Is It Easier to Publish a Children’s Book?
Are you interested in writing a book to later be published? If you are, you will find that you have a number of different options. This includes different genres to choose from. If you haven’t already started writing, you may instinctively think of writing a children’s book. This is because many assume that they are easier to get published as well as an easier way to make more money, but is that really true?
Before automatically assuming that writing a children’s book is the way to go, it is important to examine the current market. There is an unlimited number of children’s books to choose from. Unlike traditional books for adults, you will see a large selection of children’s books in dollar stores and discount stores. As much as parents want their children to be educated, many choose to spend a limited amount of money on children’s books. This leads to many shopping at discount stores or dollar stores. Although not huge, this may have an impact on your ability to get a children’s book or a number of them published.
As previously stated, the competition is fierce for children’s books. That is why many publishers proceed with caution. What makes a $15 children’s book sell is often having a well-known author or a captivating story, especially for young readers or early adults. That is why many larger publishers choose to stick with the same authors or only use agents. Do not let this get you down, however. There are many publishers out there who are willing to take a gamble on new children’s book authors, and you may be one of them.
One reason why many authors like to write children’s books and think that they would be easier to publish is because of their length. Most children’s books are only a few hundred words long, especially those designed for toddlers and preschoolers. The exception to this is with young adult books, which do fall under the category of children’s books. Yes, it will be quicker to write a children’s book, but that doesn’t improve your chances of getting your book published. It can, in a way, make it harder, as you have to find the perfect words when using less.
Another reason why many hopeful published authors choose to write children’s books is that they believe that they have a better chance of making more money. So, is this true? Not always. Despite the possibility of a variance, authors often receive higher pay for longer novels and other books. It is possible to write a children’s book quicker; therefore, you may be able to write more, but it is also important to note that the same time and thought should be put into all books that are written. Also, remember that you may be able to turn out more books when writing for children, but they must first be published for you to profit from them.
If you do make the decision to publish a children’s book, it is important not to limit yourself. When many individuals think of children’s books, picture books and board books are often the first things that come to time. These books are popular, but it is important to remember that the children’s genre is quite large. There are also books for beginning readers, like small chapter books, as well as young adults. Keep this in mind when first looking to write a children’s book, as you may want to experiment.
As highlighted above, it is not necessarily easier to write and publish a children’s book, but that does not mean that you cannot do so. Instead of focusing on how easy it would be to publish a book or how much money you can expect to make, you are urged to write what you know or love. When you feel passionate about the words that you write and the story that you create, you are much more likely to see success.
Important Steps to Getting a Book Published
Do you have the goal of becoming a published writer? If you do, you may be curious as to what steps you need to take to achieve your goal. When it comes to getting a book published, there are multiple steps that you will need to take; however, some are much more important than others.
The first thing that you will need to do is write your book. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to proceed with caution. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that any book will do. Do the research to determine which genres are popular or what types of books publishers are seeking. Another common mistake that many new authors make is aiming for children’s books. If you truly want to write a children’s book, go ahead and do so. However, do not make the mistake of assuming that it would be easier to make more money with children’s books because they are easier to write and shorter in length.
If you have already written your book or as soon as it is completed, there are steps that you will want to take before sending your completed manuscripts off to publishers. You will want to proofread your book, then proofread it again, and one more time for safe measure. If you are not using the services of a professional editor, it may be a wise idea to ask a small number of trusted friends or relatives to review your book for you, give you input, and make a note of any errors. For longer books, consider giving those that you know a few chapters to review.
Another step that you will want to take involves looking into literary agents. When writing adult books, you will find that a good percentage of well-known publishers only deal with authors who have professional literary agents in their corner. With that said, you are not required to use the services of a literary agent, but it may result in more work for you. Even if you are not sure if a literary agent is a right choice for you, consider giving a few a close look. When doing so, examine fees, feedback, client testimonials, and success rate.
If you decide not to use the services of a professional literary agent, you will need to find and examine book publishers yourself. When sending your manuscript out, be very careful. You will not want to make some costly, but easy to avoid mistakes. That is why research is important. Purchase a writer’s guide or book, such as the Writer’s Market. You can also use the internet to find similar information online, although this approach can be time-consuming.
As for why researching publishers is important, you will find that many have rules and restrictions. For example, do not waste your time by sending your books to publishers who only deal with literary agents if you do not have an agent. Examine dates, as some publishers only accept manuscripts for certain months of the year. Can you submit your manuscript to other publishers at the same time? Some have rules, restrictions, or recommendations that encourage you not to do so.
Another important step that you will want to take when looking to get a book published is to not give up. It is rare for a publisher to accept a book on the first try, especially if you are an unpublished author. Do not give up. Try different publishers. If you receive ten or more rejections, it may be time to recheck your book. Are there any storyline changes or layout changes that can be made to improve your chances of getting your book published? If so, experiment.
When looking to get a book published, the above-mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you will want to take and should take. These steps, however, are ones that all authors should take, as they should be able to help you improve your chances of getting your book published. As a reminder, it is important to do the proper amount of research before you start submitting your book.
Questions to Ask Publishers Before Accepting an Offer
Are you an author who just received an offer to have one of your books published? If you have, congratulations! There is no prouder moment in the career of a writer than having a book published. With that said, it is important to proceed with caution. You do not want your excitement to cloud your judgment. For that reason, there are a number of important questions that you will want to have answers to before accepting an offer from a book publisher. A few of these questions are highlighted below for your convenience.
Question: How will I be paid?
Answer: Chances are, a publisher will outline payment for you when first accepting your book, but it is important to make sure that you have as much information as possible. Will you be paid a flat rate fee, an advance payment, royalties, or a combination? It is also advised that you receive an exact amount of total payments, although this can be difficult if your payments are based on royalties, which are impacted by your book’s sales.
Question: Can I get an advance payment?
Answer: Typically, you will find that publishers who offer advance payments offer them. With that said, not all companies do. Asking for an advance payment is something that many publishers come to expect, but you will want to proceed with caution at the same time. If you are in financial despair, it may be a good idea to ask a publisher about advance payments, but keep your public perception in mind. If you will be paid a flat rate, as opposed to royalty payments, consider waiting the few months that it will likely take for you to receive payment.
In fact, when you can expect to receive payment is another question that you will want to ask.
Question: Will I get free copies of my book? If so, how many?
Answer: Although getting free copies of your published book isn’t as important as making sure that you get paid, it is something that is of great importance to many first time writers. If this is the first time that a book of yours has been published
Question: Will my book be published in foreign countries?
Answer: It is important to know the answer to this question, as it may have an impact on the royalties that you receive. If your book is sold overseas, you should be paid for those sales as well. Never let a publisher convince you that foreign sales are different, as they should pay the same way, although a different rate may be agreed on.
Question: Will you retain the rights to your book or your characters?
Answer: The answer to this important question will all depend on your contract. That is why it is important for you to thoroughly read a contract before agreeing to sign it. Be sure to ask any additional questions that you may have. For example, if the book is successful, will you be the one to write sequels? What if someone wants to turn your book into a television show or movie?
The above-mentioned questions are just a few of the many that you will want to ask a publisher before accepting their contract. As a reminder, never sign a contract without knowing as much as you can about the agreement, as well as the publisher extending the offer. For that reason, you are encouraged to sit down and make an additional list of questions that you would like to have the answers to. Be sure to do this before you make contact with the publisher in question, as it will help to ensure that all of your bases are covered and the first time.
The three Secrets That You Shouldn’t Know About Getting Your Book Published.
