June 2004
How Can I Publish A Book Illustrated By My Granddaughter?
I have a 6-year old granddaughter that has brought me several titles and asked me to write a short story using her titles. I have done this and after I write the story I read the story to her and she illustrates the story with one picture taken from the story. I would like to do something with the stories illustrated by a 6-year old child but written by an adult. Do you have any suggestions for me on this matter? I would like to see about putting the short stories into a book or a children's magazine.
What a fun project for you and your granddaughter! As for getting them published, the children's picture book market is very competitive, so publishers are selective about the stories they publish. It's difficult to find a publisher who will publish your chosen illustrations with your story. In his article "Who Draws the Pictures?", Harold Underdown says that publishers prefer to choose the illustrators for the picture books they publish. Many will not consider illustrations submitted with manuscripts.
Another alternative is to consider is using a self-publishing service, such as iUniverse, Xlibris, or AuthorHouse. They use print-on-demand (POD) technology to print books as they're ordered. They offer editing, cover design and/or illustrations, and marketing assistance. Each company offers a range fees for their publishing programs. Your book will be a wonderful keepsake for you and your granddaughter and the rest of your family. Encouraging a young child in this way will have a positive impact on her self-esteem for many years to come.
Should I Send A Picture Book Dummy?
A publisher replied to my query about a children's picture book that they want to see the book! Here is what they wrote: "Please send us the picture book or several sample chapters." Awhile back I made up some dummies and spiral bound them. I know most publishers chose their own illustrators, however, my illustrations are actually pretty good, plus they really enhance the book. For example, some pages are lined with little ants (main characters in the story) or have scattered leaves throughout the page including the words. Should I send the spiral bound version, should I send a copy of the pages without spiral binding them or should I just send the words?
Your illustrations sound adorable. I'm sure it's tempting to send them. However you should send the text in manuscript format with a SASE. Be sure to mention in your cover letter that you have a spiral bound dummy ready to send if interested. And be sure to remind the editor in the first sentence of your cover letter that she requested your manuscript -- sometimes they forget!
Should I Submit A Map And Photos With My Manuscript?
My children's book is about a famous trail system where I live. I have a map and photos to go with the text. Would these be given to the illustrator to help him/her? I am especially thinking that the map would need to be included (maybe on the inside of the cover and first page), but would that be my choice? Should I send the map and photos when I submit to publishers?
Yes, you can include a map and photos when you submit your manuscript to the publisher. I assume your book is nonfiction. Because your book is about a trail system, the map and photos will enhance your submission by showing the editor what makes your subject so special. Be sure to send copies. Never send originals.
Where to place the map in the book won't be your choice. In fact the editor probably won't use your map or your photos. If he's interested in publishing your book, he will probably contract a professional to photograph the trail system. If there's an official trail map available from the local park system, the publisher might seek permission to reprint that map, or else hire an illustrator to draw one.
For more information:
- Who Draws the Pictures?
- http://www.underdown.org/cig_ch14.htm
- iUniverse
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http://www.iuniverse.com
- Xlibris
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http://www1.xlibris.com
- AuthorHouse
- http://www.authorhouse.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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