November 2001:
How To Gain an Edge in the Competitive Children's Book Market
How To Gain an Edge in the Competitive Children's Book Market
The question submitted most often to my column is "How do I get my book published?" If I knew the answer to the question I wouldn't put it in a column, I'd bottle it and sell it.
Children's book publishing is a very competitive field. In October 2001, the Publishers Weekly Children's Section published the article, "Making the Transition" by Sally Lodge, which covers the careers of six prominent children's book editors. In the article, Janet Schulman, veteran Random House editor said, "Now it is very hard for new artists and authors to get started." With that sobering admission in mind, a better question would be, "How can writers gain an edge in this competitive market?"
Children's writers have a choice of four newsletters providing up-to-date information and market tips. These print publications are not only excellent resources but also good markets for articles about the experience of writing for children. Be forewarned -- none of these publish fiction, poetry, or articles for children.
Children's Book Insider
Publisher Laura Backes claims, "No one gives you more tips, more new markets, more submission opportunities, more great advice than CBI. No one." Her confidence is well founded. This monthly newsletter's "At Presstime" section is two full pages of calls from editors who are seriously looking for freelance submissions. Editor profiles, writing workshops, author interviews, and the basics on writing for children round out each issue. Children's Book Insider offers a money back guarantee on subscriptions, plus a free copy of their special report, "The 10 Publishers & Magazines Most Receptive To New Authors." Subscriptions cost $29.95 per year for print copy, and $26.95 for electronic version in PDF.
Although much of CBI's content is written by Backes, there are opportunities here for freelancers. They are interested in informative articles on all aspects of children's writing, including author or illustrator interviews. Payment is $25 and a six-month subscription for one-page articles, and $50 and a one-year subscription for "Special Reports." For more details about content needs and how to query, send a request for writer's guidelines to: mail@write4kids.com.
Children's Writer: Newsletter of Writing and Publishing Trends
Every monthly issue contains advice from experts and current market tips, such as announcements of new children's magazines. According to Editor Susan Tierney, Children's Writer is widely read by children's book and magazine editors. Her claims of tapping into information streams and knowing what editors and publishers are looking for are backed up by the newsletter's decade of affiliation with the Institute of Children's Literature. A one-year subscription is $24.
The editorial staff prepares the columns, contests, and markets. The best way for freelancers to break in is with articles about some aspect of children's publishing. Feature articles highlight the current needs of editors, quoting a variety of sources and offering practical information for new and progressing writers. Secondary feature subjects range from successful writers to plots, point of view, contracts, agents, and more. Payment for articles ranges from $150 to $250, on acceptance. For a free sample copy, plus a complete list of writer's guidelines, including how to submit, be sure to visit the Children's Writer web site.
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Bulletin
One of the best membership benefits of SCBWI is the arrival of the Bulletin six times a year. Connie Epstein's "Publisher's Corner" is the focal point of this mini-magazine. Regular columns such as "To Market" by Susan Salzman Raab, "The Illustrator's Perspective" by Anne Sibley O'Brien, and "People" by Reva Solomon, satisfy a variety of interests. However in-depth features by the likes of Aaron Shepard and Eve Bunting, to name a few, plus insight from editors, librarians, playwrights, as well as other professionals involved in children's writing, make up the soul of the Bulletin. Subscriptions are not available to non-members. Annual dues are $60 for new members, and $50 renewal thereafter.
Submissions, like subscriptions, are open to SCBWI members only. Opportunities exist here for illustrators as well as writers. The pages are sprinkled with lively line drawings. Payment for art is $10 per drawing. Editor Stephen Mooser welcomes article submissions and response time is quick. His most recent call was for 500-1200 word articles of specific interest to published authors and illustrators. Payment for full-length articles is $50 plus a one-year membership. Submission guidelines and article needs are published in every issue.
Once Upon a Time
"Enlightening and entertaining" and "class act" are words readers and writers use to describe Once Upon a Time. An impressive roster of columnists include Ann Tompert, Barbara Seuling, Margaret Hillert, Dr. Lisa Rowe Frastino, Marvin Terban, Ron Mc Cutchan, Kristi Holl, Irene Schmidt, Jon Mc Creight, Ellen Levine, Juliann Stark, Jane Chase, and Paula Morrow. The life of a children's writer is definitely the focus of this quarterly magazine. "Give Your Nonfiction the Garlic Treatment" by Lizann Flatt, "Write What I Know? Why Would I Do That?" by Barbara Seuling, and "A Day In The Life Of..." by Alice P. Buening, are just a few examples of the type of articles found here. A one-year subscription (four issues) is $26.
"Once Upon A Time is not a paying market for writers and illustrators, other than contributor's copies," Editor Audrey Baird advises. "Publication means your work will be seen by thousands, including editors and art directors, who share your love of children's literature. We accept instructional, nurturing, supportive, and entertaining articles on the writing and illustrating life up to 900 words, short poetry, and art work to brighten our pages." For guidelines, click on "Submissions" at the Once Upon A Time web site. Editor's email: audreyouat@comcast.net
For More Information:
- Children's Book Insider
- http://www.write4kids.com/aboutcbi.html
- Children's Writer: Newsletter of Writing and Publishing Trends
- http://www.childrenswriter.com/
- Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Publications
- http://www.scbwi.org/pubs.htm
- Once Upon a Time
- http://onceuponatimemag.com
Peggy Tibbetts has been a professional writer, editor, and full member of the Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators for the past 26 years. She offers courses in children's writing and has edited several successful children's manuscripts. She is the author of the children's novel The Road to Weird, as well as the adult novel Rumors of War. Peggy also moderates the The Write List discussion list at Yahoo.
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