Sep
14
I would like to Publish childrens books however have little money to self publish, or pay a fee up front?
By
deep in thought questioned:
I write children’s books for my son he likes them and learns allot from them too. He is a highly advanced 2 year ancient and so far it has been attributed to the time he spends reading books, particularly the ones that I write. But I am a stay at home mother and have small money to be spending on prospects. Please if anyone knows who, what, when, or where I can get a Childs book published for free fill me in. I want to share my books with the world; also it would be nice to make some extra spending money. I also illustrate is a couple different mediums. Please help me!
Fun Childrens Activities – Parachute Games
I write children’s books for my son he likes them and learns allot from them too. He is a highly advanced 2 year ancient and so far it has been attributed to the time he spends reading books, particularly the ones that I write. But I am a stay at home mother and have small money to be spending on prospects. Please if anyone knows who, what, when, or where I can get a Childs book published for free fill me in. I want to share my books with the world; also it would be nice to make some extra spending money. I also illustrate is a couple different mediums. Please help me!
Fun Childrens Activities – Parachute Games
Check out publishers who specialize in children’s books. You can research online, look at who publishes other similar children’s books, and use the library, all for free.
You have chosen the most hard thing in the publishing business – getting a children’s book published.
Let me describe for you the current nature of the children’s book market. I just finished ghostwriting two children’s books for a very major sports figure – already sold to a very major NY publisher. The first is with artist now and due out in Spring. I am currently working on another one with others to follow. This information was given to me by a Senior Editor at the publisher I write for …
40% of children’s books published today are by celebs like Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis etc.
40% are written by existing, established children’s authors like Eric Carle.
15-20% are reprints of children’s classics like Curious George.
That leaves at best 5% for new authors.
And that percentage is being cut into by adult authors like Carl Hiaasen and Mary Higgins Clark entering the childrens’ market recently.
To that, add the fact that most of the large publishing companies are backlogged with children’s books they have under contract but havent gotten out yet.
As a result, most A list publishers aren’t even reading childrens’ books right now, which means agents arent either. Agents only read what they can sell.
There is very small room to break into the children’s market. Only books that are extremely exceptional and have huge appeal stand a chance. Forget any holiday related books – the selling season is too small to make money.
Take a walk through any major childrens’ book department and you will confirm what I am telling you. Getting a childrens’ book done is nearly impossible – and getting an advance for it is virtually out of the question anymore. Unless you fall into one of those categories above. I am fortunate to have the backing of a very major sports star to get me in the door with kids books. I write adult novels, but believe me I have tried with kids books before and failed for exactly the reasons I list here. Ghostwriting has gotten me in through the back door, and now I will be able to sell some of the children’s books that have my name on them. For now, someone else’s name is on the cover. Someone whose name sells books – huge time. Don’t question me how you can get a ghostwriting deal for a major sports star … I really backed into this. It was a gift from Heaven really and it is a blast working with this person too!!! My mantle is now covered with sports memorabilia worth a fortune!! Presents.
That is the nature of the beast. You might get a copy of Writers Market and search for some small publishers who are reading childrens’ books, but searching through the agents section, you will see that nearly NO agents are reading childrens’ books. Try for some small publishers that read without going through an agent. Expect a lot of rejection. Develop a really thick skin and learn to advocate for yourself.
Always remember that before you send anything to anyone, check them out. Preditors and Editors, Absolute Write Water Cooler’s Bewares and Background Checks, Writers Weekly.com and Writers Wall are all fantastic sources and really free – although if they help you, it is nice to contribute a donation. Someone has to pay for running the sites. If you do not see information on the publisher or agent in question, write to Dave K at Preditors and Editors, Victoria Strauss or James Macdonald at Absolute Write or Angela Hoy at Writers Weekly. They are pleased to pass along any info they have to help you.
As for self publishing it – it will get you nowhere. Self published books dont make it to bookstores. Childrens’ books are impulse buys. What is out on the tables for kids to see is what sells. Kids don’t shop at websites for things like books. They have to hold them in their hand and nag Mom to buy it. The only way to achieve that is through a excellent traditional publisher. Excellent luck. Pax – C
If you’d like to have a quality product for your son from yourself, you could try Lulu.com – it’s free self-publishing. I edited a book of my grandmother’s tales, and the results were very pleasing. I’ve also downloaded 2 children’s books from Lulu, and I was pleased with the results of the PDF files. This is NOT a route to go if you want to make much money or be taken incredibly seriously by the publishing world. Yet, it’s pleasing to have a creation of your own in quality book form.
You can see a sample of my book here at:
I’ve also downloaded these two books for children:
(This one was written by a mother for her son.)
(This one WAS free at the time. I’m not sure about now.)
The previews are not as high quality as the actual download or printed product.
Best wishes with whatever you choose! I reckon it’s awesome you write books for your son.