Children’s book - getting published

[Harris197801]

Bit of an odd one here but nonetheless here goes. I have written a couple of children’s picture books (age range 4 - 8)

I have interest from some publishers but the children’s picture book market is increasingly difficult to get into due to the saturation of the market and the fact that retailers take 55 percent of any sales.

With this I have two ways to go, I either self-publish or the publishers interested (Candy Jar Books) will publish knowing there is a pre-order of minimum 100 copies. They have suggested that it is normally done by listing friends, family etc. children’s names in the back of the book, with the idea that friends, family etc. then buy the book and have a picture book which is a keepsake as it has the acknowledgement to their child.

I thought I would try this route first and have sent out on social media to family, friends, my children’s school etc. and have had a decent response. I was wondering if any parents/grandparents/friends etc on here might be interested at all. In 24 hours I am just over halfway there.

Just so you know the first story I am trying to get published is about a brother and sister bear who are continually on their tablets/gadgets and have to find their love for the great outdoors again. (obviously in a non-preachy way) The price of the Hardback book will be approximately £5.00 if I can get the numbers needed.

Cheers for reading and I await the truly wonderful replies I am likely to receive

I would tread carefully here. This doesn't sound usual for a publishers. If they're saying they have to order 100, but you have to supply those 100, then they're under little motivation to market it etc. You've done it for them.

Candy Jar seem to have a sister company [[http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/jellybeanbooks.html Jelly Bean books]] that is self -publishing. It sounds to me that they're possible slightly taking submissions from Candy Jar, and handing them to Jelly Beans without admitting it.

I'd go back tot the other interested publishers and get a better deal if you can.

No publishing agency worth their salt would even begin to discuss your friends and family to buy it to make up the numbers! Sounds like there’s no marketing plan at all.

Candy Jar say they don’t represent picture books and direct you to Jelly Bean - who are self-publishing. So this does just seem like vanity publishing via stealth!

Have you considered querying agents? You’re much less likely to get ripped off like this if you do.

With this I have two ways to go, I either self-publish or the publishers interested (Candy Jar Books) will publish knowing there is a pre-order of minimum 100 copies.

Sorry. But that's not how reputable publishers work.

It sounds to me as though they're only interested in you selling those 100 copies because they know they'll make money out of them.

Have they asked you to contribute financially in any other way? Because if so, they're completely dodgy.