How to Become a Published Children's Picture Book Author

Have you ever dreamed of having your manuscript published? Are you struggling with finding the right publisher? Here are six tips that will help you achieve your goal of getting a contract.

Tip One- Write what you know. For example, if you do well in math, you might want to write a simple book on math concepts. I am a polyglot that speaks four languages fluently. All of my children's books are written as trilingual books. Writing on topics you know well makes you an expert in that field.

Tip Two- Before submitting your work for consideration; make sure you have your manuscript professionally edited. The children's book market is very competitive and by having, a well-written manuscript free of errors will increase your chances of getting a contract.

Tip Three- Make sure you do a thorough review of the publisher's site before you submit your work. Many authors skip this very important step. It does not make any sense for me to submit a manuscript about language acquisition if the publisher only publishes science books.

Tip Four-Your goal is to get a contract, refrain from being too demanding or pushy with your publisher. Before getting my first traditional book contract the publisher asked me to make specific edit to my manuscript. I went ahead and made the changes she requested. The same is true regarding the illustrator of your children's picture book. Most publishers will assign an illustrator to do the art for your book. As a new author, I had to trust my publisher's decision to match my book with the right illustrator. The illustrator did an outstanding job that made the story jump off the page.

Tip Five- Remember book publishers are very busy people. Once you get a contract, do not keep emailing asking when your book will be released. Instead, spend your time writing another manuscript. The more you write the easier it will get.

Tip Six- Join a critique group specific to your genre. Critique groups are an integral part in helping you stay sharp when it comes to your writing. Be sure the group does not comprise of more than five writers. It is also advisable to join a group with veteran, seasoned writers who will give you valuable and honest critiques. We all need someone other than ourselves to read our work with an objective eye.

If you find that the feedback, you seek is always positive or negative in nature, you should consider finding another group. Genuine critique is a balanced between good and bad.

One last tip you should consider is to stay abreast on what is going on in the world of children publishing. The best way to do that is to join organizations that support children books. I belong to several groups. As a newbie, I had a lot to learn about marketing myself as an author. I have a second book currently on contract with my publisher and hope to get a third contract.