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Buy the CIG to Publishing Children's Books at AmazonA Plan: The Virtual 4th Edition of the C.I.G. to Publishing Children's Books
Here you will find my (evolving) plans for and creation of a new "virtual edition" of my Idiot's Guide. Why am I doing this? The most recent edition, the 3rd, was published in 2008. I wrote the book with the aim of avoiding it becoming outdated, but inevitably events of the past 12 years have made some updates necessary. However, the publisher no longer routinely does new editions of their guides, and so in order to update it, I must do so here, on my website.
My initial plan is to work chapter by chapter through the book, posting my updates. These will range from a statement that a given chapter does not need updates, to brief notes updating such items as books given as examples, to rewrites of particular sections, and even to entirely new chapters. In the table of contents below, I am noting my plans for each chapter in italics; they are sketchy now but I'll flesh them out and link to my updates as I go. If there is no update note below, I see a need for no or only minor updates. Existing links on this page are to excerpts from the 3rd edition of the book. As I complete the updates I will link them in as well.
I invite your comments and suggestions! Is there a topic not addressed in the 3rd edition that you want me to cover? Do you have a perspective on a subject such as social media you'd like to contribute? Do you have a correction to some of the information in the 3rd edition? Please let me know via my Contact Page. Thank you! Harold
Part 1: Where to Begin?
1 Adults Rule the World 4th Edition Updates
Sure, kids will read your book. But children's publishing is a business and you need to approach it in a businesslike way.2 I Don't Know What to Write!
Turn here for tips and techniques for creating stories children will want to read. Some updates possible.3 The World of Children's Literature
Take a little journey to explore what children like to read.4 Why Children's Books--and Why Not?
If you're in it for the money, you're in it for the wrong reason--and it'll show in your work.5 Setting Up Shop
Writing is a business. To do it right, you need the tools of the trade. Some updates possible.6 I Like to Draw
To get started as an illustrator, you need more than paints and a brush.Part 2: Get Ready, Get Set . . .
7 It's a BIG World
Change is the hallmark of children's publishing today. This isn't the same industry that brought you your favorites when you were a child. Recent history needed.8 Book Formats and Age Levels
This chapter takes a look at fiction and nonfiction and the many formats of children's books. Some updates needed.9 Understanding Subjects and Genres
Learn here the good versus fun books and discover genres from fantasy to nonfiction. Some updates possible.10 A Guided Book Tour
Although they tell many different stories, all books have certain elements in common.11 Finding a Good How-To (Supplement: Writing Guides)
How you can find the book that will help you with your writing? Find out here.Part 3: Reaching Out
12 Is It Ready to Hand In?
Everybody loves your story, but not all opinions are created equal. Here's how to choose opinions that count.13 Play by the Rules
When you're ready to send your manuscript to a publisher, here's how. Some updates needed.14 The Rules for Illustrators
What's an illustrator to do? This chapter covers portfolios, tear sheets, directories, and other mysteries.15 Who Draws the Pictures?
Authors and illustrators can play well together.16 I Know Somebody Who Knows Somebody . . .
It's true that connections make things happen. But taking it too far can make the wrong things happen. Some updates needed.17 I Need an Agent!
Will an agent solve all your problems? And are you ready for one? Some updates needed.Part 4: Understanding Publishers
18 Apple, Orange, or Banana? Just One, or a Bunch?
What kinds of books do publishers publish--and what kinds of publishers are there?19 The Publishing Maze
With so many publishers out there, how do you find the best match for your children's book? Some updates needed.20 Deeper into the Maze: Other Kinds of Publishers
Sometimes the search for the right publisher takes you to places you didn't know existed. Some updates possible.21 The Self-Publishing Conundrum
Self-publishing--a viable option, or are your hopes in vain? This needs a thorough update, with new publishing options added.22 So How Does It All Work?
You know you need publishers. Did you know publishers need you? Here's how to build relationships to meet both needs. Some updates needed.Part 5: Working With a Publisher
23 Oh Boy! A Contract!
So you've finally signed on the dotted line? Great! Now fasten your seatbelt for the rest of the ride!24 Copyright Basics
Your story is your story, guaranteed.25 Revising and Editing
Most experienced authors will tell you: the most intensive part of writing is rewriting.26 My Editor Doesn't Understand Me! (Supplement: Editor Profiles)
Don't feel slighted if your editor doesn't want to chat with you on a daily basis. An editor's life is busier than you can imagine. New editor profiles needed.27 Making the Pictures
The text of a children's book is only half the story; find out about the illustration process.28 The Rest of the Process
It's your story, but it takes an entire team to turn it into a book. And lucky for you, it's your publisher who pulls this team together.Part 6: My Book Is Published! Now What?
29 Selling Your Book
How will your publisher publicize your book? Let me show you the many ways your publisher might market your book. Some updates needed.30 Do-It-Yourself Publicity
Do you have some ideas about ways to draw attention to your book? Some updates needed.31 Back to School
Now's your chance to go back to school to show what you've learned. Some updates needed.31A New Chapter: Social Media
New: How to use social media--and how not to.32 I Won a Prize!
What could be better than having your children's book published? Winning a prize for it, of course! Some updates needed.33 Building a Career
Publishing your children's book is a necessary first step in your career. But don't stop here--there's much more ahead! Some updates needed.Appendixes
A Glossary--Updated for 2020.
B Resources
C Sample Materials
Index
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