Getting a children's book published?

[MaybeAnOverthinker]

SIL has written a children's book. It's probably aimed at children between 3 and 6 ( a picture book but has no pictures).

I'm getting a copy made into a book for her but I know she would love to get it published and I'd love to try on her behalf.

Is this possible? I'd need to find someone to illustrate it and then would I have to send it off to publishers?

You don't have to send it off to publishers. You can use Createspace or Lulu. Not sure how it works with illustrated books (yes, you'd need to get the illustrations done first) but I published a non-fic book with just text on Createspace and it was easy (and free, by the way you just pay for any copies of the book you then buy). It will then also be available on Amazon

I'm a professional children's book illustrator. I'm not sure his self publishing works so don't be put off that. However, in 'normal' publishing you do NOT need to find an illustrator and if you submit with illustrations it will hinder your chances.

A publisher will rarely take on a manuscript with illustrations attached (unless both parties are mega famous with great track record). Getting it published traditionally is very hard but not impossible. It's not a quick process either.

I suspect perhaps you mean to self- publish though. As for illustrations, you could try contacting an illustration college for a student to illustrate for experience?

If she is looking to have the book traditionally published she could send it to some of the children's publishers who accept unsolicited work. This website has useful information. loutreleaven.com/category/submissions/publishers/list-of-childrens-publishers-in-uk-accepting-unsolicited-manuscripts
Alternatively your SIL could send her work to a literary agents or enter it into a story writing competition. Although her chances of getting her work traditionally published may be small, there isn't anything to lose, is there? And it feels great when it happens!

Could I send her work on her behalf or would that look really odd?!

I would imagine a publisher or agent would prefer to deal with the author directly, though you could certainly help her out with her synopsis and covering letter. There's lots of advice online and in the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook.

Yes, it would look odd to send it on her behalf (unless you are an agent!)
Bear in mind that there are quite specific constraints for picture books - eg 12-13 double page spreads and most publishers like 400-500 words. No need to find an illustrator as publishers like to do that themselves.

If she really wants to get it traditionally published, she needs to do it herself. It takes tenacity and thick skin, and you need to be passionate about what you're sending off.

Linds is right about the Writer's and Artist's Yearbook. I wouldn't even try to send stuff off without getting a copy of that first. You can get it from Amazon. She should try agents as many publishers will either not accept unsolicited submissions or they will hit the slush pile. There are some publishers who consider unsolicited mss but your chances are vastly better via an agent.

She should look at similar authors and find out who their agents are- you can do this via the agent's websites. They usually list their existing authors.

I've just finished one story that I reckon is pretty good. Need to refine it until I can't improve it any more, then do something with it.

I believe many people like you to send off 3 book ideas minimum, so I'll have to hurry up with another couple.

I do know somebody who self published, so maybe I could learn from them.

Tiggy- your stories are lovely. Get that Writers and Artists Yearbook and get submitting!