Have you ever written a book? How and why?

[Anonymous]

Have any of the PP children's book authors written a picture book? My mom has a drawer full of drafts of pictures books. I'm curious about the publishing process. (I know it is probably a complete shot in the dark. )

[Anonymous]

I write children's books and was recently offered a two book deal.

Picture books are hard to get right, and very hard to break into especially for people who don't write/illustrate.

I wrote my book -- which is middle grade (grades 4-8) -- with help from a variety of writing books. Check out The Plot Whisperer or Save the Cat to see if either appeal to you.

Usually the first step is getting an agent. Some publishers will accept submissions directly from authors, but most of the big ones don't. Agents are worth their weight in gold.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I write children's books and was recently offered a two book deal.

Picture books are hard to get right, and very hard to break into especially for people who don't write/illustrate.

I wrote my book -- which is middle grade (grades 4-8) -- with help from a variety of writing books. Check out The Plot Whisperer or Save the Cat to see if either appeal to you.

Usually the first step is getting an agent. Some publishers will accept submissions directly from authors, but most of the big ones don't. Agents are worth their weight in gold.

How did you find an agent willing to represent your book?

[Anonymous]

Love this topic!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I write children's books and was recently offered a two book deal.

Picture books are hard to get right, and very hard to break into especially for people who don't write/illustrate.

I wrote my book -- which is middle grade (grades 4-8) -- with help from a variety of writing books. Check out The Plot Whisperer or Save the Cat to see if either appeal to you.

Usually the first step is getting an agent. Some publishers will accept submissions directly from authors, but most of the big ones don't. Agents are worth their weight in gold.

How did you find an agent willing to represent your book?

After writing the book and editing/revising I sent query letters to agents. You can find a great, searchable database at Query Tracker. (not sure if I'm allowed to link but googling will turn it up,)

Check out Query Shark (not updated but a treasure trove of material on queries).
Other blogs that were helpful for me:
Janet Reid's blog (she is also the Query Shark but her blog has other, more general info about publishing)
Jennifer Laughran's blog
Nathan Brandsford

Each agent has their own submission requirements, often the first 20-50 pages are included with the query letter.

If an agent wants more s/he will let you know.