The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books

Virtually Maria (Virtual Trilogy) Written in the form of short notes, this book contains all the information, wisdom, reading lists and even contacts that you might expect to harvest at a three-day seminar on publishing children's books, as a mere fraction of the price. It starts with the basic truth that children's books MUST appeal to adults (since adults buy them - not children) and then takes the reader through the 'world' of children's books and how to write, illustrate and publish them. I use the word 'world' because this book goes beyond the simple 'how to' manual in that it takes the reader inside the childrens' book industry and deals with agents, publishers and how to build a career as a successful childrens' book writer. There are other books that deal with the writing, layout and illustration of childrens' books in far more detail, but this is the first book that I've encountered in my thirty-plus years of writing that gives me a feel for the greater universe of book production that I need to navigate in order to achieve success. A highly recommended first manual for every children's book author.

I've used this book and recommended this book to people interested in the children's publishing industry since it first came out. Its an excellent overview. I think the two star reviewer who said that the book was for "complete idiots," was being a little harsh. I've been working on writing and selling my own books for close to eleven years now and I still run into people who don't know the difference between the genres. Even as someone that might be called an "intermediate/advanced" writer, I still use it as a reference.

If you're just getting into writing for children and you'd like some inside information on how it all works, this book is for you. Yes, it answers basic questions about what types of children's books are out there and who draws the pictures for picture books, etc. But it also goes into detail about submissions (with examples of cover and query letters), working with editors (what's it like to be one?), what to expect in a contract (what are the basic clauses?), how to approach marketing (getting the word out on you and your book), who does what at a publishing house (why do changes happen and who makes them?), etc. It's like having one of the top people in the biz talk you through everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-children's-publishing but not might have even thought to ask!I admit to lurking in the Writing Reference section of my local bookstores just for fun--I love a good "how to" guide. I own many "How to Write for Children" books, but Harold Underdown's Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books is NOT a writing technique book! It tackles all the other aspects of a kid lit career. I have recommended the first edition of this book over and over to people who are interested in learning the basics of the biz, and I was glad to see this second edition was out. It has all the great info that was packed into the first book, plus more. New chapters just for illustrators have been added (one basic "so you want to illustrate" chapter, and one on how to submit). A new chapter on agents has been added (the first edition had only a page on this). There are a bunch of other changes throughout (you can check Harold Underdown's website under "Second Edition FAQ" if you really want details about the differences in the editions). Overall, the 2nd edition seems slightly longer, more compact, and a bit more adult, to tell you the truth (the cartoonish "Idiot's Guide" icons are smaller and more subdued, for example). If you already own the first edition and you consult it frequently, like I do, you might check this one out--I think it's nicer to look at, and definitely fills in some gaps left by the first book (particularly for illustrators). If you didn't buy the first edition and are considering getting this guide to boost your career, do it--it's the best book of its kind out there!

In the best traditions of the CIG books, "Publishing Children's Books" gives you all the basic info you need to know, distilled down into plain talk and understandable terms. The book has some info on how to write and illustratate your story, but it really comes into its own when discussing what you need to do in order to get the book published. Indispensible for the novice children's author/illustrator, and invaluable in helping those of us just starting out with navigating the confusing and imposing world of children's book publishing.

I'm very glad to be able to direct anyone who's interested in learning more about what it takes to succeed in children's publishing to this fine book. Harold Underdown knows children's publishing inside-out, and it shows. This book is wonderfully objective, in that it fairly presents all sides (editorial, writing, illustrating, marketing...) And it's terrifically subjective, as Harold uses many situations experienced by people all over the field to illustrate his points. I've been writing for children for 20 years, and I still found much that I didn't know, and got clarification of things I sort of thought I understood. If I'd had this book when I was starting out, my 'apprenticeship' in the field might have been considerably shorter and more efficient. I'm very glad to be able to direct anyone who's interested in learning more about what it takes to succeed in children's publishing to this fine book.