Ten Steps to Publishing Children's Books: How to Develop, Revise & Sell All Kinds of Books for Children

Beginning children's book writers will find advice and encouragement in this appealing guide by veteran authors Berthe Amoss (who is also an illustrator) and Eric Suben (formerly editor-in-chief of Golden Books). The book's 10 steps include identifying your audience, hooking your reader, and dealing with publishers. The final "step" is actually a minianthology of essays by successful children's authors and illustrators, accompanied by full-color reproductions from their books. Sprinkled throughout are quotes and anecdotes from the world of children's book publishing. Ursula Nordstrom, a legendary 1960s children's book editor, attributes her success to the fact that "I am a former child"; writer Nancy Willard claims that "There is no good children's book that is only for children"; and Amoss relates a serendipitous encounter after having received a rejection letter: while blindly calling other publishers from a pay phone, she was referred by a woman at the next phone to an editor who ended up publishing six of her books. Finally, the children's book market is unlike any other, say the authors, in that "You have several audiences. First are editors, then booksellers. Then come parents and educators. And only then come the children." --Jane Steinberg