Anyone published a book? How did you do it?

[PatSharpsMullet]

Hi there, just curious as it was a dream of mine to become a children's author growing up.
I've written/illustrated a couple of stories at home for my son that I'm quite proud of and was thinking to myself that I'd love to give it a go. But I've no idea what to do or where to start.
I have no experience and due to mental health issues don't have much in the way of a formal education.
Could I just send my stories to publishers or is that not how it works?
Any help would be appreciated as I don't know where I'm going in life and would really like to give it a shot.

Sorry if I'm embarrassingly clueless but I'd be so grateful for advice and support

I believe it is the normal route to send your manuscripts to Literary Agents, not direct to Publishers.
(Published author in wider family)

Or you could pay to self-publish (google Self Publish UK)

PS
If you enjoy reading try Marian Keynes "The Other Side of The Story" as it covers publishing, writing, getting published etc from 3 different peoples perspectives, is funny and sad, and a thumping good read!

Thank you so much for your reply!! I will definitely look that up for reading!

So could I just look up literary agents addresses and post photocopies of my stories do you think? Sorry for being a bit dim but I readout appreciate the insight.

*really do not readout 🙄

You need the Children’s edition of The Writers and Artists Yearbook. That will give you all the info you need, and you can research the agents who might represent you.

Get it from the library if you can’t stretch to £15ish.
2020 Edition

Research literary agents who specifically represent children’s authors who write the kind of thing you write. The current Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook is the obvious place to start, but you can also research a lot online via agency websites. Each agent’s web profile will usually say whether they are currently accepting submissions and tell you exactly what they want you to submit in terms of word count, synopsis and a cover letter. You’ll have to have a good sense of what else is out there, and exactly what subgenre you’re writing in (what age group? Board books, chapter books? Early reader? Etc). Definitely not photocopies, and it’s a really competitive market.

Agencies like Curtis Brown also run (expensive) Writing for Children/YA courses.

Good luck!

@NoSquirrels is right, of course — it’s the children’s edition of the WaAY you need.