Bitsy Kemper

“I’ve written a children’s picture book…now what do I do?”

As a published author, I hear this question a lot. Technology has made it so easy to get published; more people than ever are calling themselves authors because all they had to do was upload a formatted their file and BAM it’s instantly available in book form on the internet. If you include traditional publishing, hybrid publishers, and self-published indie authors, industry experts at Authors Equity say ~6,000 new books are published EVERY SINGLE DAY. That makes over 1.1 million new titles on the proverbial shelf so far this year, and we’re only halfway thru 2026. I’m telling you this because I need you to understand the importance of sharing only your very best work, every time.

No matter which route you choose to publish your picture book (traditional, hybrid, self), you’ll want & need to follow these first few steps.

1. Don’t illustrate!

   This surprises most people: if you’ve written a picture book, DON’T illustrate it or hire anyone to do it unless you are self publishing. Even then, I am begging you to consider not doing the illustrations yourself unless you are a professionally-trained artist. 

   You are a writer; stick to the writing. In fact, don’t even mention illustrations; the fewer art notes the better. Don’t take and include pictures to submit alongside as examples of what you’re thinking. Let the editor and the hired illustrator visualize and figure out what will work best. That’s their job!
   
   Traditional route: When submitting to an agent, editor, or directly to a traditional publisher, don’t find someone to illustrate it before submitting.  That’s a huge red flag that tells them you’re not only a beginner, but a beginner that didn’t take the time to understand how the industry works. Not cool. You see, your story should be written so well that the editor/agent should understand what is going on without being told. Sure there are exceptions, and you can point that out (example: dog is named Tiny but is a Great Dane). But there is no need to write a note to point out it’s a sunny day, for example. Your story should be making that clear via action (“she squinted into the distance” or “he covered his eyes with his hands to block the glare”) or dialogue (“I better get inside before I get sunburned” or “I’d run to the shade if it wasn’t so hot out.”). Either that or the fact that it’s a sunny day isn’t directly relevant to the story and isn’t a point worth making.

   Hybrid and Self Publishing route: There are visuals you are going to have to let go of, even if you hire the illustrator yourself. Unless this is their first book, trust that they know what works best visually in the same way you want them to trust you know what works best in the text, including word placement and page turns. If this is their first time illustrating a children’s book, please re-consider your choice, regardless if they are friends or family. This is YOUR book, not theirs. Apologize with flowers or lunch, tell them you’re going in a new direction (true statement). When self-publishing, paying more for an artist with experience will be worth it. Having both of you as beginners won’t be in your best interest.
   
   Hybrid houses all have their own rules and processes, so check with them before submitting. 
   
   Other beginner tips are here in a fun video worth watching: https://bitsykemper.com/video/

2. Be honest: is it ready?

   Really ready? I know you are excited to get your story out there–but hold on, Sally. Your first step ISN’T finding an agent. Your first step is getting your work polished and perfect. So no offense, but your manuscript might not be 100% ready to be sent out. You only have one chance to make a first impression with editors and publishers.
   
   Don’t submit a manuscript that’s “almost ready.” I encourage you to take a bigger-picture look at getting not just editing help but overall writing guidance, especially if this is your first manuscript (or art/portfolio submission). Take the time to make sure it’s in the very best shape it can be. Non-fiction books, for example, need lots of research. Tips on how and where to do that research is here: https://www.marykole.com/nonfiction-books-for-kids. Agents and editors are increasingly looking at your experience behind the non-fiction topic to make sure you truly are the best person to write that book. Be ready to convince them you are!

   Research aside, you’ve got to fix typos, ensure your story arc is strong, your main characters are likable, and so on. How does your story compare with what’s selling today—both in topic, word count, and style?
   
   How to make sure your work is in top shape? Ask other writers. Do you have writer friends that can give it a read and offer feedback? If not, join a writers group like SCBWI or Kidlit411 or ACFW Kidlit and find yourself a critique group. They’ll be able to look at your manuscript with new eyes and offer perspectives you didn’t consider.

   One tip I suggest new writers do is read 100 picture books (they’re short!) before they start the editing phase of their first manuscript, because there is so much to learn by reading other works, and by understanding the general formula and format that editors are looking for. If you’re gonna be a whiner baby about this, then least read 50. No, I’m not kidding. There is a reason those books are published and you’ve got to figure out why. Is there a consistency on what page number the inciting incident happens? When resolution occurs? The number of pages dedicated to the ending?

   I’ve created a checklist that details all this, plus a discussion on strong beginnings, satisfying endings, and more at: https://bitsykemper.com/2015/11/09/is-my-picture-book-ready-a-13-point-checklist/  ⇐Read this!

3. Get help

   There are authors that have taken SIX YEARS perfecting their manuscript, and they don’t regret a minute. You, your manuscript, and your readers are worth taking the time to do it right. Don’t rush it. Attend a workshop, conference, webinar, meet & greet, anything to connect with this wonderful kidlit writing and illustrating community. We’re great peeps!

   Getting a professional critique is an option (I offer them for a fee, for example) but they aren’t cheap (typically authors charge $250-750 for a picture book). [Please do your homework there too! Don’t go with whoever is cheapest or the first person you find. Read their work, ask people who have been critiqued by them, see how many books they have in print. A first-time author might not be your best bet as they have limited experience with one publisher. And while someone who writes historical fiction may be an excellent editor, they are not going to offer you the best feedback on a picture book about bunnies in their natural habitat. Look to a multi-published picture book author in the genre you write in (humor, friendship, rhyme, etc).]

   If you want to hire editing help, “The Book” from SCBWI lists many reputable freelance editors you might want to contact as does The Children’s Writer and Illustrator’s Market Guide and The Christian Market Writer’s Guide. They each have different rates and processes, but are all professionals.
   
   Paid-for help is not always necessary. Check out the TON of free resources available online. Literally Google anything you want help with, such as “query letters for picture books” and you’ll be amazed what pops up. Some are for members only of writing groups like SCBWI.org’s list of publishers, my list of publishers open to un-agented kidlit writers, writeforkids.org/articles and classes, and you’ll lots of great free stuff like at http://www.kidlit411.com/ (too much great content to list!), sites by kidlit writers like Annette Whipple and Jane Friedman and even general writer sites like Writers Digest and Lit Hub.

   It takes a village!

4. Social Media?

   Do you need a strong social media presence—website, blog, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, blah blah? Hmm. Define “strong.” The easy answer is yes, you need to be online and searchable in someway, for no other reason than it gets you practice being social and connecting with other like-minded creators. Some editors insist a social media platform is vital while others couldn’t care less. As mentioned, the expectation for non-fiction writers is increasing.
   
   But don’t fake 2,000 Twitter followers or suddenly force yourself to gather 500 new Facebook friends just to get in the game. Be genuine with your followers. It’s better to have 1,800 real followers than 6,000 bots. If you’re somehow new to social media, it’s ok. But don’t ignore low numbers. Let the editor or agent know you’re working on building your list, and how you are going about doing it. It’s better to start true relationships now than to troll for friends only when you need them later. People know when you’re using them. Find some great social media tips from Reedsy here including a chart that shows how each platform differs, as well as some author platform tips from moi here and here.

6. Find an Agent, Editor

   (Either, not both at the same time. Pick your priority.) Once you’re certain your manuscript is ready (you’ve researched the industry, you’ve had a critique group look at it, it’s edited with no errors, et al), it’s time to find an editor or agent. Which one? The right one, not just any one. Spend time finding a good fit. You’ll be working with them for upwards of three years per book(!!).
   
   In the children’s book industry, you can submit directly to many editors at a publishing houses; you don’t NEED an agent. Yes, one will absolutely most likely help you get more money, and to market faster. TBH it feels increasingly more important to get one if you want to submit to a large publisher, especially in the Christian market. But why not try to have a go on your own? FYI I’ve got 30 books in print, no agent.
   
   I created a regularly-updated laundry list of over 100 publishers that accept manuscripts from un-agented writers. PLEASE make sure your work is the absolute best it can be before submitting to any of them. Check out the rolling list at BitsyKemper.com/publishers.
   
   Get the scoop on if you should pursue an agent or if you should stick it out solo in this “How do I find an agent” post and another one about finding the wrong agent here.

   

7. Write Query or Pitch Letter

   Now you’re ready to submit! Start writing those agent query or Dear Editor pitch letters. The difference between a query letter and a pitch letter is best described this way: A pitch letter is sent directly to an editor or agent, with your manuscript, for them to consider taking on your work for publication. A query is a letter sent to see if the editor or agent is interested in seeing your manuscript, for the ultimate goal of taking it on; it’s the pre-step of submitting. THE MANUSCRIPT IS NOT SENT with a query–just a description of it is. Typically this is sent to a closed house where you have to ask permission before submitting.
   
   A great explanation of a query letter, and how it should include a pitch and synopsis is by agent Page Turner. A great “how to write a query letter” is on Kidlit411, here. Almost all submissions are done online now, although a few houses still insist on paper subs. Things change fast these days and you don’t want to submit to someone that changes houses four months ago, or waste your time submitting to a house that is now closed, so always verify submission guidelines online before submitting, and follow them EXACTLY.

Hopefully this is helpful. I encourage you to take a step back, catch your breath, and make sure your story elements are perfect before you spend the time (or money) on copy editing or, of course, submitting. One of the tips I learned from Writers Ink was to set your story aside for two or three months, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Amazing how different it looks! I know 90 days seems like FOREVER but you will thank your three-month-future-self for waiting. Your story deserves the best care you can give it 🙂

It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it, even if you never get published. If you love writing, you love writing! Best of luck to you and your work. I am certain you’ll find ways to make it shine, and to make yourself proud.

Go get ‘em!

-Bitsy Kemper is an award-winning author of 30 children’s books, including picture books, chapter books, and YA. Her newest picture book, Best Friends With Grandma comes out summer 2026, and her Mommy and Me Micro-Moments: Nurturing Faith, Sharing Laughs was awarded the Christian Market Book 2025 Devotional of the year. She admits to spending too much of her early career focused on the computer industry, appearing in places like CNN and co-writing a nationally-syndicated newspaper column. She’s appeared in Writing Children’s Books for Dummies (“how appropriate!” you may say) and Children’s Book Insider, and international media including podcasts, TV, radio and magazines. When not nose down and knee deep creating & editing, she has found time to present at author events and writers conferences from NY to CA. Bitsy enjoys yoga, dark chocolate, and church–but not all three at the same time. She is an accomplished speaker, mother of three (four if you count her husband), and according to her business card, a really nice gal. www.BitsyKemper.com