1 of 9

ELEMENTS OF A WINNING SUBMISSION

HOW TO GET AN EDITOR (OR AT LEAST THIS ONE!) TO SAY "YES" TO YOUR WORK!

2 of 9

QUICK DISCLAIMER

EVERY EDITOR IS DIFFERENT, AND SOME OF WHAT MAKES US SAY "YES" IS SUBJECTIVE AND OUT OF YOUR CONTROL.

EDITORS ACQUIRE WITH OUR IMPRINTS IN MIND. AND WE DON'T ACQUIRE IN A VACCUM.

FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT YOU CAN CONTROL.

3 of 9

CONTENT

IS IT TIMELY?

WILL KIDS LIKE IT?!?!

IS IT UNIQUE?

IS IT HOOK-Y?

IS IT WELL-WRITTEND & POLISHED?

IS IT A GOOD FIT FOR ME?

4 of 9

CREATING BOOKS

KIDS WILL LOVE

CREATE GOOD CHARACTERS

THINK LIKE A CHILD

OFFER A TWIST ON THE FAMILIAR

FOR PICTURE BOOKS: LEAVE ROOM FOR THE ILLUSTRATOR

PULL ME IN FROM THE FIRST MOMENT... AND MAKE ME WANT TO KEEP READING (AND IDEALLY, EVEN RE-READ!)

HAVE GOOD PACING - WRITE YOUR STORY LIKE A GOOD SONG

5 of 9

CREATOR

SHOW ME YOU TAKE OUR INDUSTRY SERIOUSLY

SHOW ME YOU TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY

  • Know the category you’re writing in
  • Know the editor/imprint you’re submitting to
  • Join writing groups, organizations, etc.
  • Work on getting an agent
  • Be clear about who you are as a writer
  • Show me you’re not a one-hit wonder
  • Build your platform and connections

​

6 of 9

CANVAS

PRESENTATION MATTERS

BE PROFESSIONAL

FOLLOW SUBMISSON GUIDELINES

7 of 9

QUICKEST WAY TO A "NO"

    • you didn't read the submission guidelines
    • the manuscript doesn't fit in with the editor's imprint or personal interests
    • you are rude, demanding, overly informal, or entitled in your communication

8 of 9

9 of 9

HAPPY READING, WRITING, REVISING &

SUBMITTING!