new titles.
They are looking for picture books for children, and chapter books for kids age 7 – 10. They don’t want YA or fantasy novels.
Sample Titles:
- Franklin the Turtle
- Scaredy Squirrel
- The Busy Beaver
7. Hogs Back Books
Hogs Back Books publishes children’s books for kids under the age of 10. If you look through their catalog, you’ll find many of the books feature animals as the protagonists.
Although they are based in Britain, they accept queries and submissions by email:
enquiries AT hogsbackbooks DOT com
Sample Books:
- 3 Silly Chickens
- Boris the Boastful Frog
- Croc on the Rock
Based in Michigan, Cardinal Rule Press is a very positive publisher, looking for children’s books that embody “hope, courage, and the Golden Rule.”
They are looking for realistic picture book manuscripts under 1000 words.
Make sure to fully read the submission guidelines before emailing them your manuscript. They have a 3 month submission window every year, and like the rest of the publishers on this list, accept unsolicited and unagented manuscripts.
Sample Titles:
- Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun (Having the Courage to be Who You Are)
- Cookie and Milk – A Scientifically Stunt-tastic Sisterhood
9. David Fickling Books
David Fickling books does not accept unsolicited manuscripts on a rolling basis, but they do have an annual contest in which authors can submit their book for a chance to win a publication and a publishing contract.
Check their contest page, called Master of the Inkpot Competition, for the submission details. Even if they don’t end up choosing your manuscript, they announce five finalists, and that’s the kind of press which might help get your manuscript accepted at another publisher.
They used to be an imprint of Scholastic, then of Random House, and now they’re independent. They describe themselves as “nimble,” which means they’re flexible enough to market your book in many creative, unorthodox ways.
Sample Titles: (They have a great nose for adventurous titles, ones that sound exciting)
- Superbot and the Terrible Toy Destroyer
- Vikings in the Supermarket
10. Candlewick Press
They occasionally open up submissions, although for most of the year it’s closed. Check their website to see whether they are seeking unsolicited submissions at the moment. When they are open, they do not accept online submissions.
They are an independent publisher (if you can’t tell by now, most corporate publishers don’t accept unsolicited submissions, while most independent publishers do. So if you don’t have an agent, you’re most likely looking for an independent publisher for your children’s book).
In the last two decades, they brag that they’ve won 2,000 awards. Bookfox is not going to try to fact-check that. They have a backlist of 3,000 books and a staff of 100. If you’re going to go for an independent publisher, this is one of the biggest.
They specialize in Middle Grade, but also have YA.
Sample Titles:
- Beowulf (and other classic stories visually interpreted and retold)
- Dragonology
11. Albert Whitman & Company
Albert Whitman accepts unsolicited submissions from unrepresented authors, and they publish roughly 40 books a year (no word on what percentage of those books are unsolicited).
Their submission guidelines say that they are looking for three categories of books:
- Picture-books (<1000 words)
- Middle-grade (<35,000 words)
- Young Adult (<70,000 words)
Email submissions are allowed, but they will only get back to you if they are interested in the project.
This is a company with a great pedigree and some great titles. They are one of the oldest independent houses, publishing since 1919, and are highly organized and will do your book justice. If you get a chance to publish with them, I would recommend it highly.
Sample Titles:
- One More Dino on the Floor
- The Boxcar Children
- Abby’s Asthma and the Big Race
12. Charlesbridge Publishing
They accept “children’s literature,” which sounds more sophisticated than “kid books.” They do not accept online submissions, only ones by mail. Additional guidelines for writers can be found here.
They are interested in innovative children’s stories told in bright and refreshing ways. They publish books for infants, toddlers, middle-grade, and young adult.
Sample Titles:
- A Mountain of Mittens
- Bamboo People
- A Tower of Giraffes
13. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Eerdmans publishes only 12 – 18 books a year, which makes them one of the smaller independent publishers, but their backlist looks fantastic. They are looking for a wide variety of books, but especially ones that celebrate diversity, focus on an important historical moment, or relate to social issues.
Two of the descriptions of the books they’re looking for are particularly telling: they want “wise” books and books with good “humor.”
Sample Titles:
- Mikis and the Donkey
- A Pond Full of Ink
- In Search of the Little Prince
14. Free Spirit Publishing
Free Spirit publishes 20 – 25 titles a year, and have been established for more than 30 years out of Minnesota.
As far as their submission guidelines, they are looking for books with anti-bully messages (I doubt many people send them pro-bullying messages), and for books that teach kids character, leadership and service. They also will consider fiction if it communicates these messages.
They tend to like hard topics like anxiety, grief and loss, and conflict resolution.
If you could summarize their taste in books in three words, it would be:
- Practical
- Positive
- Solution focused
Sample Titles:
- The 6 Rs of Bullying Prevention
- Penelope Perfect
- Respect and Take Care of Things / Respectar y Cuidar las Cosas (bilingual)
15. Little Tiger Press
Little Tiger is a British publishing house with three imprints, but only one accepts unsolicited submissions.
Stripes Publishing accepts fiction for children aged 6 – 12. Send manuscripts by email only.
Sample Titles:
- There’s a Dragon in My Backpack!
- Hello World (a lift-the-flap novelty book)
16. Flying Eye Books
Flying Eye Press is the children’s book imprint of Nobrow, and are international in focus, with offices in multiple countries (but they’re only looking for children’s books in English).
In general, if you look over their books, they specialize in absolutely breathtaking illustrations — it’s really a pleasure to look at their artwork.
They want emailed submissions, and are seeking picture books under 1000 words that are either 24 pages or 32 pages (these are industry standard lengths).
Sample Titles:
- Kai and the Monkey King
- Professor Astro Cat’s Stargazing
- The Immortal Jellyfish
17. Peachtree Publishers
Peachtree Publishers is a Southern, independently owned trade book publisher, specializing in:
- Children’s picture books
- Chapter books
- Middle grades novels
- Young adult novels
They offer a shocking statistic to either ward off the faint-of-heart or to make you sympathize with them: they say they receive more than 20,000 submissions a year, and presumably only accept a handful of them. It takes them 6 – 9 months to review a submission.
They do not accept email submissions — mail only, please.
Sample Books: (all of their titles are fantastic — someone should get an award for naming these books)
- The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl
- The Boy Who Cried Ninja
18. Sleeping Bear Press
Sleeping Bear Press, located in Michigan, seeks submissions of children’s pictures books, middle grade, and young adult manuscripts.
Mail OR email submissions, but since they only review books three times a year, be prepared for what could be a long wait.
Sample Titles:
- The Legend of Sea Glass
- Horace J. Edwards and the Time Keepers: The Secret of the Scarab Bettle
19. Top That! Publishing
A British-based publisher which is top notch, considering the impressive numbers of 100 million books in print and availability in over 70 countries.
They prefer email submissions, buy world-wide rights to your book, and do not want you to submit simultaneously to other publishers.
Sample Titles:
- Things That Go (sticker book)
- Penny Pineapple and the Chocolate Forest
20. Workman Publishing
This is a massive publishing house, publishing fiction and nonfiction of every stripe for every age, but they have a children’s book department which accepts emailed submissions. submissions@workman.com
One good thing about their Submission Guidelines is that they say that each submission will be reviewed by two or more editors, so you can be sure you’re getting a fair shake.
Sample Titles:
- Arlo Needs Glasses
- Belly Button Book
21. Arthur A. Levine Books (Now Levine Querido)
Arthur A. Levine books used to be an Imprint of Scholastic and a big award winner. Now they’ve spun off into their own company, Levine Querido.
They accept picture-book submissions, and actually sound happy about it, unlike many publishers who act as though the slush pile is crushing them.
Along with your manuscript, they want a good query letter answering these things:
- What is your manuscript about?
- Why would a reader turn to your book?
- What makes your book original or memorable?
22. August House
August House likes folktales drawn from popular oral traditions, multimedia books, and children’s stories. They’ve been around for more than three decades, and are based in Atlanta, Georgia.
They are mostly seeking diverse stories and stories that are folktales. Please only submit by mail.
Sample Books:
- Adventures of High John the Conqueror
- Barking at a Fox-Fur Coat
23. Boyd’s Mill Press
This is the company that publishes the most famous children’s magazine in the country, Highlights, so you’re in good hands. They say they’re interested in “excellent storytelling, imaginative illustration, and strong characters,” which essentially means they’re willing to read and accept just about anything, as long as it’s good.
They accept submissions by mail only, and try to respond to all submitters within 3 months. What I like about this publisher is that they actually will send a form rejection if they decide the book isn’t for them, unlike most publishers who don’t even bother.
- Picture Books: Send the entire manuscript
- Middle-Grade books: Send the first 3 chapters
- Poetry: Send the whole collection
Sample Titles:
- Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and her Flying Machine
- Fresh Delicious: Poems from the Farmer’s Market
24. Versify
Versify is an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and is curated by Kwame Alexander, a Newbury medalist and famous children’s book author.
Their submission guidelines say to submit by email (thank goodness), and include the entire manuscript.
Like almost all of the publishers on this page, you don’t have to submit illustrations with your manuscript.
They publish books of all stripes, but are especially seeking books featuring protagonists of color.
Sample Titles:
- The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer
- Anya and the Dragon
- The Undefeated
25. Kane Miller
Kane Miller has an international focus, but at this time they’re looking for books with an American theme. They prefer first-person stories, coming from a specific point of view, rather than overview stories from the historical third-person.
Their submission guidelines say to email submissions to: submissions AT kanemiller DOT com and include:
- short cover letter
- complete manuscript, or synopsis and sample chapters
- word count
- professional bio (3-5 sentences)
- NO ATTACHMENTS
Sample Titles:
- The River: An Epic Journey to the Sea
- Nibbles: The Book Monster
26. Allen and Unwin
This Australia-based publisher has an imprint just for children’s books called Albert Street Books, and they’re looking for books written for babies to 12 year olds.
Every Friday they want to hear from writers, in a helpful event called the “Friday Pitch,” where you can pitch your book to the editors.
Although, they’re not currently looking for children’s book texts, they are looking for:
- Books for beginner readers, aged 5-7, word length 5,000-10,000
- Books for confident readers, aged 7-9, word length 10,000-25,000
- Books for middle-grade readers, aged 10-13, word length 25,000-50,000
Sample Titles:
- Little Nic’s Big Day
- A First Time for Everything
27. Tilbury House Publishers
Tilbury is very helpful about what they’re not looking for:
- Fables
- Fantasies
- Books with talking animals
- Fictions
They are looking for educational nonfiction books suitable for ages 5 – 10, about 500 – 800 words long.
If you have a book that’s about cultural diversity, nature, or the environment, send it to them. They’re also very interested in engineering, science, biography, and history.
They have a very handy submission form online that makes it easier to send them your manuscript. The great thing about this publisher is that they say they receive hundreds of unsolicited submissions a year (rather than thousands), so if your book is right for them, you have an excellent chance.
28. OnStage Publishing
OnStage Publishing is a relatively small independent publishing house focusing on children’s literature. They publish chapter books, middle-grade fiction and Young Adult, mainly for ages 8 to 18, and in both print format and e-book format.
Their guidelines say they do not publish picture books. For nonfiction, please query them first, because they are looking for very specific content.
Sample Titles:
- China Clipper
- Heroes: A Gander’s Cove Mystery
29. Quarto Knows
Quarto Knows specializes in nonfiction books for kids that teach them how to do something (make animation or slime, for instance).
They don’t shy away from adding to the book, either — these are called “Books Plus” and they include extra materials for kids to play with and use.
They also like books about historical figures who are inspiring to children (such as Marie Curie and Frida Kahlo).
But they have a few fiction titles as well, such as “Grandad’s Secret Giant,” (but fiction isn’t their focus).
They’re a huge multi-national company that sells their books in over 50 countries, and yet they still accept emailed submissions of your proposal.
Sample Titles:
- “Grandad’s Secret Giant.”
- Pop Up and Build National Parks
And here are some bonus publishers, if you still haven’t found the right match:
30 Children’s Book Publishers
- Albert Whitman & Company
- Allen and Unwin
- Arbordale Publishing
- August House
- Boyd’s Mill Press
- Candlewick Press
- Cardinal Rule Press
- Charlesbridge Publishing
- David Fickling Books
- Eklavya
- Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
- Enslow Publishers
- Flashlight Press
- Flying Eye Books
- Free Spirit Publishing
- Hogs Back Books
- Holiday House
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
- Immedium
- Kane Miller
- Kids Can Press
- Lee & Low Books
- Levine Querido
- Little Tiger Press
- Mathew Price
- OnStage Publishing
- Peachtree Publishers
- Sleeping Bear Press
- Tilbury House Publishers
- Top That! Publishing
- Versify
- Workman Publishing
367 comments
Nice comprehensive list! Thanks.
Very well listed and comprehensive. Thank you, Bookfox.
Appreciate the work to put together such a comprehensive list. Thanks!
Thanks for going to the trouble of putting all this together!
Thank you, BOOKFOX, for the extensive, current list of unsolicited publishing possibilities. Just reading the submission guidelines of several is insightful.
Just what I was looking for!… Thank you!
Thanks very much for putting together this information – I really appreciate your time in doing this.
Thank you for making this very useful list
Great list. Exactly what I needed! Thank you.
Great List, 2016 is the year my first childrens book gets a publishing contact, well I hope. Found 6 from the list to investigate further, so thank you. Aussie Queensland.
Scott I have various children’s books every thing from farm animals to going to school, about the pandemic,in a war children can learn and not be frightening to cars it goes on i need help i am 65 years old born up poor became wealthy beyond belief.
Looking for publisher of christian children songbook with cd insert. Thanks for your help.
Hi Rita,
I tried to find a christian publisher who is willing to do a CD insert but couldn’t. I would recommend going to Amazon and looking up an example of a christian songbook with a CD, and then figuring out who the publisher is.
hi, I found one for you, try Guardian Angel, here what they say:
OUR ARTISTS AND AUTHORS ARE OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS!
See our list of Authors and Artists and their books.
GAP eBook downloads, eBooks for specific vendors (Amazon, Nook, iTunes), eBooks on CDs, full color Print books 8.5×8.5 inches, hardcover books 8×10 and book video DVDs are based on the fundamental concept of using art, learning, music, good morals, healthy living, and special activities to captivate the preschool and primary child’s attention in order to instill a Christian and healthy attitude of learning, sharing and caring.
Some of our books are now in Spanish edition, and some are in Hardcover. Also some will be released in English, Spanish, and French for the early linguistic experience.
Our picture books are also being released as an application for touch screen technology on ereaders and mobiles. Check us out- some books are available at Apple’s iTunes APP Store- for iPhones and iPods! Android Apps-an educational alternative to gaming!
GAP introduced: PICTURE BOOKS, STORYBOOKS, EASY READERS,BEGINNING READERS, EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS, CHAPTER BOOKS for older readers and now MUSICAL PLAYBOOKS for elementary schools and church schools.
Our books are also available as ebooks in PDF which can be read on almost any ereader device including iBooks on iPads, Kindles and Nooks.
Hi – do you know if Guardian Angels would publish something real? I have written five children’s books about different fascinating creatures in the ocean – which includes their many millions of years of evolution. Would these realities conflict with GA?
Thank you for this extensive list. Someone put a lot of time into this and I appreciate it.
DIAL BOOKS
As of August 1, 2005, Dial will no longer respond to your unsolicited submission unless interested in publishing it. Submissions postmarked August 1, 2005, or later will be recycled.
PLEASE UPDATE THIS INFO IN YOUR ARTICLE.
This is exactly what I said in the article. Dial Books will ACCEPT unsolicited submissions, but they only reply if they want it.
Great list! Thanks for compiling this.
Would like an echo back from authors to know whether any of them had publishing successfrom this list.
Easy to navigate list, convenient links to the site pages, and witty commentary. Brilliant. Thank you for doing some of the legwork for me!
How nice of you to say! Glad it’s helpful.
I’d like to second the complimentary remarks. So generous of you to share. I can tell lots of work went into making it helpful, but not boring.
Many thanks for a great list! Just what I was looking to find.
yeah, it’s makes sense. How i wish my book will be accepted. But i believe.
I just started on this app so I’m going to see how it goes.
Hello! I just found this page. What has been your experience since starting with the app?
This was so helpful! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
we would be happy to see some original stories/ art as well – for board books (early learning, picture books). http://www.littlelatitude.com
Nice and comprehensive list for the authors looking for children's book publisher. I would like to add one more name in the list i.e. Cambridge University Press India. This is a well-known children’s book publisher in India. They publish both educational and entertainment books for kids.
Do you have their submission guidelines?
Outstanding!
A big thanks for this awesome list! It’s the shortcut I’ve been hoping for!
Great resource. Thanks. I have a question. What’s your opinion on multiple submissions even when a publisher specifies not to? My workshop writer, who is published himself, says that while its a courtesy to the publisher to only submit one at a time it ultimately shorts the writer. Thoughts?
I generally ignore bans on simultaneous submissions (which are different than multiple submissions). Worse case is you get multiple acceptances, and you get to pick who you want. But if one publisher consistently gets back to you in a week or two, you can give them an exclusive.
Thank you for sharing… This was a blessing to me!!!!
Hi , im new to the scene. Ive written and published one book through a site xlibris, not a great idea in retrospect but its done.. “Mommy wasnt always a mommy”. i have many other stories that people have loved but i really just dont know where to turn. My style is kinda like a dr. Suesse i guess, but far from a copy. I would love if i could speak to you and maybe send you a story even to get some direction.
Hi Daniel, I’d be happy to help you. Check out my children’s book editing page.
Thank you for the detailed list. I have made a list that resonates with my book, but I am confused about children’s books and illustrations. I am an artist myself, and in my minds eye, can see what the characters and art work looks like (I even have the rough sketch of the front cover, since the very beginning) After researching illustrators I have two that I think would work perfectly, but while researching this area, I am getting mixed messages. My questions are; normally, do publishers except submissions with illustrations attached? What if you contact the illustrators in advance and they are willing to work with you. Will any publishers consider your request for a certain type of artist? And lastly, do you think they would take your book cover idea into consideration?
Normally, publishers and agents only want illustrations if YOU are the illustrator. They are always looking for illustrator/writer combinations, since that makes it easier for them (they don’t have to find an illustrator and midwife the whole relationship).
But then you won’t know (if they reject you) whether they are rejecting the book or whether they are rejecting your illustrations.
I have never written a children’s book before, but after my Mother in Law passed away 3 years ago, I can’t stop thinking of how wonderful stories of things throughout her life would be as children’s stories. I have written the first of many I have in my head, I want to read it to my grandchildren and see if it keeps their interest before wasting anyone’s time, believe me, if it can keep their interest, it can keep any child’s interest. The one thing I am wondering about, is if you need to have someone legally prove it is your story before submitting, I mean, if you have an idea for an invention, you would get it patented before taking it to someone, is it the same for stories? Also, I would want some of the proceeds to go to a charity in my Mother in laws name if I had a book that was published.
Hi Geni,
Glad you’re inspired to write a children’s book! To answer your question, no you don’t need to copyright it. When you write it, it’s already yours, and especially if you email it to someone, that creates a time-stamped papertrail.
I don’t know if this is a good idea or not, and would like your opinion. I’ve written many children’s stories and now feel the confidence to try submitting them that I’ve lacked in the past. Because I am married to a federal law enforcement officer, I am super suspicious and not very confident in people doing the right thing. I always make two copies of what I have written, one that will get submitted and one that I have notarized proving I wrote it and the date, which I will keep. I’ve heard so many stories of people getting ripped off by others that I feel this is a way to protect myself. Do you think this is a good idea or should I just be more trusting?
Hi Pattie, you can always copyright your work officially if it’ll help you sleep better at night, and I teach you how to do that in my children’s book course.
But I also generally counsel writers against doing this. The chances of someone stealing your work are incredibly small, and even if they do so, you have a lot of legal recourses. Technically, your work belongs to you the instant you write it, and emailing it to someone leaves a paper trail so you can prove it.
Hi I go to Library of Congress, Copyright.gov and upload my photos or text or both, and register in LITERARY and go for it. 50 bucks each certificate of Copyright …GOOD LUCK!
Thanks so much for this rich writer’s resource!
I finished my chapter book a year ago and have been looking online for a publisher. Wasn’t sure if self-publishing was a better idea than traditional but since reading your list I am inspired to try these and also to write some more. Will let you know how I get on. By the way, do we need to send some sample illustrations along? Wasn’t planning too many in this book but have got a few that my talented artist daughter has done for me, after she read my book.
Thanks again !!
Great, glad you enjoy it!
You don’t need to send illustrations, but you can if you want.
Also, if you’re looking for an editor’s keen eye before you send it to publishers, I can help!
I noticed some don’t even want illustrations unless your a professional. For my book, the illustration is key to understanding the story. Should I bother sending my work to them?
I would explain what the illustrations will be in brackets like so [the character eats a peach].
Hi, I found your amazing site and absolutely love it!! I was reading your reply to an author and you mentioned you could help with your editor’s keen eye, how do I go about letting you help me? Thanks for helping us aspiring authors! Rita
Speaking as a professional picture book illustrator, the majority of publishers don’t accept illustrations by the author unless the author is an established, professional artist. Publishers select the book’s illustrator. The author has NO say in how the illustrations should look. You often won’t even see the illustrations until just before publication.
If you don’t have a CV as an illustrator, including art with your submission only alerts the publisher that you’re an amateur who didn’t do research, or you’re an amateur who did the research but chose to ignore it. Either way, it’s not professional and leaves a bad impression.
If you’re dead set on illustrating the book yourself, you can either become an established, professional illustrator. specifically of children’s books, or self-publish.
Do you charge to read the book?
Hi Kim,
Yes, the reading and the editing happen simultaneously. And the editing includes written feedback (about a page) as well as editing marks and comments on the manuscript.
Thanks for the list. Very helpful.
I have been trying to google different publishers for myself for days. No idea how I missed this gem of a list! Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Hello! Thank you for the in depth list! I read that Worthy Publishing acquired Ideals Books in 2014. Is their submission guidelines the same since the acquisition?
As far as I know. This post was published in 2016, so the information should be current.
I sent a manuscript to Ideal Books and it came back “Return to Sender.” I also tried their number, which has been disconnected. It appears they have been acquired by Worthy Publishing and Worthy Publishing does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. I had hoped to publish an Easter themed children’s book, so the search continues!
Thank you BookFox for this list I’m going to be reaching out to a few of these publishers and if I make it big, I’ll come back and thank you again for the head start
Thanks so much for this resource. Trying a passion in retirement and appreciate the help.
Thanks for the list! Do you know which would be the best to send a number/color book to?
I’m not sure. I know several of them accept those kind of children’s books, but you’ll have to consult each publisher’s guidelines.
I am an editor from Ideals Children’s Books, which is now called WorthyKids/Ideals. We are an imprint of Worthy Publishing, however the children’s division does still accept unsolicited manuscripts. We do ask that authors become familiar with our current publishing program before submitting, though. We encourage you to visit our website: http://www.idealsbooks.come or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks/about/?tab=page_info to request submission guidelines.
Your link doesn’t work.
Hi, I need help in publishing two books for children “Golden words of Hazrat ALi” & “The Sacred Sacrifice”. Can you help?
Hi Noor, I can help in one of two ways.
If you’d like me to edit your work, to help it get ready for publishers (or for self-publishing), I offer that service.
I can also give you advice about traditional publishing or self-publishing after editing for you.
If you’d like more advice about the writing world and help with your writing career, I also offer writing coaching.
First, thank you for the inspiring information and comprehensive list. Something woke me early today. I knew today was the day to further my knowledge about how to publish two early childhood- self esteem children’s books that I have written. I have been on a search for an illustator and I think I have found one. For you to edit my pieces, would you need the art with it if I intend to submit that way? Would you reccommend even illustrating before a submission or editing? Thank you again.
No, I wouldn’t need the art to edit it. And most publishers don’t want you to submit with artwork. They just want to see your manuscript. Let me know when you’re ready to work with me!
Thank you for your comprehensive list. It is encouraging!
Thank you for compiling such a comprehensive list of publishers from all over the globe. And the best part is reading your comments gives a fair idea about the publishers. I may not be writing a children book but i can sure pass it on to couple of people i know who may need such a list.
I am very thankful for your time and energy spent in putting together such precious information. God knows how I’ve been looking for it. I’m convinced that just your willingness to help others will open doors for you in ways that you wouldn’t expect. I wish you all the best. The publisher for my book is now in sight!!!
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to create this list. After coming upon this page I had no more excuses to not get my manuscripts sent out. I am not sure what will happen but at least now I can say that I’ve tried something that’s been a dream of mine for a long time!
thanks for putting this list together I found 10 to submit my picture book to online.
This is a generous effort to support new writers. I appreciate the time and effort and feel more optimistic about moving forward with my writing.
I would simply like to echo the sentiments of the many contributors, and say THANKS A LOT for this list. My daughter, a senior in college, just wrote a children’s book for a class and was encouraged by her professor to have it published because he enjoyed it so much. As she prepares for finals, I decided I’d take a look into publishing, agents, editors, etc. I was clueless on where to begin outside of Google. Your post has helped a lot, and for it I am grateful. God bless.
So glad it was helpful! Good luck!
Thank you so much for providing this information. As a former Certified Teaching Assistant working with learning disabled children, I created an illustrated book to help children master 225 words most frequently found in literature. The intent is to build self-confidence and increase their desire to read. Your list will help me take the next step.
I thought First Edition Design Publishing would be on your list. They accept manuscripts. They are “hybrid”.
I’m vacillating because they will not accept my ISBN # What do you think?
That’s strange they won’t accept your ISBN. Why is that a deal breaker for you?
Dr. Judith Briles advises to get your own ISBN — It is your SS number and identifies you as o\wner. I guess prevents the publisher from taking the book.
Yes, if a publisher is going to buy the book, they want to make sure the book hasn’t been sold already, and an ISBN indicates the book is kind of already out there.
Very informative. You have given a comprehensive list of publishers.
Thank you for your hard work put into this list. I’ve been reviewing the websites. Holiday House says “By agreeing to review a submission, we do not assume any obligation to refrain from publishing a book based on a similar idea, concept, or story.” Doesn’t that mean they can steal my idea?”
Hi Marsha,
Publishing houses are just trying to protect themselves from lawsuits over stolen ideas.
Usually, if a publisher publishes something similar to you, this means someone else had sent them another story that is similar to your story, and they happened to like the other author’s story more than yours. So they’re not stealing it.
You see this much more in the film industry with scripts than with children’s stories. Don’t worry about people stealing your idea; work on making your story good enough someone will yearn to publish it.
Thanks for such a helpful article! Do you know if publishers have different guidelines for submitting a book dummy? I’m an illustrator and have wrote a story to go along with the illustrations and would like to submit them together. Any advice on that would be fantastic 🙂
Not sure if the guidelines are different for book dummies. I would think you could just digitally put the images along with your story in a PDF and send it electronically.
Wow!! So glad stumbled upon this list! Thank you for this gift! I have a Children’s Story all written in rhythm like a Dr. Seuss type. I had heard in the past that many publishers were cautious to accept this style (things may have changed and I could be wrong). If you could steer me in the direction of the best place to head with my Story, I would be forever grateful! Again, thank you for such a great resource!!
Some publishers are against rhyming, others aren’t. You just have to look at each of the guidelines and see what they’ve published before. Good luck!
Wow…great list ! Thank you for the in depth work involved. FYI ….Workman do not accept unsolicited picture books
Thank you for your list. I have a special niche and would like your advice on how best to sift or get the work sifted for the best fit.
For years, I’ve told math adventure stories to help students, in grades 3 through 7th, better understand and relate to math concepts and each other. I wanted to start with a picture book series (or 3 parts) that could be used with current technology? In considering, when time came, to prepare and submit (retiring on Pi-day 2017), it had to be Charlesbridge Press (which is undaunting) because of their math story books and unsolicited manuscripts. Recently I noticed, their guidelines have changed/specialized, so which. where, and what, guidelines would I use to submit memorable math fiction stories (starting with picture book(s) for classroom technology)??? Which of these would be open to educational math concepts in fiction story metaphor that reflects life?
How Fun!!! My son struggles with math (he’s in 4th grade), and we ran across “Times Tales”, which really helped him to memorize his times tables! Your theory sounds similar. . . give the kids something to remember the “facts” by!
Thank you so much for this comprehensive and very useful list of publishers of children’s books. I am sure that I speak for many other prospective authors when I say that searching for a publisher is a bit of a soul destroying job, and any help we can get is a real boon. I appreciate the time and work that you have put in here. It is just what I needed right now and only wish that I had found it when I was looking first time around.
To repeat what everyone else has said, “Thank You!”
This is such a helpful resource — made my work of seeking out where to send a manuscript/artwork MUCH easier.
You have relieved, quite a bit, the overwhelming feeling of quitting. I’m feeling empowered . . . Laurie
So glad to hear! Let me know if I can help in any other way.
Hi! I am looking for a publisher who focuses on Third culture Kids.
We welcome new authors.
Which publishing house do you represent?
I love.this. list
HI BookFox I am wanting to submit a children’s picture book geared toward ages 3-6 for publication and noticed a lot of the publishers say not to send art work. My concern is that with a picture book, where the story is just as much told through the illustrations as the text that my Idea will not be conveyed unless I include some sort of rough illustrations. Is it really acceptable to submit a text manuscript without any illustrations for a book of this sort?
This is the general rule with submitting children’s books: never submit artwork unless you are a professional artist. And even then, it might not be appropriate.
Your story should be strong enough to stand on its own without illustrations. If the book has no words in places, describe what is happening in the future illustrations.
When I edit children’s books, I’m always evaluating the text to see if it’s strong enough to support illustrations. In other words, I’m imagining the illustrations, and I know whether instinctively whether there’s enough for an illustrator to work with.
Ok, thank you. So if my book requires some additional explanation because there’s no illustrations I would do that in the cover letter I send with the manuscript correct?
Either in the cover letter or in the story itself inside brackets [ ]. Depending on what works better.
Thank you for the work that you put into compiling this list. I have written a very unique children’s book and have been apprehensive in submitting it. I had it notarized because I felt very leery of it being published without getting the credit for it, as that happened to a friend of mine. Do you think it would ruin my chances of a publisher taking a chance on it if it was notarized to show it was written by me?
When publishers see that you’ve copyrighted or notarized your book, it basically tells them that you’re a newbie at this. Nobody copyrights their writing because it’s automatically copyrighted once you write it. All you have to do is show the file history of your writing and prove that you wrote it before the other person claims to have written it, and then boom: you win a lawsuit (your friend should sue, by the way. Also, that kind of stealing is very rare).
Still, if you’re so worried, you’ve already protected yourself. Hurry up and submit!
But if you’d like feedback, I do offer children’s book editing.
Thanks Pattie and Bookfox!!!!!! The question was one I had and the response reassures me to hurry up and submit!!
Huge help…thank you
Someone miscounted. It goes from number 28 to 30. So there’s only 29. Not that that’s a big deal, but you may want to retitle the article or add another one to the list for us. Still a great list. And thank you for this.
Not a miscount. One of the publishers had been doing some dirty bait and switching (pretending to be a traditional publisher while actually charging writers), so I cut them from the list. When I find a new publisher, I’ll add them in spot 29.
Thank you for this great list! I have bookmarked your site.
Thank you! Thank You!! THANK YOU!!!
Thank for this magnificent list. It will be a great help in finding the appropriate publisher.
Many thanks for your time. I am already a self-published author (Why me why here?) and now have potential children’s books to offer; in fact, my wife is jumping up and down with enthusiasm for the one I will be sending off. Your time and effort has helped immensely. Cheers!
Oh hurrah! Good luck!
Thank you so much for this great list! And as long as you’re answering questions…I self-published via Booklocker, and now would like to find a ‘real’ publisher. The terms with Booklocker are clear – I own the book, they do not (as is the case with self-publishing anywhere, I suppose), and in any event, I believe that the book is now out of print, after selling a few dozen copies. My question is, does this previous self-publishing adventure disqualify me from consideration by the folks on your list? Thanks for your (further) advice!
Once you’ve self-published, no traditional publishers want you, unless your book has been a run-away hit. Sorry.
Well then how the heck do we self-publisher get published in a house? I need/want more exposure, and don’t have the time or where with all to market or publicize my finsihed product.
A friend and I would like to break into this venture together. It would be my story with her illustrations. Is this something that is possible or would submitting this way be frowned upon?
Depends on the publisher. Submit your story and tell them in the cover letter that you have an illustrator.
Very constructive, thank you very much for putting so much work into it. I have used a few of your links to submit my first fiction for children/young adults. Thank you again.
Ditto on the thanks – I’ve been waiting to submit anywhere and with this list, finally submitted my first manuscript. Really appreciate your hard work on this!
Thank you so much for putting together this extensive list of children’s book publishers.
You’re welcome!
You are one kind-hearted soul! Thank you ever so much for taking your time to put together this list..and all the info you have gathered about each publisher!!! God bless you, sir!
Thank you, Bookfox! You are one in a million!
Thank you for this great list – so kind of you!
Debi, gotta ask…….where/why the spelling? so many of us but so few US – mine was forged in a class with 7 out of 10 girls named DEBBIE!
Thanks Bookfox for the list.
Thank you! What a well written compilation with a refreshing touches and comments. Very helpful and encouraging!
Salariya doesn’t accept unsolicited manuscripts anymore.
Ditto for Meadowbrook.
Thank you for the list. I been reading a book on writing picture books. I know one should know all the aspect of writing and who to submit your manuscript to, and what kind of books they are looking for.
Your list provides it.
I also design party memory books.
Hi BookFox, if I have already written, illustrated, and printed my book http://www.12hatsofchristmas.com would any of these publishers be willing to distribute our book? What options are there for people like me who have a book already. It’s new and ready to sell in bookstores. I just need some expertise in getting the books out to the public.
No, you’re doing self-publishing. These companies are traditional publishers. You’re looking for a distributor for your self-published book. But no bookstores carry self-published books. Amazon will be the only one who will carry it.
Not only is this list highly helpful, but your comments are a treasure-trove as well. THANK YOU! One question: you say no bookstores carry self-published books. IngramSpark, one self-publishing company, leads us to believe independent book stores will carry and sell our self-published books. Am I confused here?
You are not confused. IngramSpark is being a little misleading. It’s true that it might be possible, but it just doesn’t really happen. On the whole, bookstores won’t carry self published books.
But sometimes your local bookstore will, or if you can arrange a reading with a particular bookstore, they’ll stock your book. Distribution is always very difficult for self published authors. This is a good article on distribution for self published authors:
https://www.janefriedman.com/get-book-distributed-self-published-authors-need-know/
Thank you so much! I wrote a wonderful short book/poem when I was young and it was my mother’s dream to see it published into a children’s book. I finally decided to pursue this in her honor. Thank you for educating me in this new venue and I’m excited to see where it leads!
Thank you so much for writing this list. I’ve been discouraged for the longest time trying to wade through the labyrinth of publishers, and the chicken-egg problem of being a first-time writer. I finally feel like I have a path forward and a handful of publishers who might even be *happy* to read my work. I can’t thank you enough.
Great job, truly thankful 🙂
Thank you so much for this informative list!
I am ready to publish a collection of childrens stories which are all based on my personal experience …and have been a huge hit in my classroom for over 20 years
I haven’t seen anything like my project as the stories are auto biographical in content.
As most books fall into a fiction or non fiction catagory Im wondering where my stories would fit!! I have also painted illustrations which are very specific to the location of the stories as they are ‘True Stories”
Can you please give me any advice?
Is there any advantage to sending a picture book manuscript directly to a publisher, rather than to an agent? I have had a children’s poem published in a magazine, and have had another one recently accepted, but haven’t had a PB manuscript accepted yet. I have one I just finished but am trying to decide where to send it.
An agent can get you a bigger deal and guides you through the process. By going straight to the publisher, it’s more of a DIY model and usually advances are lower.
Is Covenant Books a reliable publisher or a scam? Came across their website and I am curious about your opinion.
Covenant Books is a pay-to-play publisher, which means that they will self-publish your book for a fee. Other than that, I don’t have a lot of information on them, but since this page gets a lot of hits, you’ll probably find someone else who can tell you about their experience with Covenant Books.
I think Covenant Books , if it’s the same publisher I’m thinking of, publishes for a niche audience (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a.k.a. Mormons or LDS).
I believe they publish to a wider market under Shadow Mountain. I believe they publish middle grade books with wholesome values by such authors as Brandon Mull and others.
Sorry, correction. The LDS publisher/distributor is called Covenant Communications and is not the same as Covenant Books. I am not familiar with Covenant Books.
This was such a helpful and wonderful list. Thank you so much
So so helpful – many thanks for taking the legwork out for everyone and making it quick and simple to identify portential publishers. Brilliant!
I am a Christian book writer. I have written 4 picture books for Children. We have sold 20,000 books in 3 states of india. Looking publishers for other countries.Please comment.
Interested in a book publisher who would be interested in my ALPHABATZ.com books
Thanks
Just had to stop and say thank you for putting your time into creating this list. I’ve always enjoyed writing and have had a few things published. I may be facing disability and would have time to write. This information will be very useful.
Glad to hear you’ll have some time to write. Let me know when you’re finished if you’re looking for an editor.
I absolutely appreciate this very comprehensive list. Very helpful! Thank you!
This is a great article, with crisp and relevant information of the publishers. Much appreciated. Thank you.
Great list. Thanks BookFox. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on Austin Macauley’s “partnership agreement” where the author may be asked to cover part of the cost of publishing the book. AMac. also offers the “traditional mainstream publishing deal”. Thank you.
Many publishers have opted for a “hybrid model.” This means the majority of their book deals are self-publishing deals where the author pays them money, while maybe one or two books a year get a traditional (small) advance. Ultimately, it just comes down to whether you’re fine with paying someone to do the self-publishing work for you.
Awesome list, thank you!
Trying to get my first children’s book published!! I’m needing help!
Do you need help with editing? Or what?
We would love to be on this list as a publisher of children’s books. Please check us out at https://www.morrispublishing.com/self-publishing/books-published/childrens.cfm or call 800-650-7888 for more information. We’d love to print your book!
Like everyone else on this page, I want to thank you for this list. I have looked at the backs of Children’s Books to see who the Publisher is and other various tries. Your list is extra helpful in that it explains the Specialties of each Publisher. Thank you very much.
I am a Christian book writer. Wrote 4 children picture book. Sold more than 20,000 copies in our state. Looking for a Christian literature agent for USA , who can help me to find a Good publisher. God loves you.
Wow! Thank you for this list. I will be submitting my children’s book manuscript very soon. As far as illustrations go, I see it is best to not submit illustrations with the book. If my book is accepted, will they hire an illustrator to do the illustrations for the book? If so, will I have any say in how the pictures are portrayed? I am strongly considering contacting a professional water color artist to do the illustrations, as I believe water color will be the best medium for portraying the innocence and affection of the book. Do you think they may be willing to work with the artist I have in mind? Truly appreciate any thoughts you have on this!
You can always communicate that once they accept your book, and propose the illustrator you have in mind. There’s no guarantee, but open communication is best. (and yes, they hire the illustrator).
I want to publish a book about travelling with a 4 year old child taking her very first long vacation. I do not have illustrations but have pictures on which illustrations could be based. Age group would be 2-6
Sounds good. If you have a draft already I can help you with editing it. Otherwise write a draft and contact me.
Is it advisable to copyright our work BEFORE submitting it to a publisher?
No. Read Writer’s Digest. And also this link. Basically, as soon as you write it, it automatically has copyright.
Thank you for this list. What is the benefit of working with a publisher in todays world. I have read they make marketing and promotion the responsibility of the author and pay very little in royalties. If both are true does it make more sense to self publish?
Thank you.
I think they still do a lot of work — hiring an illustrator, hiring a cover designer, editing, proofing, ISBN, handling the distribution, reselling to foreign markets and handling subsidiary rights. But you’re right, the low royalties make it worthwhile for many writers to become their own publishers. If you’re willing to do the legwork and front the up-front costs, go for it.
I’m new to this I want to write my first children’s book but not me exactly its my 6 year old daughter I want her to do the writing. How do I start off with that? What does a publisher do and what are the fees?
That would probably be best as a self-published book. You’d have to contact self-publishers (these are traditional publishers), because each of them have different rates.
Very helpful, comprehensive list. I’m considering writing a children’s book (it would be my first) and am weighing the pro’s and con’s, as well as trying to figure out the best way to go about the process. I like the idea of going through a well-known publisher versus self-publishing, if possible. Do you have any helpful information on the best way to put together a manuscript that a publishing company will take seriously and be intrigued by?
Thank you!
Hi Sarah, usually when it comes to specific advice on manuscripts and how to submit, I need to see the story to give good advice. If you’d like, I do offer a children’s book editing service that addresses the manuscript (and for extra, I review cover letters as well).
My 7 year old writes books for children. Which one of these publishers accepts books written by children aged 8 years or less?
Many thanks
In my experience most books written by children end up as self-published. I don’t know of any publishers that seek out those type of books. But you could submit it with your name as the author and see if it gets anywhere.
I would recommend they submit their story to a children’s magazine instead. I have a list of them, which includes advice on how you can teach a burgeoning young writer.
you list Dial as accepting unsolicited submissions. starting in 2005 they say they no longer
do. Does your list need updating?
They accepted unsolicited submissions less than a year ago when I wrote the list. And yes, several of the publishers on this list stopped taking unsolicited submissions because of this post — I was sending too much traffic their way.
Great list! Here’s some humor inspiration for ya!
Thank you so very much for this list. I truly appreciate your time, effort, and detailed information.
John, I just want to say thanks! And I am really looking forward to your FREE E-BOOK on improving my righting! (not that it needs improving…write? (winking emogee)) Seriously though, your content was insightful and informative!
Hey Bookfox,
I self-published a book a few years ago as a personal project, however everybody I show the book to inquires into why it’s not published. Can I publish this book traditionally even though I once self-published it? I do not wish to distribute this self-published book but go about it through a traditional publisher.
Link for context – not trying to self-plug: https://www.lulu.com/shop/michael-cawcutt/will-the-sun-fit/paperback/product-20317566.html
Hi Michael,
Sorry, but once it’s self-published, no publisher wants to republish it (unless you sell a million copies, in which case they’ll come knocking).
You can absolutely have a self published book published traditionally. It happens all the time! With a little persistence and knowledge. The author of Milk & Honey, a popular book of poetry, self-published her book where it was then picked up by a publisher. So it does happen!
Yes, absolutely, it does happen. You can definitely find examples. But you have to sell a lot of copies to be noticed by a traditional publisher.
I have heard and understand that I don’t need to copyright my work because once I write it I technically own it. But what I don’t understand or feel safe about is.. What is stopping someone from stealing my overall idea about my children’s book and writing it in their own words based on my original idea and make up their own characters and have someone, use different illustrations and change the title of the book. I have concerns about all of that. Because I have been working on this story since 1998 in which my illustration teacher praised the idea and have receiving sincere feedback and positive support ever since which gave me the passion and inspiration I needed to seriously have faith in myself and take advantage of my art education from a well known and respected university which during my attendance there was rated #2 illustration program in the country based on the instructors professional resumes and award winning work and careers earned by both illustration projects / competitions and professional careers of recent alumni graduates. I have done freelance illustrations for other authors but they were paying me for a service which was my Talent. I had zero conceen about copyright infringement because it was their story, their creativity trying to tell a certain story. I was paid to just simply interpreted their vision into an image which would clearly/visually explaining their ideas to the reader. Someone please explain how my overall idea is safe from someone telling my story in their own way their own images all by getting inspired by My overall idea. My idea is simple yet could be told or viewed many different ways. How can I protect my originality
Mr. BOOKFOX the above question my concern is a branch of average question about copywriting in which any research I have done on that commonly asked question is that it is not important because once I write it I own it. But that doesn’t make much sense to me because I could read a really good story and if I’m creative enough could totally retell the story using the basic Foundation on which it was built but new characters new dialogue new narrations. Like I’m sure if you wanted to you could completely retell a totally different version of Stephen King’s classic… It. The story of a scary killer clown could easily be turned into the story of something else that grabs kids attention and is typically not found intimidating. A giant teddy bear that becomes evil and scary when he catches little kids… Anything I don’t know. Many stories I loved as a kid could be told a different way interpreting the same basic theme. It’s just scary to grasp the concept that a copyright which is made to protect is not a definite must do in order for someone to steal or reinvent your idea. I almost would feel better doing it old school end mailing my dummy copy or basic description of my story or anything proving what I have envisioned or created and mailing it to myself certified and keeping it sealed so that the outside is dated. The inside is dated and I don’t know. I would love to have something in writing that would make me feel I’m being protected but a publishing company I talk to said there was nothing to worry about and that they do not do business like that. I was always taught that a legit business deal or decision that in this case is very much based on an invisible handshake which is fine if honesty and integrity we’re legally binding. nowadays a legally binding agreement is finalized with a signature and then an appropriate handshake mr. Fox please help me
Did you get an answer to this? Titles and concepts are not copyrightable but text is: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/you-think-it-cant-happen-how-my-two-picture-books_us_5790da4fe4b0a86259d0d8dc?hcunirxldpdwe9udi
Do you know any publishers that accept children’s picture books from authors that are just the written work without the illustrations? (which companies provide illustrators?) I’m a writer, not so much an illustrator and that’s what is holding me back…
thank you!
Can you respond with any helpful tips or list of publishing companies that would be of help to me via: emaoudj@gmail.com
please and thank you!
Thank you
I have recently stumbled upon a site of Christian women wanting to help women get published by offering tidbits of their ‘published’ expertise. Your generous work has added a touch of YES to my goal. again thank you
Thanks for the great list. One quick question: Can we send the same manuscript to different publishers, at the same time? Not sure what the protocol is. Thanks for any assistance.
Yes. That’s called simultaneous submissions. My advice is to send it to about 10 at a time. The only thing you can’t do is send a single publisher multiple books at the same time. Let each publisher consider one manuscript at a time.
I have drafts for a bunch of picture books and thinking of taking a childrens picture book writing course to be able to complete these drafts. Any recommendations online or in NYC?
Thanks in advance!
Wonderful site. Thanks SO MUCH for all the hard work you’ve put into it. I’ve been a professional writer for over three decades, but had never written for the children’s market before. Talk about an eye-opening experience!
When I checked I noticed there was only a handful, if that, that came up on Duotrope. Duotrope is sort of my go to for checking out if a publisher is legit: or if they are vanity presses, charge reading fees, so on. I know Duotrope doesn’t list picture book only publishers, but it bothers me a little that most of these aren’t listed as I’ve had a bad experience with an unlisted publisher before. Why do you think they aren’t listed?
I’ve always used Duotrope for literary magazines and never for publishers. But if there was a publisher genre that Duotrope might overlook, it would probably be children’s books (they probably have a much better database for literary, sci-fi, fantasy, etc.).
As far as I know, the publishers on this list are not vanity presses. The one that changed into a vanity press (which small publishers do rather often, just to earn money), I removed from the list. I’m pretty sure none of them charge reading fees.
I have three picture book stories. I am following the publisher’s submission guidelines, which state to send stories attached to a cover email. Does it make a stronger presentation to include all three stories with the same cover email, or should each be sent separately?
Yes, send all three at one time, with one cover letter.
Thanks! This was very helpful!
Thank you for this list! Greatly appreciated!
Hi
thanks a lot for this usefull artical.
I have a question. I read most of the comments and understand that there is two ways for publishing a book. the first is self-publishing: the way that I myself should pay for my publish. What is the second way? Im university student and no have so money to pay. But I have several stories for children.
thanks a lot
The second way is to seek a traditional publisher. Either find an agent or submit to children’s book publishers who accept manuscripts directly from authors.
I have written a book and song that has taught my 4 year old to spell words.
I now want to have this published. The characters I use are from Disney.
What are the steps to getting this book & song published together.
You can’t use Disney characters. They will sue you.
Suggestions on how to contact Disney and present this book & song idea? I’m a preschool teacher and it taught my daughter how to spell and she wants this song sung to her every night. I want to stress I have not used this song/book in my class but I would like too because I know the children would learn.
If no, I can change the characters.
Thank you so much for this list. I’m excited to share this with my friends.
I am a pre-published children’s book writer and illustrator with many written manuscripts. Most of these are in the standard 200-700 word category. I have one that is a story about a child’s lost stuffed animal, set in Maine, that is closer to the Robert McCloskey model of 1,000-2,000 words. His books are always in the top three of the NE Indie best seller list. Are there any publishers that will consider this genre of picture storybooks? Many thanks for your list.
They will be open to books over 1000 words usually by established writers — it’s tougher if you don’t have a publishing history of children’s books.
I am looking for a publisher for a children’s grief book, any help would be appreciated!
Thank you so much for posting this list. I have a 15,000 word fiction children’s book about farm animals that I would like to sell at my farm camp as well as at stores and in schools. Do I understand correctly that if I publish traditionally, they would own the rights and I would not be able to sell at my farm? If I go the self-published route, I would have to do the marketing in schools myself. Is that also correct?
Hi Sally, if the primary way of selling it will be the farm camp and schools, that would be an excellent candidate for self publishing. You’ll keep much more of the profits and you already have the marketing strategy down.
Sally, just because a publisher buys all rights does not mean you can’t sell the book at your farm. It only means you’ll get a flat fee instead of royalties. But either way you’ll be able to buy the book from the publisher at an author’s discount and then sell them for whatever price you want at your farm. And yes, if you self publisher you’re on your own for marketing (or paying someone to market for you).
hello T We Are an group of writers and illustrators of childrens book And we have prepared a collection of stories and pictures as projects ، Now you can give tips on how to market my group collections and publish my work?
Thanks for sharing a wealth of information regarding well known publishers and their guidelines. This has truly opened and simplified the avenue/process of submitting manuscripts.
Thanks so much for the list! This is incredibly helpful!!!
I’ve just had my 4th book published (3 of which belong to the “Frizzle” series, as well as “My Pancreas Needs Glasses”).
I do well with my books in schools, with people that live close to me and are familiar with them, as well as Book Festivals, etc. And JDRF of North Florida (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) includes “My Pancreas Needs Glasses” in their Bags of Hope that are distributed to every child diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes before they leave the hospital. However, I really need help with Marketing and reaching people in other areas! I’m hoping that a traditional publisher, if they have any interest in me, could help me get my books “out there”!!! My idea behind the Frizzle series is “Childhood Discoveries of Happiness, Love and Kindness”. Again, thanks so much for this list!
This is a very extensive and extremely helpful list, thank you! I just submitted my children’s book, According to Charlie, to one from your list, so thank you twice! I subscribed to your site, so keep the great info coming.
Kindly,
Lindsey Parkinson
A very helpful list! Just wanted to note that Holiday House’s mailing address has changed to 50 Broad Street #301, New York, NY 10004.
This website is very helpful. Once I finish my book, should I send it to one publisher to see if they are interested? Or should I send it to all publishers listed above (if the book fits the genre) to see who might be interested? Thank you!
Just choose the ones that seem right for your book. But don’t send to only one at a time — try 5 – 10 at a time.
I self-published last year and I’m not a fan of the print quality and lack of consistency. I also need help marketing the book, and I’m hoping a publisher would do that.
Do publishers take already self-published books?
Almost never. The exception is if you’ve been wildly successful as a self published author.
Sexual identification for children in an easy to read fun book. Age 2-6
NEED ILLUSTRATIONS
I have been told by a publisher, that my picture book has passed the initial review. However they have advised that to be offered a traditional contract, rather than one where I need to contribute financially, I would need to source illustrations. I do not know where to start when finding an illustrator? I thought this would be done in house, just wondering what you think, should I look at a different publisher? many thanks
So it sounds like this is a self publisher. If you want to go that route, fine, but know that if you pay for your own illustrator, you don’t need to pay them for anything else. You can ask the illustrator to lay it out and then publish it using Amazon’s Kindle and Createspace for free.
Yes, usually in traditional publishing the publisher provides the illustrator.
Thanks very much for putting together this information – I really appreciate your time in doing this!
Really glad I found this article thank you. I’ve been writing in bits and pieces for around 12 years and now that I have time on my hands … am very close to finishing a number of projects. Three books for young readers (8-10) two different book collections of 10 stories each for very young readers (5-6) and two shorter stories for young readers.
I’m finding applying an age group to some of the writing a bit tricky. What is the best resource to check this?
Aside from a few sketches I have no illustrations. Should I have any illustrations before submitting to a publisher or will they decide on how they want to illustrate and which artist to use?
Lastly, is there a limit to how many manuscripts should be sent to the same publisher at one time?
Thank you again for sharing this list it’s been really helpful.
I help authors one-on-one with their target age group, but I don’t know of any resources that do it automatically.
Don’t do illustrations before submitting to publishers. Publishers want to hire their own illustrators.
Send one manuscript. If there is a series, tell them you have one or two more written, but you don’t need to send them just yet.
This is a wonderful list! Thank you! I am looking forward to submitting to some of these companies.
I am an author of children books of more than a decade. I have a story to publish for age 10-15. I have sent to few publishing firms one is interested but would want me to co-publish, but I want traditional publishers. The story centers around old British setting.
Hi, I am Winda from Indonesia. I have read your list. and this is awesome. Thanks a lot for the information and your effort for a newbie writer like me. I have 2 stories and I have someone to draw the illustrations. I want my stories can be published. My question are: Do a writer need an agent? Is it for free? or the writer have to pay the agent? Do you have any suggestion for a new writer like me? Thank you for your response.
You don’t pay an agent. An agent will take 15% of whatever you make from your publisher.
Thank you so much for this incredible list! It’s incredibly thorough!
A nice compilation. This should extensively help. Thank you!
This has been extremely helpful; thank you! I am in the process of creating a book series for very young children that would ideally be published as board books. My husband would be the illustrator. Any suggestions on how to submit already illustrated manuscripts to publishing companies??
Thank you so much for this. I have book I wrote and illustrated but I need help understanding how to present it to the publisher. do i scan it to my computer and email it? do I get it bounded and send it in via mail? Should i color y illustrations? Can I just send a rough draft before a final book? Please help thank you
Publishers usually just want the text, rather than the illustrations + text. But if you are the illustrator, then you can explain this and send it the illustrations + text in the PDF along with a query letter. Definitely never send a rough draft — they see thousands of books and only pick the best, so it should be perfect.
Bookfox,
Besides the list of 30 book publishers, we really appreciate your comments in the Q&A. Several months ago, using Kindle and CreateSpace, we self-published e-book and paperback versions of our children’s picture book titled “PUSHBALL – A Game That’s Tasty to Eat!”. Despite getting all 5 out of 5 star reviews on Amazon, sales have just been OK. How does anyone find our book on Amazon? We’d like to get more visibility and have our book displayed on the shelves of major bookstores. We’ve read your comments on publishers not wanting to touch self-published books, but our plan was to change the format to a larger, hardcover book with a new ISBN. Do you think it would be worthwhile to send publishers a copy of our paperback along with a cover letter outlining our plan? Or do you think we should first find a literary agent who might be able to find the right publisher for us? Any suggestions you have would be most welcome.
Thank you!
Thomas Leavey (author) and John Buck (illustrator)
Love the title and concept of your book — sounds fun.
For publishers to be interested, you have to have high sales of a self-published book. Without those numbers, I don’t think any other plan will work.
And to get more visibility on Amazon, you simply need more reviews. The more reviews you get, the more visibility you get. I’ve heard numbers tossed around like 30 reviews or 50 reviews, but I’m not sure about the algorithm Amazon uses (it might be more complex than merely the number of reviews, taking into account number of stars and number of words written as well).
Bookfox,
Trying to follow your advice. We’re working on getting more visibility; more reviews; author/illustrator signing events; and hopefully driving more sales on Amazon for our self-published book titled “PUSHBALL”.
In honor of Groundhog Day, (one of our main characters), we are scheduled to have a book Giveaway starting this week on TCBR, (TheChildrensBookReview). They will have it featured on their site and blog for one month.
Do you think it’s appropriate to add an announcement about the TCBR Giveaway on several other Children’s book blogs as well as our own website? We’ve heard advice against outright trying to sell your book as a visitor on blogs. but does the fact that this is a Giveaway qualify it as a “newsworthy announcement”?
Thanks again,
John Buck and Thomas Leavey
A giveaway seems newsworthy. I’d promote it around without feeling sleazy.
Love this page! Thank you so much!
Do you have any advice or examples of a picture book manuscript format. I’ve seen several and would like to know what is best.
Thanks!
This is a great list. Thank you for putting it together.
Hi Bookfox
Good day to you and can’t fully express my appreciation for the good work you are doing here.
I’ve ever had a flair for writing and have won prizes in my tender years overseas. Presently I have my first book- a compilation of six children stories accepted by a uk publisher since February 2018. The progress seems very slow. The second book- same 6 stories compilation is ready for editorial appraisal.. and the 3rd and 4th books nearly ready but I’ve been discouraged by my unmet expectations with publisher.
My contract did not tie me to my publisher but only indicated that they (publishers) will like to have a first refusal of my next work.
Should I look for another publisher, there’s something unethical/irregular about that to me… Self publish?
NO mistake, these are very different type of children story, different orientation, with a different sense of humour and teaching didactic lessons to children.
Your genuine efforts here made me wish you are a literary agent…maybe you can spearhead the collection in a better direction. You sound transparently honest and with a good heart that wishes others well. Kudos.
I was going to contact Olympia publishers one of the publishers that showed interest in my work before I chose my current publisher. Is Olympia publishers good, and within what time frame is reasonable to expect a book published?
Somehow I have to apologise for this lengthy message. Thanks a lot for your time and all.
Thank you . Thank you. Thank you. Wonderful resource for independent writers.
Thank you for the wonderful information you have provided. I have been working on a children’s book (my first) and am now ready to submit in hopes of having it published. Do you recommend sending it off to more than one publisher at once?
Yes, send to at least 10 at once. And research some agents and send to ones that sound right for you as well.
I join the others in thanking you for putting this impressive list together and all of the personal advice.
I finished my first book a few months ago, and have been tweaking/editing it to the point where I can’t personally think of any way to improve it further. In addition to my (rather long) manuscript, I also have concept sketches for the illustrations (I have almost no artistic ability), aided by my extremely talented wife (who has thrown out the idea of illustrating for me). The story is about an unnamed child who goes out to play in different environments (forest, beach, mountain, etc.) each day, and befriends a different bird that tells him/her about the habitat and animals, and why it is important to keep the habitat clean and safe. The whole story rhymes, and many of the verses repeat throughout.
Your list has given me inspiration for finding publishers, but I am more than slightly balking at the prospect of compiling my manuscript and sending out presentation letters (especially where I haven’t come up with a good title). Do you have any advice for me?
Well, it sounds like you’re at the stage when you need an outside eye. If you have a children’s book writing group, I would have them look at it. If you don’t, I’d be happy to help you with editing.
Hi Bookfox. I contacted several publishers from your list here with my illustrated children’s book. I am a professional artist, but this is my first time writing. Three contacted me back. One in particular wants to publish, but wants to charge me $1800 to do so, to cover initial costs, but then they cover everything else. Is this reasonable?
Which one wants to charge you?
Bookfox, thank you very much for doing that list, serving us by saving our time. Blessings!!!
Hello BookFox,
Thank you so much for putting this list together, this has been most helpful! How up to date is this list? Or, have these publishers stayed the same in the past three years with what they are looking for? I am very new to all of this, but am in the process of finishing my first book. Also, just out of curiosity, how much do you charge to edit/read? Do you or did you have an agent or recommend getting one if you are new to the game?
I keep it up to date. If you find something that isn’t current, let me know and I’ll change it.
Check out my children’s book editing for my rates.
An agent will allow you access to bigger publishers, but it’s difficult to get one. You have to write an incredible query letter and have a very marketable idea.
This was one of the wittiest, well-written ‘lists’ I’ve ever read in my life. Thank you for doing this. I’ve just written a super interesting children’s book, and I have absolutely NO idea who to reach out to. Most publishers won’t touch you if you’re a nobody. But, great list nonetheless. 🙂
Hello BookFox! I have written a page-by-page description for a wordless picture book. Since I’m not an illustrator and this is my first time venturing into the world of “writing” a children’s book, is this the best way to submit it? I’m guessing most wordless picture books are conceptualized by an illustrator, so just curious if there’s anything else I should know before beginning to submit in this format. Thank you!
Wordless books are very difficult to submit. It’s key to be as concise as possible with descriptions — they’re judging this whole book on how you write the description, even though none of the words will make it inside.
Yes, most wordless books are written by writer/illustrator authors.
Thank you, the list is still extremely useful!
Hi, I have written my first book based on a series of stories that I have been telling my little ones but having checked the proposed title it appears that there is a similar story name and series of books albeit different. Is there any way of being sure that I cant be accused of plagiarism if I continue? Thanks
I emailed you.
Hello there! I have a picture book that I self-published and I’m realizing that wasn’t the best decision. Personally it was a great decision because it was something I needed in my life at the time. But as far as getting to a larger audience I am finding it hard to get picked up by a larger publisher. I thought the book was good, but reaction from people who read it has been outstanding. People are telling me it’s their kid’s favorite book and asking when the next book is coming out. It’s only available in my local store where it has sold nearly 300 copies in about 9 months making it the 2nd most sold book in that store for 2018. The reaction I get when I read it to classes is outstanding with kids laughing through the entire book. So while I am very proud of the book I was wondering if you have any suggestions of where I can go from here.
Once it’s been self published, a traditional publisher won’t look at it unless it sells a great number of copies (10,000 – 20,000 at minimum).
But I would recommend writing the sequel and pitching it to agents and publishers.
Thank you for your helpful and informative website.
I have written around 200 poems (mostly for children) and am an artist and can illustrate them myself. They are mostly to do with nature, birds, spirituality, imagination. I really need to get them out there. Would you advise approaching a publisher with the collection, ready illustrated, or asking them first? Which publisher would you suggest please? I’m in the UK.
Hi Diana,
It depends on your skill as an artist. If you’re good enough, then yes, the publisher would love poems with artwork. But they might also say that they want to hire their own illustrator.
And let me know if you’d like to try out my editing services!
Nice Initiative.Thank you so much.
I have one humble question.I am from Marathi speaking community and writing stiries in Marathi itself. Almost all rural students in Maharashtra are hungry for good marathi books. If I want to publish my marathi stories if anyone is there who will help me for this noble cause?
Thanks.
My husband is a animator/artist who started a children’s YouTube channel six years ago, which has now surpassed 40 million views. We are considering turning some of his animations, which are the unique retelling of classics, into books. These would be suitable for K-2 possibly 3. Should we reach out to some of the independent publishers you mentioned or would it be wiser to solicit an agent?
I would recommend an agent, because that level of publicity could result in broader distribution and a better deal with a publisher.
Hi John,
Thank you so much for this resource! Forgive me if I missed it somewhere, but are there any publishers on this list that would best be suited for a Christian Children’s book?
Not on this list, but check out my Christian Publishers list for children’s books.
Thank you for this article. This is a daunting industry and your list made it not so overwhelming!
Thanks for the effort of putting this list together. I found it extremely helpful. Wish me luck!
Thank you BookFox for the wealth of info. I am looking to purchase your two week course on writing, editing and publishing. What are your thoughts on copywriting a manuscript before sending to publishers?
Hi Cho,
So it depends on your skill level of copyediting. About 1/3rd of the manuscripts I see as an editor are pretty clean — clean enough to submit to a publisher. The other 2/3rds have serious enough errors it might sabotage your attempt to get a publisher (they won’t take you seriously).
For my money, developmental editing helps most authors more, because 99% of the time authors still need help with structure, pacing, character development, themes, endings, and other things that can make or break a story.
Essentially, it’s easy for a publisher to correct some grammar/tenses/spelling. But they won’t bother working with a story where the story is broken.
I am writing about 25 books designed to help children learn to read. Each book focuses on one phonetic generalization starting with the short vowel a, short vowel o, etc. The book resembles a reader with much sounding and blending practice. Do you know a literary agent who you think could represent such a book? What would you charge to edit such books?
Sounds ambitious! I don’t know a literary agent offhand who sounds right for the project, but I’d be willing to help with editing — let me know when you have a few ready.
I’ve just come across your list and I find it very useful at this very moment for me. I am a children and younger teenagers’ (4-14) writer from Poland. My novels and stories were successfully published, where by ‘successfully’ I mean well-selling, awarded, with nice reviews. Yet, my publisher is concentrated in the internal, national market. I would like to look for world-wide readers on my own. Of course I’ve got to have my works decently translated into English first, and I’m going to find a relevant translator and take care of that. Do you think there are any chances for me to be heard if I send my text straight to some publishers from your amazingly prepared list? Or maybe I should rather look for an agent? We don’t have agencies in Poland. I appreciate the work you are doing here, loads of crucial information. Thank you!
I feel like the right step for you would be to find an agent. You already have the books and you need someone in the industry to grease the wheels and find the right publisher for you.
Thank you for sharing this big list of publishers.
Thank you for this list! I”m from Latvia and I have published children’s book about dachshund in Latvian language, but now I want to try to publish my new book abroad. I have some parts in English already, but lot of publishers want to see complete job. Also, I’m afraid that there are lot of stories about dragons, but my friend really liked it, because there isn’t lot of stories of imaginary friend who helps save a parent’s marriage. Problem is, in Latvia are only tree agents, and so far, it looks like they are only ready to support experienced writers. So, I decided send my text straight to some publisher from this list, and hope, I maybe I’ll get positive answer.
This is a great list! I’m looking to go from being self published to having my books handled more traditionally but so far, finding an agent has been frustrating. I figure there’s nothing to lose by ‘going direct’. Meanwhile, do you have any thoughts on who might look at manuscripts that include illustrations? Not picture books or graphic novels- my stories are epic action adventures that I’ve also illustrated. I don’t see many (any) other writers that do this, and I’d like to think my approach would stand out. Or does it make them hard to categorise?
That’s tough to categorize, so it’s harder. I’m not sure of any agents looking for something like that, because it’s not a category they are aware of.
Yup- it’s tricky. Everyone says they’re looking for something different, but simultaneously there is a wariness of anything that can’ be easily categorised. The books work fine without the pics, and yet the pics do make the stories stand out on the shelf! Hey ho- I shall try some of the publishers on your list- they seem to be open to new ideas.Thanks.DB
Love this! In the process of starting my children’s book writing. Do you have any articles about how the manuscript should look, as far as formatting? I have a rough draft but not sure if it exactly how it should be. Thanks!
Hi Heather, that’s something I discuss in the children’s book course, and give lots of examples.
My 7 year old twins do fantastic drawings. I am sure they can be used in book illustrations. I now ask them to draw and write a story around that story. Thier school teachers and headmaster are amazed with their illustrations.
I would love them to do drawings for you.
So advertise them on Fiverr. That’s where writers go to find illustrators for their children’s books.
I have published two children’s books. They are in my local library. I want to know how I can get them noticed for possible television show or the like. One rhymes and the story is of a rabbit who finally has what he wished for by his fairy god rabbit – a home and good friends. The other is about a clam that finally gets to see what is above the water. I would love to send you the two books and get your opinion. Thank you for your time.
Thank you so much for all the information in this list! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for me. I have a translation manuscript ready (ready for the editing process). It’s translated from Persian into English. It’s a collection of the misadventures of a 12-year old-boy who is being raised by his grandmother, Bibi. The original was made into a very successful television serial in the ‘80’s, but the book was never was translated into English until I did so recently. I would love to find a traditional publisher to submit to especially for two reasons: I believe both the theme (boy growing up with his grandmother) and the culture (Persian) from which the stories come is underrepresented. I’ve sent out many query letters but no positive answers yet. Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Caroline,
Offhand, I don’t know any publishers specializing in Persian stories, but I would think the television series would get an agent’s attention.
I would keep on sending out an amazing query letter to agents and eventually you’ll get a Yes.
Thank you for this!
I’m an engineer with a drafted text about applying manufacturing organization methods to the kids play area (the kids take the lead). This list was a big help for me. Let the submissions begin!
Hi Brady, Sounds like a fun angle! Let me know if you need any help or feedback!
Hi John,
I recently took your course, “Two Weeks To Your Best Children’s Book” (which I highly recommend to ANYONE looking to take their writing to the next level) and thought it was practical, beautifully organized and extremely informative. Thanks so much for this list! What a time saver!!
Hi Tom,
So glad you enjoyed the course!
And glad this list is helping you out as well. Good luck with submissions!
Ethicool Books is also accepting submissions from children’s authors worldwide as of April, 2020. This applies to both established authors (open to new contracts), and to aspiring writers looking to make their big break.
Ethicool is like NO other publisher. Really. We print sustainably. We care about our production chain. We sell 100% online. Our books are gorgeous and one of a kind. And we’re genuinely excited about educating children on the big issues, as well as simply revelling in the joy they find in the utterly timeless art of reading.
A very good compilation of publishers accepting unsolicited submissions. I’ve been looking for such a list for a long time. Thank you Bookfox!
Thank you for this!!! And a question, I have written and illustrated ten children’s books and employed a printing service
to print and bind the books for me. This is not considered a published book, is it? I’ve never had more than twenty copies
printed – just given them to family and friends. I used the printing company Blurb.com. I never put books for sale in their
store.
If it’s not online, and wasn’t put up for sale, then it might not be considered published.
Thank you for this helpful list. You saved alot of my time and energy, truly appreciate it. All the best.
If you’re looking for a publisher for STEM books, check out Tumblehome Books.
https://tumblehomebooks.org/
I would like to take this most merry moment to offer you my sincere gratitude for assembling such fine contact information for us fledgling authors to have and to hold.
How to get my children’s book published (also looking for an illustrator). Thanks so much for your help.
John Fox, you are the best! I appreciate your due diligence, words of wisdom and encouragement.
Thanks so much! Love the kind words.
Hello, and thanks for the great work. I’m a writer from Romania. An i have published 20 books in my country. Among these a series that is very famous here. I feel that it is now time to try different markets . What would be your advise pls? thanks.
Contact an agent who specializes in international rights.
Love your site!
So I have a children’s picture book that’s already been distributed through a foundation. It’s about kids going to the hospital. It has been very well received. I would now like to try to get it published. Would any of these publishers be more interested in a book like this?
Hi Mike, it’s rare that self published books get picked up by traditional publishers. When they do, it’s usually because the books have sold an enormous amount of copies and the publisher thinks they could do extra marketing and sell even more copies.
Wow! Thanks for the quick response.
I don’t think I would consider the book “self-published.” It was never available for sale (ie on Amazon, etc). It was printed and distributed by a pediatric cancer foundation. Meanwhile, I created a Facebook page for the book to collect feedback. I received quite a bit of positive feedback from families and caregivers in pediatric hospitals (“The best book to introduce kids to the hospital!”). After two years, the foundation is no longer distributing it, so the book has been “unavailable” to anyone for quite a while. I would like to make it available once again, this time through a publisher if possible.
What do you think?
I think you can pitch it to publishers as unpublished, but also tout its sales record and feedback.
Maybe say that it’s been privately distributed, but never appeared for sale online or on Amazon.
Great list and great info.. Thank you. I clicked on Mathew Price but it has a “rackspace” page you cannot log into… What do I do.. ? The companies webpage does not come up… Ive tried searching online but cannot find another website address.
You are a godsend for me in Kenya. I’ll now venture abroad and have my work evaluated by publishers who actually publish the kind of work I can and do. Thanks.
Thank you so much for all this wonderful information. Please could you let me know if any of these publishers would look at UK submissions. Thank you.
Thank you very much for putting this list together and adding all of the links too! They match the size and mission of who I would love to have a book published with. I’ve sent submissions to about 80% of the publishers listed here. -Ray Seebeck
Wow! Amazing information! Thank you so much! What is your opinion regarding rhyming picture books? Any advantage over just repetition?
Hi Inge, I talk about writing rhyming books in this post.
Thanks so much for this list, most appreciated!
Hello,
My daughter who is 11 years old and she is currently writing her SuperHero Book now. She like Harry Potter series and read about 10 times and she is still reading them. She has already written her book about 20,000 words. Wondering if I should contact any of the publishers list above for proceed further. Thanks in advance!
So publishers don’t publish books by children; they only publish books for children, written by adults. I think this would be a good candidate for self publishing.
Hi I decided to write a children’s book about my cat or cats about our experiences and adventures together and it’s titled tumbles takes a tumble are there any publishers that would be interested in this
Thanks again for quick help. Any suggestions for self publishing for my daughter’s book?
Amazon. Don’t like the other companies.
Hire an editor, illustrator, and perhaps someone to design the book. Then upload the PDF.
Thank you very much for the information!
Hello, I hope you can help with this question… I am (well, my illustrator is ) almost finished with the art for the book. I know you had mentioned to not get an illustrator, but I’d done this before ever reading this thread. Anyway, we are about done and I’m just not sure how to go about it. Everything will be in a pdf format and ready to push out in a couple weeks. Any advice on how to do that? Where to try? I didn’t read this whole thread yet, so you could’ve answered this already and, hence, you could tell me to just scroll up and I’d be fine with it. Any advice that you’d like to provide would make me a happy guy.
Thank you very much for providing such vital information. I have a excellent book my daughter wrote at age 9 suitable for teenagers that I do need to publish, and a children book I have done myself and selfpublish on Amazon. It is call “What is wrong with you Tommy mommy”. Thank again.
Hi BookFox,
Thanks for the list. Quick question. My idea is writing children’s versions of the Divine Comedy. In your experience, do publish houses frown upon such ideas? Obviously it depends on the execution, but any thoughts would be helpful.
In addition, can you give any tips on how to write the manuscript? Is it as simple as writing in a word doc or is formatted a particular way?
Thanks!
The first publisher listed, Holiday House, states that “By agreeing to review a submission, we do not assume any obligation to refrain from publishing a book based on a similar idea, concept, or story”.
Would be interested to know where publishers such as these draw the line on plagiarism and what the legal basis for “similar” would be…?
There’s a lot of similarity between children’s books. They don’t want to be sued if you send them something and they publish something similar.
Amazing job, thank You!
Do all publishers take ownership of a new work that they have taken on? Are there publishers that make good deals with authors?
Bookfox: Thanks a lot for the list. I just finished a middle-grade (age 9-12, right?) story of just over 62,000 words. Is this too long for a middle-grade story? Do publishers accept books this long? I’ve done some research about this and I’m worried about the length of my story. But I don’t want to cut anything out. It’s a quandary! Also, you said an agent can get a better deal, but it’s hard to get one. Is it a good idea to submit to a publisher and get published and get less money for the first book, but an agent would then be interested and you would/could get a better deal for the next book?
It’s on the longer side for Middle Grade.
Once you get a contract with a publisher, then you bring in an agent to negotiate it.
John Fox YOU ROCK🎸 Thank you for going to the time and effort to put this AWESOME list together in an effort to help all of us fledging writers navigate the apparently shark infested waters of the publishing world.🦈
Your information is a gift! Thank you. I am an illustrator/painter and have rediscovered a children’s story I wrote 30 years ago. After editing, I have begun my series of 24 paintings to illustrate the book. You indicate that most of the publishers you list do not accept (or is it require) illustrations. My illustrative paintings are a huge part of my book. I would not want to submit my book without at least a few of them. Is that possible?
If you are a professional illustrator, then they like text/illustrator combo packages. Just submit the whole book with all the illustrations.
Thanks for taking the time, but half of the links are either dead or the small prints say that “momentarily” they do not accept unsolicited submissions. Would have been nice to be warned in advance, but thanks anyway for the ones that did work
Hi Bookfox,
Thanks for compiling this list. Would you be able to recommend 3-4 publishers that publish books written by kids? My 11-year old daughter has written a lengthy book over the past year that I’d like to float to a couple publishers. As a 4th grader she tests at a college level in the reading/literature/vocab categories, and I’m curious if what she’s written has publishing potential. Thanks for any guidance!
I don’t think any publishers would publish anything by anyone under 18. The best course is self publishing.
Thanks for your list. Very helpful. I have the peculiar problem that Guardian Angel published two of my children’s books, starting ten years ago. Now, they have gone out of business. I own the copyrights. Is it possible to approach a new publisher for these books? I can demonstrate past sales, favorable reviews, etc. Thanks in advance for your advice and help.
It’s possible, but a better choice might be self publishing (but acknowledge the original publisher was Guardian Angel). You get the benefit of getting a larger slice of the pie and the imprimatur of having it originally traditionally published.
I’m looking for a publisher that will offer an advance for my children’s books. I have published one already, that I paid to have published, but have almost ten written, and they all rhyme, much like a Dr. Guess book, but better!
Thanks a lot for sharing your article. This is a big help to finish my book.
Hi Mr. Bookfox! Do you, by any chance, possess the capacity and willingness to be a literary agent? I have 12 books completed (children’s, YA’s (fantasy), short story compilations (mystical) and poetry, and there are many more in the offing. Please email me if you do, or, alternatively, should you know the right person for the job (25% straight commission from my royalties – no fee-asking up-front). I have submitted to many supposed traditional publishers who say they accept unsolicited manuscripts, including most on your list, but their often-lame auto replies clearly suggest to me that they aren’t even looking at submissions much of the time, or are only interested in writers they already know, or they’re trying to skank money from authors as vanity-hybrid rip-offs pretending to be traditional-hybrid (hybrid being the con) for doing nothing. Many so-called literary agents are pulling similar scams on authors too. The publishing world has turned into a cutthroat maze of graft!
I have the best self published children’s book called Mulki the Extraordinary Superhero. I wish it was with a traditional publishing company because it will be the best seller of any children’s book on the market. I just think that a traditional publisher is the missing link for the best distribution.
I have a published book but have written a book about an educational special need child that has NEVER been written about-ever-have looked everywhere. I just want to make sure I do not loose time looking for the right publisher who publishes educational books for children 8-12. Any suggestions?
I found this very useful.
So you know any publishers who publish stories written by children?
My daughter (age 12) has written and illustrated a 6000 word story. I think it is really good!
Thanks much for the comprehensive list and detailed research summary!
TOP THAT PUBLISHING is listed by I can’t find a link to their email address.
Thanks so much for your well organized and informative list of publishers!
Wow. Thank you so much. This was so incredibly informative and helpful. Talk about giving people the right tools for success. Thanks Bookfox
I wrote a children’s coloring book with a story of how in one way or another we all need each other. I don’t have any money to invest and I’m looking for someone that would help me publish it. I don’t know where to go to because some publishers charge for publishing.
This has been very helpful!
I have finished “Planet Everywhere” illustrations and of course, the story written as poetry or at least as rhymes. It deals with the fact that we are one family. It is the first of a series. The next deals with the health of our planet the third is the same approach to the animal kingdom all of them titled “Planet Everywhere.” I am getting ready to submit. The list is great! I am also working on a detective dog Book called “Gumshoe” and “There’s something to be said about Red” I am an artist and writer. Just finished a novel its a hero’s story. A lot going on as you can tell. I also have four other projects I will work on when this part of the adventure has been completed. Love your stuff !
This is well done and VERY useful. Thank you.
It totally amazes me that ANY publisher will only accept submissions on paper! Apart from any claptrap about the wickedness of slaying trees and how we must all “do our bit” to save the planet, this archaic practice imposes infuriating inconvenience and brutal $$ COSTS on impecunious writers / illustrators – printing out texts / photocopying illustrations, paper, envelopes & postage. And trudging to the post office.
Again, some publishers will only look at submissions which arrive every second Friday or the first Wednesday after Lent.
Dear God Almighty! Take all the incoming stuff as it arrives and simply make two piles – Agented Submissions – which merit immediate attention – and UnAgented Submissions – which await the day when Wendy the doe-eyes young intern and George the part-time retired teacher with an intermittent bad back have a few hours free. That’s all!
There! Rant over and I WILL go and take my meds now, nurse.
I cannot believe some publishers remain unswervingly loyal to postal submissions
Thank you for this wonderful list!
I had a question
Pretty much all of these listed
guidelines say
1000 words or less for children’s books
So if it’s like 1500 or less you can’t submit it?
Correct. 1500 is far too long for a children’s book.
wow
How things have changed
I had a children’s book
not hardback
just paperback
published by
scholastic of New York in 1997
and there’s a hundred words just on two pages of it
and it’s 97 pages long
I’m having a hard time condensing my words from 1500 to below 1000
Of course I could take out a lot of words
but I don’t want to take details away from the story
that would otherwise keep a child entertained for a bedtime story
What do you suggest?
Is it just hardback story books that have to be less than a thousand words?
No, it’s all books.
If you wanted, I do line editing as part of my children’s book editing. I frequently will cut off that many words without losing any of the story.
Wonderful! Thank you so much for the research and valuable information.
Hi! I just wanted to mention that the Charlesbridge Publishing info is outdated. They only accept submissions online, not via mail (it has been this way since 2020). The link for the submissions’ information contains this updated information. Figured it would be worth sharing, for authors looking at this list in 2024. 🙂
We would be honored to be considered for your list. Lynx Publishers is dedicated to high-quality children’s literature. Learn more about our work at https://lynxpublishers.com/children-book
I would like more information on publishing books.
Great article! A quick “what you need to know guide” about children’s book publishers. Thanks!
Thank You so much for this!