Seeking guidence, advice, introductions etc. re publishing a childrens book

[sbre]

Almost two decades ago I wrote Santa Claus related story that I read annually to multiple families and often hear “You need to get that published!”.

Well, you can only hit a guy over the head with a frying-pan so many times before he either gets a clue or gets out of the way, and since I’m not going anywhere…

If anyone has any experience with, or knows someone I might want to speak to, or can pass on a suggestion I should consider in pursuing this, I would (very much) welcome your input.

I will add that I have been in contact with an on-line publishing company to learn there is a few-thousand dollars up-front amount to be paid by the author with a slight percentage amount of sales to be returned to him/her, however this firm does do everything: illustrations, printing, distribution, media release, etc.

Is this the norm and what I can expect for us non-Steven Kings or John Irvings? Or are there other avenues worth taking?

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide…

swimbikeruneat aht ghe mayl dawt khom

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[jissy]

sbre: I have a family friend that just published her 2nd children’s book. Let me see if she can connect with you. I will do my best to email introduce you.

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[sbre]

Thank you jissy

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[The Velvet Bulldog]

Hi sbre! Awesome that you’re trying to get published! There are a couple of routes that I can recommend: First, go to the Literary Marketplace http://www.literarymarketplace.com/lmp/us/index_us.asp
to browse agents and publishers. Most of the publishing industry will recommend you find an agent FIRST, and have them help you find a publisher.

I recently went the route you’re apparently NOT supposed to do: Pitching to publishers directly, but guess what? It worked and my co-authors and I will be published early next year! Look at other children’s books that are similar in theme to what you want to publish and note who the publishers are. Go to their websites and look for instructions regarding submitting manuscripts. Each publisher has different requirements (of course) so this can be time-consuming, however it definitely gives you a good sense of your audience and the marketplace.

A note about self-publishing: many bookstores shy away from carrying self-published books because distribution and fulfillment can’t be guaranteed. With a publisher backing you, they can distribute books to ALL outlets through Ingram.

Good Luck!!!!

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[2 Much Whine]

Hey sbre! Once again I find myself in a position to possibly offer a bit of help. You live within half a mile of an amazing author of books for children! His name is Paul Schmid and he’s written and illustrated “A Pet for Petunia,” “Oliver and his Alligator,” and “Hugs for Pearl” to name a few. Paul is an amazing author, artist and dad. I can’t guarantee he’ll share his secrets but it can’t hurt to ask! Here’s his website. http://www.paulschmidstudio.com/work/#/my-books/. There is a link to his email address so give it a shot!

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[sbre]

~Brad, from now on I’m going to cut-out the middle-man (in this case, blog) and just write to you directly!

Thanks again neighbor!!

~The Velvet Bulldog, that is exactly the type of advice I was seeking, thank you very much!

AL

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