DAY THIRTEEN: WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING A PICTURE BOOK

PHASE FOUR: Step 2

2. SEND OUT THE DUMMY BOOK: If you have an agent, great. They will do this for you. However, if you don't, the work is up to you. Find a list of publishers who publish books in the same genre and send it to their head editor and assistant editors. The lists can be gathered through joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (www.SCBWI.org) or checking out CBC.org online or by researching in "Writers Market Place" (however that publication is often out of date). When mailing your work, you put a cover letter in the envelope along with a report style printout of just the words (double spaced, 1" margins, start half way down with title and name, put your contact info at top left and the word count top right) and your dummy book. In the cover letter, type it business style, introduce yourself and any credentials in the first line (publication credits, degree, or experience). Then briefly explain what's enclosed. Tell what the story is about in one sentence. Thank them for their time and close with Sincerely. Include a self-addressed stamped postcard for them to return to you with their comments.