What Authors Should Know Before Submitting to Children's Book Publishing

Children's book publishing is a complex and subtle art. In contrast to children's or general or adult publishing, creating and submitting children's books demands different considerations, from idea creation through to ultimate submission.

If you're ready to submit a children's book, understanding what not to do, what to do, and how things work differently with other methods of publishing may be the key to success or failure.
This primer addresses key things authors should know prior to getting into children's book publishing, such as submission tips, developing manuscripts, and pitfalls.

1. Understand the Age Group You’re Writing For

One of the most important factors in children's book publishing is understanding your target age group. Children’s literature is divided into several categories:

• Board Books (0–3 years): simple pictures, few words
• Picture Books (3–7 years): fewer than 1000 words, visuals are crucial
• Early Readers (5–8 years): brief chapters, simple sentences
• Chapter Books (6–9 years): more text, fewer pictures
• Middle Grade (8–12 years): character development, no romance
• Young Adult (YA) (12+): mature themes, stronger emotional arcs

A frequent mistake is misaligning format and age group. For example, sending a 3,000-word text with no pictures for toddlers guarantees rejection.

Do this instead:

• Study published books in your category
• Match sentence structure, vocabulary, and themes
• Follow standard word counts

2. Refrain from Writing "To Teach a Lesson"

A common trap in Children's Book Publishing is turning the story into a lecture. While many books contain lessons, the narrative should always take priority.

Children can spot preaching. Publishers know this and often reject books that feel like sermons.

Instead:

• Let messages evolve naturally through plot and character
• Deliver themes through humor, conflict, or emotion

3. Create Characters Kids Can Identify With

Characters need to be relatable and authentic. Whether they’re kids, animals, or imaginary creatures, they must resonate with children.

Avoid:

• Adult-like dialogue in child characters
• Outdated or overly formal language
• Stereotypes over depth

Tips:

• Observe real kids’ speech and behavior
• Use age-appropriate dialogue and reactions
• Allow characters to grow and make mistakes

4. Learn the Role of Illustrations

In Children's Book Publishing, illustrations are part of the storytelling, especially in picture books. However, don’t include illustrations unless you’re a professional or the publisher requests them.

Publishers expect:

• Manuscripts with room for visual interpretation
• Minimal illustration notes—only when necessary

Avoid:

• Hiring illustrators unless self-publishing
• Overloading your manuscript with art direction

5. Know What to Include in a Submission

Submission guidelines vary, but most include:

• Query letter: brief intro to you and your manuscript
• Manuscript: typed, double-spaced, 12pt font (Word or PDF)
• Synopsis (if requested): 1-page summary, including the ending

For picture books, submit the full manuscript, under 1000 words unless noted otherwise.

Always check the publisher's specific guidelines. Submissions are often rejected for technicalities alone.

6. Steer Clear of Manuscript Pitfalls

These are common reasons for rejection:

• Forced rhymes: Avoid unless you master rhythm and meter
• Excessive length: Be concise—less is more
• Mixed tone: Don’t blend adult humor with childlike innocence
• Inappropriate content: Stay within age limits unless clearly targeting YA

7. Keep in Mind the Publisher's Niche and Purpose

Not all publishers work across all age categories. Submitting a middle grade fantasy to a picture-book-only press wastes everyone’s time.

Research before submitting:

• Check submission guidelines
• Review their catalog from the last 3–5 years
• Ensure your manuscript aligns with their focus

Publishers in Children's Book Publishing are selective. Fit matters as much as quality.

8. How the Children's Book Publishing Process Works

If your manuscript is accepted, expect this sequence:

• Acquisition: Editor makes an offer
• Contract: Outlines royalties, rights, deadlines
• Editing: Developmental and copyediting stages
• Illustration: Publisher selects illustrator (for picture books)
• Design/Layout: Final book is formatted
• Printing/Distribution: Book hits stores or libraries
• Marketing: Publisher may offer some support; authors often help promote

This entire process takes 12–24 months, particularly for illustrated books.

9. Differences Between Children's Book Publishing and Other Publishing

• Visual Integration: Unlike adult books, children's books depend on visuals—even middle grade often includes spot illustrations
• Gatekeepers: Adults (parents, teachers, librarians) buy children's books, so you must appeal to both the reader and the buyer
• Market Saturation: The children's market is trend-driven. Books too similar to bestsellers may be ignored unless they offer a new twist
• Content Sensitivity: Language, themes, and representation are scrutinized carefully to ensure suitability and inclusivity

10. Things Authors Should Consider Before Submitting

• Publishing Path:
• Traditional: Competitive; long wait times
• Hybrid: Shared cost; more author control
• Self-publishing: Full control, full responsibility
• Author Platform: Not essential, but having a website, social media presence, or experience with schools/libraries can help
• Revisions: Be prepared to revise—even after acceptance

11. Final Checklist Before Submission

- Does your story fit the age group?
- Is it polished and error-free?
- Have you followed the publisher’s guidelines?
- Is it free of clichés and heavy-handed morals?
- Is your query letter professional?

Mini Guide: Writing & Publishing a Children’s Book – Extra

When authoring a children's book, tone needs to be appropriate to the age of the reader—plush and whimsical for infants, daring and emotionally honest for middle grade. Use no sarcasm, adult humor, or excessively dark themes unless targeting upper ages.

Word choice should be age-related. Simple, clear language for the younger child and a little more sophisticated vocabulary for the older reader, but never at the expense of clarity or rhythm. Verbs should be active and exact; no padding, and no over-written paragraphs.

Language should be frugal. Picture books should not exceed 1000 words. Each word should earn its keep—contribute to the story or tell us something vital about a character.

Pictures have to enhance a story rather than garnish it. Pictures have to show diversity, communicate feelings in a straightforward way, and demonstrate action. Pictures have to be interesting, having vivid colors and emotive characters in an image book. Middle grade can be enriched with spot illustrations.

Writing for children requires precision, empathy, and creativity—all working together to spark wonder.

Conclusion

Success in children's book publishing begins with thoughtful preparation. Writers who respect their readers, follow industry norms, and submit their work professionally are more likely to succeed.

Avoiding common mistakes shows you're more than someone with a story—you’re a professional ready to engage in the publishing process.

Remember: every beloved children’s book started with a draft. But it’s discipline, knowledge, and care that bring a story to life on the shelf.