I have written a book for children.  I want to find a publisher who
can offer the most effective product for the least amount of money

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Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 29 Oct 2002 14:00 PST

Are you wanting to self-publish the book?  If so, I have an excellent
printing source.

Hi bsutton~ 
 
I am not posting this as an official answer yet, since it may not be
quite what you were looking for. It is, however, my very best advice.
 
As the author of a dozen books, I'd suggest that the best way to do
initial research for any publisher is to go to bookstores and look
over the books :)  Study books that are not only in the same genre as
yours, but have similar qualities. In your case, also look at prices
and quality of product. From this, you can make a list of potential
publishers.
 
With this list in hand, check out the publishers' listings in the
latest edition of "The Writer's Market" and "The Writer's Guide to
Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents." These books are
available at most good bookstores, but if you want a look at
Amazon.com's listings for them, try these links:
 
"Writer's Market": 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/158297120X/qid=1035930099/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_2/103-5003732-5566227?v=glance&n=507846
 
"Writer's Guide...": 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761537457/qid=1035930173/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-5003732-5566227
 
If the publisher isn't listed in one of these references, there's
usually a very good reason (for example, they aren't reputable, are
not accepting new submissions, or are out of business). Some small
regional publishers may not be listed, also.
 
With the information gathered from "Writer's Market" and "Writer's
Guide," submit your idea to the appropriate editor, via a query. Only
when asked, send your manuscript.
 
Any shortcuts to this procedure really are a waste of time, since they
don't work effectively.
 
If this answer is acceptable, please let me know, and I will
officially post it.
 
Good luck! 
 
kriswrite

Hello bsutton, here are a few tips to help you out.

First, it might be worth considering getting an agent.  They would be
able to advise you on finding the right publisher for your book, as
well as negotiating a deal for you.  A book entitled '2002 Guide To
Literary Agents' contains a listing of 500 agents.  You will need to
browse through a book like this to find one in your area who handles
the kind of book you have written.

If you wish to bypass the agent route, here is a list of publishers of
children's literature along with their specialities.  Take a glance
through the descriptions and pick out the ones you think would be most
suitable for your book:

http://publishing.about.com/msubkidpub.htm

If you choose to do this, you should prepare a query letter.  This
will act as a sales tool.  Book Crossroads
(http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/query.html) advises that this should
be in three parts.  The first part should 'sell' your book (plot,
originality, 'hooks'), the second should 'sell' yourself  (writing
credits) and the third part should contain practical information about
the status of your book as well as your contact details.

Hope this all helps.  Here are some other useful links which you might
like to check out:

How to get a children's book published:
http://publishing.about.com/library/blhowto1.htm?PM=ss14_publishing

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books (Book):
http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=149&cPath=23_49_90

Best of luck with your book,

Gremmy

Hi bsutton~

I am not posting this as an official answer yet, since it may not be
quite what you were looking for. It is, however, my very best advice.

As the author of a dozen books, I'd suggest that the best way to do
initial research for any publisher is to go to bookstores and look
over the books :)  Study books that are not only in the same genre as
yours, but have similar qualities. In your case, also look at prices
and quality of product. From this, you can make a list of potential
publishers.

With this list in hand, check out the publishers' listings in the
latest edition of "The Writer's Market" and "The Writer's Guide to
Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents." These books are
available at most good bookstores, but if you want a look at
Amazon.com's listings for them, try these links:

"Writer's Market":
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/158297120X/qid=1035930099/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_2/103-5003732-5566227?v=glance&n=507846

"Writer's Guide...":
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761537457/qid=1035930173/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-5003732-5566227

If the publisher isn't listed in one of these references, there's
usually a very good reason (for example, they aren't reputable, are
not accepting new submissions, or are out of business). Some small
regional publishers may not be listed, also.

With the information gathered from "Writer's Market" and "Writer's
Guide," submit your idea to the appropriate editor, via a query. Only
when asked, send your manuscript.

Any shortcuts to this procedure really are a waste of time, since they
don't work effectively.

If this answer is acceptable, please let me know, and I will
officially post it.

Good luck!

kriswrite

Thanks for your answer, I think you have pointed me in the right direction.
You can go ahead and post the answer.

Bill Sutton