Find your voice

 

    1. Write what you like, and ask yourself “did I like reading that?”
    2. Type your manuscript using double spaces between the lines.
    3. Ask people you trust – like friends or relatives – to read your work and provide their honest feedback. Be open to outside suggestions.
    4. There are many books to help guide you in preparing your manuscript and finding a literary agent. here are two books great books on the subject:

      Teach Yourself Writing and Getting Published, by Allan Frewin Jones & Lesley Pollinger

      Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market 2018, by Cris Freese

      Literary Marketplace, by R.R. Bowker

    5. Familiarize yourself with well-known writers which have a writing style or subject which is similar to yours. Then, look at the back of their books for the publisher’s name and address. Mail these publishers your manuscript. I can’t guarantee this will work, but to improve your chances, you should find a literary agent to assist you. I recommend these books:

      Literary Agents: The Essential Guide for Writers, by Debby Mayer

      Guide to Literary Agents 2018, by Cris Freese

    6. Once the publisher receives your manuscript a junior editor will read it. Bear in mind the publishing industry (especially children’s publishing) receives thousands of unsolicited manuscripts. It may take up to a year for comments, and generally their response by email, postcard or letter.

    And, learn to deal with rejections.  J.K. Rowling,  author of the wildly successful Harry Potter books, was rejected nine times before London’s Bloomsbury Publishing signed her on.

    Writing is a lonely pursuit. You might want to consider joining a local children’s writing group. If you don’t know of one, contact the SOCIETY FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER AND ILLUSTRATORS. They have excellent resources and offer children’s literature workshops.

    “Hey Chris, How can I get published?”

    Although I am mainly known as an illustrator, I occasionally write when an idea strikes. I wrote my first children’s book and plan on writing more in the future.  When I was a kid I liked reading the “Dr. Seuss” and “Curious George” book series because they were cheerful and fun. However,  my all time favorite was “The Little Engine That Could“.  That little engine never gave up and he reminded me that I could achieve my dreams.

    Most of the books I enjoy dispense life lessons with a sprinkle of inspiration.  And personally, I prefer to work on projects which embrace relevant social and cultural ideas.

    • Being passionate about your topic is a great place to start. Plus, with over 6,000 new books published each year,  there will be a niche for almost any subject you wish to write about.
    • After finishing a manuscript, a writer will sell the book to a publisher. The writer will then be assigned an editor who will look for an illustrator whose style fits the story. If the illustrator accepts the job, a contract is signed and the work begins.
    • Usually, authors and illustrators work separately. The first time I meet an author of a book is usually at its signing, book fairs, events and trade shows.
    • Once you get a publishing contract, congratulations! But…. unless you have financial freedom, I wouldn’t suggest quitting your day job. While working on my first three books, I had a night job carving belt buckles. I had to pay for art supplies and my rent,  so I didn’t have the luxury of fine dining –  meals consisted of rice with a can of tomato sauce or if I was lucky,  a delicious bowl of instant noodles. I was a typical “starving artist” in New York City.

    But these hardships only fueled my determination and I truly believed that one day I would be able to make a living doing what I love to do. Over the years, publishers became aware of my creative talent and passion for my work. I began to collect more and more work. And now, I can paint full-time while eating three healthy meals a day!

     

    Want to be a professional artist?

    I knew I wanted to be an artist when I was in middle school and one of my teachers was instrumental in getting me started. I’ve come up with some helpful tips for aspiring artists or illustrators. Click on the button to read more. Tips for Artists