In what order do I do things?

[LadyMaryofDownton]

So I've finally decided to start writing my stories. However; I am really confused as to what order to do things.

Do I; start writing then worry about pictures, then publishing etc

Or

Do I; find out about publishing then start writing & then pictures.

I really am going round in circles with this so any help would be much appreciated.

[Beangarda]

What kind of stories? Is this an illustrated children's book?

[whatsagoodusername]

Write/pictures before publishing if mass market. If specialist, then publishing first.

In terms of pictures or writing first, whichever works best for you.

Good luck!

[whatsagoodusername]

The Writer's and Artist's Yearbook id a good reference for finding out who publishes what and the process.

There is a specific children's version, if that's what you're interested in, iirc.

[schmalex]

Are you an author-illustrator or an author?

If you want to write picture books, you need to get the text right before approaching a publisher. They will sort out the illustrator. Unless you also illustrate, in which case the process is slightly different.

[schmalex]

I always say this, but it's worth joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to learn about the industry and network.

[LadyMaryofDownton]

Thanks for all your replies, I'll look into all your suggestions. I plan on writing short children's stories which will need a lot of pictures I assume. I also hope to self publish (because I think this might be easier which is why I feel so confused about the whole thing.

[schmalex]

Why not write the stories first and then decide how to publish?

Self publishing isn't necessarily easier - there's less of a barrier to entry but you have to do everything (and pay for everything) yourself. I'd imagine marketing is also very hard work.

I got my book published by sending it in to publishers' slush piles. It does happen!