Advice on getting a children's book published

[Dahlia]

I am writing a children's book, and want to try submitting it to publishers. Does anyone have any idea if it is better to try and find an agent rather than go direct to a publisher? And where would I start looking for a good agent who would take on an unknown writer?
If anyone has any suggestions or advice I would be really grateful!

I think hardly any publishers accept unsolicited manunscripts now (because they get so many) - think you need to find an agent.

Try getting 'The Writers Yearbook 2003' - annual directory that lists agents details - plus loads of other useful stuff

Thanks Katierocket, will try that.

Yes buy the Writers Handbook of The Writers and Artists Yearbook. Also make sure you send the right manuscript to the right publisher. Don't waste your time sending to ones who don't read unsolicited stuff (and I'm afraid not many do). I did when I was a book editor, mind, but not all have the time!

I think JK Rowling's success finally came after she went to an agent, but again, not all want to read unsolicited stuff. Makes it amazing anyone ever gets into print!

Agents can take up to 20% of your money but then they will do stuff like negotiate contracts, rights etc.

Dahlia - I think approaching through an agent is probably the best idea as publishers get so many manuscripts - It's a hard old slog (I know because I'm a children's book illustrator - poetry mainly -) although I was extremely lucky in getting a few of my own books published - I think it was a question of being in the right place at the right time with the right material !
Good luck !