How to Find a Publisher Who Publicizes Children’s Books
It’s not easy to get a traditional book deal for your children’s book. Less than 1% of all aspiring authors manage to secure one.
Blue Dot Kids Press is open to unsolicited submissions from unagented authors. They prefer picture books that promote social skills, character education, and diversity. Their submission guidelines can be found here.
August House Publishers
August House Publishers is an award-winning publisher that specializes in multimedia books, folktale anthologies, and children’s stories. They’re open to unsolicited submissions throughout the year. They specifically seek multicultural stories, and are particularly interested in traditional folktales.
Hogs Back Books publishes illustrated and nonfiction children’s books. They publish picture books, early fiction, and graphic novels. They’re also interested in science and nature books, as well as books that promote the values of the forestry industry.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, formerly known as Mariner Books and Clarion Books, is one of the largest publishers in America. They have a number of imprints, including VERSIFY, an imprint that focuses on publishing diverse children’s books by authors who identify as underrepresented communities. They’re currently open to submissions for picture books, novels, and nonfiction that celebrate the lives of all children.
Lee & Low Books
Founded by two businessmen who were passionate about bringing diverse children’s books to the market, this publisher is now one of the largest multicultural children’s book publishers in the United States. They are known for their award-winning titles, ranging from leveled books for early readers to middle grade and young adult fiction.
This publisher is a member of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day coalition and is a big supporter of diversity in literature. They recently launched a new initiative called Versify, a program that celebrates the voices and stories of unique people and cultures.
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this publisher has an eclectic list of religious and non-religious books for children and adults. They are open to queries a few times a year from unagented authors and illustrators.
Sleeping Bear Press
Sleeping Bear Press is a children’s book publisher that publishes board books, beginning readers, picture books and select middle grade titles. They are open to fiction and nonfiction submissions.
They are committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. They welcome submissions from authors of all backgrounds and perspectives. They are especially interested in stories that explore issues related to identity, culture and the arts. They also have an annual Own Voices, Own Stories Award for BIPOC and LGBTQ writers.
They are a small regional publisher that focuses on quality books with entertaining text and educational content. They are committed to the mission of fostering reading in the home and school. Their website includes an online catalog, teachers guides and free activity pages.
Tilbury House Publishers
The publisher Levine Querido is looking for children’s books that have “undeniably powerful and beautiful artwork, and a fearless commitment to telling deep truths.” They are especially interested in books with an authentic emotional impact.
The company seeks nonfiction picture books that will appeal to both parents and kids. They are also seeking books on cultural diversity, social justice, mindfulness, and science and nature.
Flashlight Press publishes rhyming picture books, book about family and social issues, or narrative nonfiction with science or math woven into the story. They accept submissions by mail and email, but prefer those from literary agents. This is one of the few publishers on this list that is open to direct submissions from authors. Their submission guidelines can be found here.
Page Street Publishing
Page Street is a publisher that specializes in MG and YA work. They are open to submissions and prefer that authors submit complete manuscripts. They are interested in stories that are emotionally compelling and have a sense of urgency.
They are looking for books that help kids learn about their bodies and the environment. They also want books that encourage reading and writing. They publish a variety of genres and are willing to consider nonfiction as well.
Several publishers have had changes recently. Clarion Books: Publisher Dinah Stevenson has become an editor-at-large; Cat Onder will continue to oversee the imprint.