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Laurence and Catherine Anholt
Children's Book Authors and Illustrators
Catherine and Laurence Anholt are one of today's leading author/illustrator teams. They have produced more than seventy highly successful children's books, published in twenty-five countries around the world. Imaginative, educational and fun, their books are an essential part of every young library. more >>
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Questions and Answers
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Q: What is the best way to get a book published? - Jeff, 3th Grade, from Long Island
A: Jeff, first of all a little warning - it is EXTREMELY difficult to get published unless your work is really exceptional. However, if you have a story which you feel very confident about, I suggest you do the following:
- Go to a library or bookstore and find several books which seem to be in a similar realm to your own and note the name of the publishers.
- Get hold of the current edition of an annual publishing directory. (Over here in the UK, we have a something called the 'Writer's Handbook', and I'm sure you have something similar in the States.) In this you will find the address of your chosen publishers, together with the name of a few senior commissioning editors. There are also lists of author's agents.
- I would recommend that you only approach well-known, established publishers - you should NEVER need to part with money to have your material published; the publisher should take that risk.
- Make sure that your story is neatly printed, the pages should be numbered and be sure to include your name and address. Write a brief covering letter explaining who you are and let them know about anything else you have had published. It's polite to include return postage too. Always keep a copy of everything.
- It is important to realise that publishers are almost overwhelmed by unsolicited material, most of which is completely unpublishable. In order to protect themselves, they seem to erect a 'force field' - some will tell you that they 'never read unsolicited manuscripts', others employ astoundingly rude receptionists! Only the most determined authors eventually scramble through this obstacle course. HOWEVER, no matter what they say, almost every publisher IS on the lookout for new material, otherwise books like Harry Potter would never get published. Most editors dream of finding one envelope amidst the 'slush pile', which contains that brilliant, simple and extraordinary idea which will make all their stress-filled days worthwhile.
- Expect to wait several weeks for a reply. Sadly that reply will probably be a standard rejection letter. Don't be too disheartened though, most authors receive dozens of rejection letters before they get established.
- If the publisher likes what you have sent, they will ask you to send more material or come in for a chat...then it's time to celebrate! It's a long, hard road but I wish you a lot of luck.
The responses and opinions contained herein are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Power to Learn or Cablevision.
RELATED LINKS
The Anholt Web site
http://www.anholt.co.uk
For more information about the Anholt's books and series visit their Web site.
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