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Children's Books
by Gary Crucefix

If you study the children's market you will quickly realise that there are opportunities for both the illustrator and writer.

A writer should always observe the rules of submitting manuscripts. However, if you intend submitting material via the Internet always investigate if this is acceptable practice. Some publishers and agents do not take to kindly to having to download large chunks of mail, and worse, will automatically delete anything with an attachment in fear of catching an infection. Others will require work submitted in special formats.

Illustrators will need an appointment to present a portfolio of their work covering a large variety of topics. Always include a selection of line art, which may well become you main outlet. If you find it hard to get an appointment, send photographs of your work with a covering letter.

Opportunities for picture books are limited due to high printing costs. Because of this publishers are particular and a partnership approach is advised. There is always a need for well-drafted text.

Usually picture books are 32 pages long 12-14 spreads over two pages of full colour illustration. Word count varies from none to 2500. Topics should deal with a single event like a birthday, day out, bathtime etc., with limited issues that should be resolved within the confines of the book. Narrative must be descriptive encouraging the reader to turn pages.

Children reading their first novels require a word count of 1500 to 7500 words in length. Line illustration normally breaks up each page. These books are usually published as part of a series, so it pays to shop about to get your work placed.

Individual novels for the over 9s are limited to 40,000 words to keep printing costs down. Publishers are looking for authors they believe can deliver more than one book for their list. Non-fiction work is usually covered in-house or by a specialist.

There is always a demand for new talented illustrators. Work varies from line work, to jackets and full colour illustrations.

Whether you are submitting text or illustrations, never submit both together. Let the professionals decide where best to place your work.

The following links cover the Children's Market:

Young Writer
http://www.mystworld.com/youngwriter
Specialist magazine for young writers about 7-15 years: ideas for them and writing by them at youngwriter@enterprise.net.

World's Children
http://www.scfuk.org.uk
The magazine of Save the Children. Articles on child welfare and rights related to Save the Children's work overseas and in the UK. No, unsolicited features. Illustrations: colour and b&w. publications@scfuk.org.uk

Mizz
http://www.ipc.co.uk
Articles on any subject of interest to teenage girls. Approach in writing. Payment: by arrangement. Illustrated material welcome. mizz@ipc.co.uk

Barefoot Books Ltd
http://www.barefoot-books.com
Children's picture books: myth, legend, and fairy tale; no unsolicited manuscripts. sales@bigfoot-books.com

Kathy Jakeman Illustrations
http://www.kji.co.uk
Illustration: for publishing, - especially for children. Also design work, editorial and advertising. Send sae with samples. Commission; 25%. kji@globalnet.co.uk

Linda Rogers Associates
http://www.lrassoc.force9.co.uk
Represents 65 illustrators and author/illustrators in all fields of illustration. Specializes in children books, education, informational books, adult leisure books and magazines. Commission: 25%. Founded 1973.

KidsHealth.org, a site dedicated to children's health is seeking experience freelance writers for its Parents, Kids, and Teens sections. Article topic range from surgeries to infections to behavioral and emotional issues. Writers can check out the site at http://KidsHealth.org to see the types of articles they are looking for. Payment on receipt of article. Please send resume and two clips/writing samples to Mara Gorman, Managing Editor, KidsHealth.org, The Nemours Foundation 1600 Rockland Road Wilmington, DE 19803. (Writers can telecommute.) Mara P. Gorman Managing Editor The Nemours Center for Children's Health Media Phone: 302-651-4142 Fax: 302 651-4077.

Copyright © 1999 Gary Crucefix

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