Another Path In The Bumpy Road

I've just written my first picture book. This is taking me down a new path on the bumpy road. That path is called marketing or finding a publisher for your book. So, how do you do this marketing to find your book a publisher?

1. Get a marketing book that lists publishers. There are a lot out there for both magazines and books. I have Book Markets for Children's Writers http://www.writersbookstore.com. I also have Children's Writers and Illustrators Market: http://www.cwim.com.

2. Get a notebook or start a database on your computer for your marketing. I use a notebook myself but it's your choice. Now, make a list of the publishers that you've found in your marketing book that fits the age category of the book you've written. Be sure to read the listings for the publisher's requirements. You'll find that most publishers have their websites posted near the top of the listing. You'll also be pleased to find that most have their book catalogues posted on their websites. Some don't do this. In this case you have to send for a book catalogue with a self addressed, stamped envelope. The listings that you've read will tell you this.

3. Now that you've made your list, it's time to send for those book catalogues or check them out on the publisher's website. This is where I am on the bumpy road. You'll want to check for these two important things. Does the publisher publish the same kind of books that you've written? Also, are these books that are similar to yours fall into the same age range? If so, you don't want to cross him or her off your list!

Marketing for a publisher is a very time - consuming and tedious job. It's also very important to do this in order to get down the bumpy road.

Have you heard questionable things about a publisher that you know would be the perfect fit for your book? Never fear! Just surf to Writer Beware at http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware. You can email them with you questions and you will get those questions answered.

Let's go back to the market guides for a minute. I know that there are some people who like to write for the Christian market exclusively. There's a marketing book just for that! It's called Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide. It can be found at: http://www.stuartmarket.com.

Now, after I finish marketing for my picture book it's on to perfecting my query letter!