FAQ: I Want to Package a Toy w/My Book. How Do I Explain This To An Editor?

I have an idea for a toy to be packaged with my picture book. How do I explain this to an editor?

Most book-and-merchandise packages are created after the book itself has gained a wide audience. Picture books alone are very expensive to produce, and an editor won’t want to spend even more money on a product that doesn’t have a proven sales record (not to mention that consumers won’t want to pay for a book and toy unless they already know and love the story). So, I’d hold off on mentioning the toy prototype you stitched up until after your book has at least sold out its first printing.

One exception: There are some mass market publishers and book packagers (companies who create books and series for publishers) who have lines of books with related merchandise. These are often nonfiction books (crafts, activities, science projects, etc.), books for very young children (small stuffed animals accompany the book), or book-and-cd packages. Again, looking through book stores to find these publishers and then sending for writer’s guidelines is your best bet.

For much more information about writing and submitting children’s books to publishers, visit http://cbiclubhouse.com

2 Comments

Terry Doherty April 29th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

FWIW – Until the CPSC ruling has resolved itself, publishers (and booksellers) may be wary of adding merchandising … the book might not need to be tested for lead but the toy will!

Lorri Rossano August 15th, 2010 at 10:17 am

Very interesting article. I love all the other posts here as well. .

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[...] FAQ: I Want to Package a Toy w/My Book. How Do I Explain This To An Editor? Posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 in Uncategorized – Comments: (1) I have an idea for a toy to be packaged with my picture book. How do I explain this to an editor?Most book-and-merchandise packages are created after the book itself has gained a wide audience. Picture books alone are very expensive to produce, and an editor won’t want to spend even more money on a product that doesn’t have a proven sales record (not to mention that consumers won’t want to pay for a book and toy unless they already know and love the story). [...]