How to Copyright & Publish a Children's Book

Pursue publication of your children's book.

Whether you hope to be the next J.K. Rowling or merely enjoy the idea of seeing your story in print, you're eager to publish. You've written a children's book and need literary representation. Secure your work as your own intellectual property from a legal standpoint by obtaining a copyright on the material, and pursue publication.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of your manuscript
• Registration fee ($35 as of 2010)
• Computer with Internet access
• Active e-mail address
• Word processing file of manuscript
• Cover letter

Instructions

Copyright and Query

1. 

   Secure a copyright for your children's book at the U.S. Copyright Office website.

   Access the Internet with your computer and go to the U.S. Copyright Office website. This site allows online registration for a work of original authorship. You will complete the online registration application and submit it with the specified fee and a copy of your completed children's book manuscript.

2. 

   Search for the names of literary agents who represent children's books.

   Search the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR) for literary agents who represent your type of book (picture book, middle grade or young adult). Alternatively, read author biographies on the websites of your favorite children's writers - this way you can learn the names of their agents. Find the names and contact information for agents you can query about your book.

3. 

   Type a cover letter.

   Type a cover letter using your word processing program. State the title, the word count, and a brief summary of your story. Include any biographical information about your previous publications or experience that qualifies you to write for children. Save the file in rich text format.

4. 

   E-mail your queries to literary agents.

   Check the submission policies of the agents you selected in Step 2 to determine if an attachment is acceptable or if you need to paste your material into the body of the e-mail. E-mail your query to the chosen agents and wait for a reply.

5. 

   Break out your marking pen and revise.

   Work with your literary agent to revise your children's book manuscript before he or she presents it to editors for consideration.

Tips & Warnings

• If your search for an agent is unsuccessful, you can self-publish children's books through a vanity press for a fee.

• The AAR is suggested as a resource for locating an agent because of the professional ethics of its members. Reputable literary agents do not charge a reading fee, but work on commission from sales of your book. If an agent or editor requests payment, that individual's business ethics and legitimacy in publishing is suspect.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office
• AAR: Find an Agent