How to Submit a Children's Book for Review

So you've written a great children's book, and you are looking to get it published and reviewed. Publishing is a waiting game, so be prepared to wait patiently while dealing with agents, publishers and reviewers. Here are the steps you will need to take to get your children's book into the right hands.

Things You'll Need

• Manuscript
• Illustrations (optional)

Instructions

1. Gather illustrations for your book, if you envision it as a picture-heavy book. Providing the illustrations simultaneously with your manuscript will give you the best shot at getting your children's book published. If you are not an accomplished artist, look for an illustrator through your local classifieds, craigslist or a website such as Deviant Art.
   Consider how you will compensate the artist. You can either pay him a one-time flat fee or offer him a percentage of book sales.

2. Select a few publishers that you would like to work with--preferably ones that specialize in publishing children's books--and review their submission guidelines. Make sure your manuscript is correctly formatted.

3. Hire a literary agent to submit your children's book for you if a publisher to which you want to submit your manuscript doesn't allow unsolicited submissions.
   Several literary agent listings are available online and at your local library. Select an agent that specializes in children's literature and that has a good reputation.

4. Wait patiently to hear back. Depending on the size of the publishing house, you may have to wait several months for a response.

5. Spread the word. Once your children's book is published, the publishing house should take care of getting copies of it into the hands of book critics are reviewers across the country. However, you may want to supplement their efforts. You can send copies of your book to your local newspaper or media outlet, bookstores, libraries or favorite bloggers. They can also get the word out about your book.