Whether you write picture books or young adult, the key information you need to locate and target a children’s book publisher for your manuscript is a click away. Here’s where to find it…..

1. The “At Presstime” section of each issue of Children’s Book Insider. If a publisher shows up in our newsletter, it means they’re taking unsolicited submissions. (Or, at least they were when we contacted them. Things do keep changing…..)

2. The Children’s Book Council members page. Gives age range, genre information and titles published for CBC member companies. http://www.cbcbooks.org/about/ourmembers.aspx

3. Bookmarket.com’s Publisher Listing Page. John Kremer’s superb site offers a detailed list of children’s publishers, with contact info, genres published, web links and more. http://www.bookmarket.com. From the homepage, scroll down to “Book Publishers for Authors” to see all the lists available.

4. Jacketflap.com All writers should check out this wonderful free resource. One notable feature: a massive database of children’s publishers with very detailed information. http://www.jacketflap.com

One important note: There’s no guarantee that any particular web listing is fully up to date or 100% accurate. Our advice: Once you’ve identified a publisher that interests you, visit its website to get the latest guidelines. Don’t simply depend on the information included in the listing. Consider these free lists as your starting point.

Happy hunting!

(Note: the following is excerpted from our acclaimed eBook Improving the Odds, Insider Secrets that Can Help You Get Published! by CBI Publisher Laura Backes.  To read another excerpt and get more information about this eBook, visit http://write4kids.com/odds.html)

Here’s a fascinating question I received a while back. It brings up an interesting dilemma faced by writers who receive personal (as opposed to form) rejection letters.

Although getting a rejection letter is no fun –even if it’s directly from an editor who clearly enjoyed your work — you’ve actually established something quite important: a relationship with a real live editor.

Here’s how I advised one writer about taking advantage of this great opportunity:

Hi Laura,

I seem to have clawed my way to the near the top of the slush pile; I am now receiving signed, personalized rejection letters rather than photocopied forms. Several of the letters have included favorable comments, but so far I have received no suggestions for revisions of the manuscripts, or requests that I do so. My question is, if I revise the manuscript substantially, can I send it back to the same editors again? Or does ‘no’ mean ‘no, no, never, never’?

In publishing (unlike the rest of the world) being rejected “personally” is much better than being rejected anonymously. It’s frustrating, though, if the editor doesn’t tell you why your manuscript was rejected (that’s up to you and your writers group to figure out). If the editor doesn’t specifically say she wants to see the manuscript again, then “no” means “no”. However, she may say she’d like to see other manuscripts from you. If that’s the case, be sure to send her something else, and remind her in your cover letter that she requested another story. Even if she didn’t mention seeing more work, I’d still send her another manuscript (provided it’s the kind of thing that publisher is looking for) and in your cover letter thank her for taking the time to respond personally to your previous submission, and say “Here’s something else I thought you might like.” Forming a relationship with an editor now can often lead to a sale later.

For writing tips and more information about writing for children, visit The CBI Clubhouse – Home of the Fightin’ Bookworms!