What to Read to Your Kids

This website is a good reminder that we write for wonderful, little readers (and their slightly larger parents). The blogger, Melissa LaSalle, is a professional book buyer / seller turned stay-at-home mom. Her reviews are spot on, and provide insight into what does and does not work in today's children's books.

http://whattoreadtoyourkids.com

Picture Book University

How did I not know about this? This is awesome. This is amazing. This is Palm Calvert's Picture Book University. The website offers a free lessons in a mini-workshop format. It covers key topics such as genre, thinking in pictures, and style elements. You read the posts and complete the assignments at your own pace. Such a clever idea.

For more information: http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/p/picture-book-university.html

Rate Your Story

This is NOT a publisher but rather a free critique service provided by published authors. I've been very happy with their assessment of my work. They also just started offering low, low membership rates with extra perks like multiple submissions and quicker turn around times. I signed up for the Pro Membership. Anyone else?

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com

Albert Whitman UPDATE

Heads up happy subbers - According to AW's website, they "will be temporarily closed to unsolicited and unagented submissions until the end of 2013* As of October 31, 2013, we are no longer reading unsolicited queries and manuscripts sent through the US Mail. When we resume open submissions in January 2014, we will provide an email address for queries and manuscripts. In the future, all unsolicited submissions must be sent via email." 

For more details visit: http://www.albertwhitman.com/content.cfm/editorial-guidelines-for-writers

If this news bums you out, please consider this alternative: 
http://www.russellstover.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=216

Milkweed

According to their website: "...(middle-grade and YA novels) between 90 and 200 pages. We’re looking for full-length fiction. We do not consider picture books or poetry collections for young readers. Please submit a query letter with three opening chapters of the novel."

The re-open to submissions in July 2013. They are a not-for-profit organization. 

http://milkweed.org/submissions

Xist Publishing

According to their website: "As the digital-first publisher for children, eBooks are our top priority. But we also know that parents love to snuggle up with their kids and flip through a picture book—so we do that too... Xist Publishing accepts submissions from authors and illustrators interested is sharing well-crafted stories with young audiences."

http://www.xistpublishing.com/wp/submissions-guidelines

Overmountain Press

According to their website: "Although we have published a few exceptions, we are now accepting regional (Southern Appalachian) titles ONLY. In reviewing a children’s manuscript for publication, we prefer to have copies of the illustrations at the same time we review the text. Very few publishers review in this way."

http://overmtn.com/seasonalsite/guides.php

Just Write Books

According to their website: "We publish a few books each year. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. If you have a book that you think fits with our current theme of Maine authors, Maine books and Maine stories; call or email to start a conversation."

http://www.jstwrite.com/index.php?id_cms=4&controller=cms

Spinning Moon Press

According to their website: “Spinning Moon Press is always looking for fresh, new voices for the Young Adult market.”

I could not find a logo for this company so I ... what? He's reading. It counts.  

http://www.timebanditbooks.com/about-us

Ripple Grove Press

According to their website: "We are a children's picture book publisher. We are looking for picture driven stories for children aged 2-6. Please do not send early readers, middle grade, or YA manuscripts. No religious or holiday themed stories. We want something unique, sweet, funny, touching, offbeat, colorful, charming, different, creative."

http://www.ripplegrovepress.com/submissions

They also have a facebook page where they sometimes post how many submissions they have received. No I'm not going to tell you the number. You'll have to go look it up :)

Islandport Press

According to their website: "We do accept and review unsolicited completed manuscripts. We will not accept or review a project based on a query only. Please read our catalog closely when considering whether to submit a book. We publish books about Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. That does not mean books that are just set in those states; they need to be about those states and characterize their culture and people... For children's books, we will consider picture books, story books, middle grade chapter books, and young adult titles. For middle grade and YA titles, you must submit a completed manuscript as well as a one-page synopsis of the book.."

http://www.islandportpress.com/company.html

Also check out: http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/islandport-press

Floris Books

According to their website: "Thank you for considering Floris Books for your manuscript. We publish a wide range of books including adult non-fiction, picture books and children's novels. You can find information about how to submit your work to us below."

Note: books must have a Scottish theme

http://www.florisbooks.co.uk/write/submission-guidelines.html