Choose the Right Children’s Book Publisher: A Step-by-Step Guide

Congratulations on finishing your children’s book! Now, let’s find the perfect publisher to bring your story to life!

This moment is exciting, but also filled with decisions—don’t worry, you’re not alone! Whether you’re considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid options, choosing the right publisher is key to bringing your story to life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential publishing choices, submission policies, editing, and eBook conversion. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find the perfect publisher for your children’s book and reach your target audience.

 

How to Choose the Right Children’s Book Publisher

 

Publishing a children’s book is exciting, but choosing the right publisher is key to success. Follow these steps to find the best fit.

 

Step 1: Understand Your Publishing Options

 

There are three main publishing routes:

 

1. Traditional Publishing – A publisher acquires the rights to your book, handles production, distribution, and marketing, and typically pays royalties.
2. Hybrid Publishing – A hybrid of traditional and self-publishing, where you fund production and the publisher handles distribution and marketing.
3. Self-Publishing – You take full control of the process, from editing to marketing, and keep all profits.

 

Step 2: Identify Your Goals

 

• Do you want a traditional publisher to handle everything, or do you prefer creative control?
• Are you willing to invest in publishing services, or do you prefer an advance and royalties?
• How important is bookstore distribution to you?

 

Your answers will help determine whether a traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing route is best.

 

Step 3: Research Potential Publishers

 

If choosing traditional or hybrid publishing, research publishers that align with your book’s genre and style. Consider:

• Publishers that specialize in children’s books
• Their submission guidelines and whether they accept unsolicited manuscripts
• The types of books they’ve previously published

 

For self-publishing, look into platforms like AlphaeBook.

 

Step 4: Evaluate the Publisher’s Reputation

 

Look for:

• Reviews and testimonials from other authors
• Any history of scams or predatory contracts (check sites like Writer Beware)
• Transparency in contracts, royalties, and rights

 

Step 5: Review Submission Guidelines

 

Each publisher has unique submission requirements. Some may require a query letter, while others request a full manuscript. Follow these guidelines carefully to increase your chances of acceptance.

 

Step 6: Assess Marketing and Distribution Support

 

• Does the publisher offer bookstore distribution?
• Will they help with marketing efforts?
• What is their track record in helping authors succeed?

 

If self-publishing, research marketing strategies, including social media, author websites, and book signings.

 

Step 7: Read the Contract Carefully

 

Never sign a contract without understanding:

 

• Royalty rates and payment structure
• Rights you retain (or lose)
• Marketing and distribution responsibilities

 

Step 8: Make Your Decision and Take Action

 

Once you’ve evaluated your options, choose the best publisher for your needs. Submit your manuscript, prepare for potential revisions, and start planning your book launch!

By carefully considering each step, you can find the right publisher and successfully bring your children’s book to life.

Best Children’s Book Publishers

1. Scholastic

• Best for: Picture books, early readers, and middle-grade novels.
• Submission Policy: Only accepts agented submissions.
• Why Choose Them? One of the largest & well-known children’s book publishers, especially in schools.

2. HarperCollins Children’s Books

• Best for: Picture books to young adult fiction.
• Submission Policy: Requires a literary agent.
• Why Choose Them? Home to major bestsellers and widely distributed globally.

3. Candlewick Press

• Best for: Illustrated books and literary fiction for kids.
• Submission Policy: Accepts unsolicited picture book manuscripts.
• Why Choose Them? High-quality books with stunning visuals and thoughtful storytelling.

4. Chronicle Books

• Best for: Unique and artistic children’s books.
• Submission Policy: Accepts unsolicited manuscripts via email.
• Why Choose Them? Focuses on creativity and strong visual appeal.

 

5. Penguin Random House Children’s Books

• Best for: All genres, including educational and interactive books.
• Submission Policy: Requires a literary agent.
• Why Choose Them? A large network with vast marketing and distribution opportunities.

 

Most traditional publishers require a literary agent for submission. If you don’t have one or want full creative control, self-publishing and eBook conversion are great alternatives.

 

Understanding Self-Publishing VsTraditional Publishing

 

Metric	Traditional Publishing	Self-Publishing (Including eBook Conversion)
Submission Process	Agented submissions (most publishers require a literary agent)	No agent is required, can directly submit to digital platforms or print-on-demand services
Royalties and Earnings	5%-15% royalties on book sales (often lower)	70%-80% royalties on eBook sales, 50%-70% on print books
Distribution Channels	Limited to the publisher’s network (bookstores, libraries)	Unlimited (Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and other digital platforms)
Creative Control	Limited control, the publisher may request changes	Full creative control over content, format, and cover
Time to Market	Long (can take years due to agent and publisher schedules)	Fast (can be a matter of days or weeks once the book is ready)

How to Get Professional eBook Conversions

 

Many authors struggle to secure a traditional deal. If you still want to get your book into readers’ hands, self-publishing is a powerful option—especially in digital formats.

 

Once you have decided to publish your book yourself, the book must be professionally formatted for digital platforms. This is where AlphaEbook comes in.

Why Choose AlphaEbook for eBook Conversions?

 

They offer perfect illustration and layout conversion, ensuring your illustrations remain sharp and correctly formatted. 

 

They support multiple formats, including EPUB, MOBI for Kindle, PDF, etc., to help you find the right solution for your needs. 

 

They provide fast and affordable services; they deliver high-quality conversions and do them quickly. You can easily sell your book on AlphaEbook on major platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo.

 

Don’t let poor formatting stand in the way of your success. Let AlphaEbook handle the technical details while you focus on connecting with your readers!”

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

Finding the right publisher for your children’s book is essential for your book’s success. Whether you choose a traditional publisher like Scholastic or HarperCollins, or go the self-publishing route for more creative control, understanding the options, submission guidelines, and technical aspects like eBook conversion is critical.

If you choose self-publishing, professional eBook conversion services, like AlphaeBook, can ensure your book is beautifully formatted and ready for all digital platforms. With the right publisher or conversion partner, your book can reach young readers everywhere and resonate with them for years to come.