Stephanie Calmenson, Children's Book Author

Are you interested in writing and/or illustrating children’s books? The following tips might help:

  • Find recent books with art styles you like that may be similar to yours. Check the imprint and consider sending your work to that publisher. You might try calling the publisher to ask who the editor or art director of a particular book was. Some houses will share that information.
  • Take classes or workshops. You can make great contacts and will often meet editors that way. If in New York, The New School and School of Visual Arts are excellent. If there’s a course taught by Pat Cummings, take it. She’s terrific and very funny, too. (Say hi from me.)
  • Think about getting an agent to submit your work to publishers. You can find listings of agents in Literary Market Place and guidance from some of the organizations listed below.
  • Join The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for resources and networking.  (Details below.)

The following organizations are invaluable for both new and established writers:

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 
www.scbwi.org  Conferences for networking; newsletter with tips, contacts, and calls for manuscripts from publishers.  Join!

The Children’s Book Council
 www.cbcbooks.org 
The CBC has a Member’s List of publishers, their addresses, staff contacts, and types of books published. The list is available for a minimal fee and ssae. If in New York, stop in to visit their fine library.

Children’s Literature 
www.childrenslit.com
 This terrific site includes Meet the Authors/Illustrators feature; reviews; schedule of events; teaching materials; related site recommendations; publishers list.

Authors Guild  www.authorsguild.org
The Authors Guild advocates for writers’ interests, provides legal assistance and offers web services to its members.

I wish you much success!

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