There’s A TON of information out there on how to submit to publishers and what to expect after you submit (Basically, nothing unless your manuscript gets chosen!). The great thing about the internet is that it provides easy access to us for ALL this info. The bad thing about the internet is that it provides easy access to us for ALL this info. This is one major reason I think narrowing your search as much as you can, as soon as you can makes this less daunting. There is always time to expand out, should you not find success in the first round.
The other advice I’d like to add is from personal experience, and so will be strictly anecdotal. Traditional publishers–a maddening, esoteric “old boys club” that seemingly sifts through our hopesdreamsbloodsweattears so cavalierly–KNOW what they are doing. Have you EVER bought a children’s book that was poorly printed, poorly manufactured? NO. And that quality has lasted over decades. So, exhaust the traditional publishing route, including the boutique publishers.
Self-publishing has been a real learning experience. I’ve learned so much more about graphic design than I expected: layout, design, and pre-press and post-print concerns. But I want to say, choose this route ONLY if you have a different goal in mind aside from world domination. There is just so much more that needs to be figured out as well as executed and it's ALL on you. And the only way to accomplish what needs to be done is by pounding the pavement, one library at a time, one bookstore at a time, one presentation at a time.
What I do know is that so far, kids have been excited by my character and story, they have asked for autographs, creative adults have been inspired to give an Asian-themed gift to go along with the book, and on more than one occasion, I have heard a kid say, "this was the best storytime ever!"
When I leave this world, Centipede Dragon will still be around, somewhere. And that’s got to be the sweetest thing that I can take to the bank.
The other advice I’d like to add is from personal experience, and so will be strictly anecdotal. Traditional publishers–a maddening, esoteric “old boys club” that seemingly sifts through our hopesdreamsbloodsweattears so cavalierly–KNOW what they are doing. Have you EVER bought a children’s book that was poorly printed, poorly manufactured? NO. And that quality has lasted over decades. So, exhaust the traditional publishing route, including the boutique publishers.
Self-publishing has been a real learning experience. I’ve learned so much more about graphic design than I expected: layout, design, and pre-press and post-print concerns. But I want to say, choose this route ONLY if you have a different goal in mind aside from world domination. There is just so much more that needs to be figured out as well as executed and it's ALL on you. And the only way to accomplish what needs to be done is by pounding the pavement, one library at a time, one bookstore at a time, one presentation at a time.
What I do know is that so far, kids have been excited by my character and story, they have asked for autographs, creative adults have been inspired to give an Asian-themed gift to go along with the book, and on more than one occasion, I have heard a kid say, "this was the best storytime ever!"
When I leave this world, Centipede Dragon will still be around, somewhere. And that’s got to be the sweetest thing that I can take to the bank.
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