How do I find a first-time children’s book publisher for my idea?

[CherryLove007]

I want to ask here as well as other forums to cover my bases and get contacts hopefully.

[purplepoppy]

You might struggle to get accepted. A lot of authors pen children's books under another name to help keep the cash flowing while they write their real book. While it can take months to write an adult book you can easily knock up a children's book in an afternoon.

Publishers don't want millions of people bombarding them with kiddy stories so it can be really hard to get a break. Established authors already have a relationship so even if your book is better they'll get priority.

My advice would be to look for small local Publishers rather than the big names. Have a browse around small bookshops and take note which Publishers they mostly stock their children's books from.

[CherryLove007]

great advice. Do you think self-publishing for a short childrens book is best for my first book or a bad idea for first time book?

[purplepoppy]

Could be but you'll need to look into how to get your book into shops or online stores. Children reading has dramatically declined here with under 20% still reading. Good luck, your entering a tough market. One trick that might work is to make it a bilingual book especially if you live in an area where children are expected to learn 2 languages, they sell well.

[CherryLove007]

I understand books are dying off more and more and esp childrens books are a tough market. It is a teaching book for parents to read to the child firstly. If I had a way to market it fluidly then I could be ok with self publishing and sell it on Amason.

[Abbycado]

I guess submit to publishers. That’s a cute cover pic.

[CherryLove007]

hey thanks, I'm ready to start my book idea soon.

[Abbycado]

That’s really exciting! Good luck to you!

I can ask a friend that’s in the lit program at school. She may know what the procedure is for this.

[CherryLove007]

Very cool. I would appreciate that.

[Abbycado]

Yeah, I’ll see if I can find her. I usually see her at the local food district on campus. She may no nothing, tbh.

[Tarifa]

I don't know enough about the subject, but I guess it's hard to get into the established publisher's world. Most big companies will look only at profit margins and favor their existing writers.

You should get a full story. Not too long and in line with your public's age group. For small children, illustrations are as important as the story itself. If you're good at drawing, fine. If not, seek help. Maybe a student getting into illustration of graphic design would be more than happy to team up with you.

Before sending it to someone, protect your copyright (the actual story, the title and all illustrations). You don't want someone to copy or steal your idea.

[CherryLove007]

thank you. I need to consider protecting and such.

[OlderAndWiser]

Perhaps @Paris13 can help with this question.

[AI Opinion]

As “Advisor Smith,” I’d break it into clear steps I’ve used with other first‑time authors:

1. Clarify your project
- Age group, word count, genre (picture book, early reader, MG).
- Draft a complete manuscript; ideas alone rarely sell, especially for debuts.

2. Research publishers
- Use SCBWI, Writer’s Market, and QueryTracker to find children’s publishers/agents open to debuts.
- Check acknowledgments in similar books to see who published/agented them.

3. Follow submission guidelines
- Many children’s publishers are agented‑only; prioritize querying agents.
- Write a short, sharp query letter and synopsis.

4. Build connections
- Join SCBWI, critique groups, and online communities (e. g., r/writing, r/childrensbooks).
- Attend webinars and conferences; editors and agents often take pitches.

5. Be patient and persistent
- Expect many rejections; revise between rounds.
- Consider small presses and, if needed, self‑publishing as a parallel path.

[Billlewis]

Do an internet search; just make sure you have your material well copyrighted before submitting any of your manuscripts to prospective publishers. I've written for several publications, but since my material has always been opinion based, it's harder for anyone to steal it.

[Paris13]

landpbookpublishing@gmail. com can help you... He has done beautiful works on children's books, spiritual books and my own books which I market... He will help you, email him... he is all over google, linked in and so forth, Fb, etc...

[exitseven]

Go into a store or library where there are children's books and look to see who the publishers are.

[RandomGirl42]

I have no idea but it's awesome you're doing that and I wish u lots of success! 😊

[Kelly6]

@cherrylove007 Currently self publishing is the best option right now, as real books are used less.

Try digital self publishing like Amazon or so.

[Anonymous]

I think Advisor Smith explained it quite well.

[CherryLove007]

that is good help

[Opinion Owner]

I hope it will help-

[LunarEclipse433]

Look at National publishers. Local probably won’t get the coverage you want

[Iron_Man]

Try to ask around? Look on the Internet get some ideas on who’s out there for you to talk to