children's picture books

[ambereeree]

Hello all I've always dabbled in writing short stories for children and since having my two children I've stepped it up for their and my amusement.
I would like to see if any would be good enough to publish but I have no idea how to contact an illustrator or do I send the story without pictures. Does anyone have any experience or advice?
Thanks!

I think most publishing companies prefer to just receive the text and they will have a list of illustrators that they like to use

Just text is fine, they'll match you up with someone. Good luck, I'm attempting the same.

@CherryValance thank you and best of luck to you too. Have you sent anything in and had any responses?

I had an agent interested in one last year but nothing came of it in the end. I've just been longlisted for the Amy Sparkes/Writing magazine picture book prize, which has been a nice boost!

You are better off finding an agent. A lot of publishing companies don’t actually read I represented manuscripts.

Yes to finding an agent first although a few publishers will look at your work without - Nosy Crow for one. Very long wait though, be aware.