Submissions Without (very much) Pain:
A Plan for Beginning Writer/Illustrators
By Kristie Anderson

f you're reading this article, you are probably thinking about writing or illustrating children's books, or both. You may have a manuscript or two in the works, a storyboard or dummy partially done, or at least some ideas in your head and scribbled notes or sketches. But how do you make the time in your busy life to follow your dream and get your book submission ready? The day job, family, and social obligations don't make your dream impossible, only a little more… challenging.

Make no mistake, writing and illustrating children's books is a lot of work. Joyful, happy work, but work. If you're a procrastinator like me, you're going to need a good plan. Try these steps, and you can do it:

Get Help

• Your kids or spouse may love your manuscript and sketches, but they're your family. They're supposed to. You'll benefit greatly with outside, objective, ongoing input. Visit www.scbwi.org for information and links to find on-line or local critique partners or groups (and visit our "Links" page for many more sources).
• Attend SCBWI regional or national conferences and take advantage of conference critiques and the opportunity to network and meet like-minded attendees.
• Local classes or events can also help polish your writing and artwork to a professional level.
• Read "Dummies for Smarties" by Sarah Brannen in the "Tutorials" section of this site, and see our recommended reading list on the "Books" page.

Set a Schedule

• Pick a date when you want to have your project submission-ready. New Years? Your next birthday? A contest deadline for previously unpublished writer/illustrators? Just remember to keep it realistic according to the fullness of your calendar and your family's tolerance level for fast food, unmade beds, or a raggedy lawn.
• Make a schedule of small, obtainable goals and attach them to dates you can easily keep track of. A schedule that really worked for me was:

— Manuscript done and tweaked by our anniversary — Materials gathered and storyboard done by Labor Day — 2 spreads (4 pages) for the dummy complete by each weekend — Begin first (of 2) final art samples by Halloween — Finish second sample of final art by Thanksgiving — Copies made, dummy constructed, and package ready for submission by Dad's birthday — Allow an extra three weeks for unexpected delays or interruptions

Get Organized

• If you don't have a permanent space to work, make one. Drag that dusty old drawing table up from the basement and set it up in a corner of the family room near the action (banishment to another room is the kiss of death for me) or wherever you're most likely to use it. Near your computer and printer is handy.
• Make sure you have all the supplies you need on hand. Yeah, that's a no-brainer, but when you're on a creative roll at 11:00 p.m., you don't want to lose momentum because you ran out of paper or the dog just ate your last kneaded eraser (believe me, it happens…).

Get Busy

• Make sure your loved ones are aware of how important this project is to you, know your schedule, and understand that you mean to keep it.
• Don't feel guilty if chores only get a lick and a promise for the next few weeks. Let the dog-hair tumbleweeds roll! Best case, someone else will sweep them up when you aren't looking. Worst case, they will wait patiently for your attention. It's more important right now to keep to your schedule than to have a tidy home, raked leaves, or fancy meals.
• Follow your schedule and keep in touch with your critique group as you work – their support and suggestions will be invaluable. Trust me!
• Read the above three points again. Remember, when you do become a successful author/illustrator, you will have to meet very real deadlines from your editor and art director. It's imperative that you develop solid working habits now, so you are confident of your capabilities and won't over-commit.

Find the Right Publisher

• Visit the library, read and examine books by various publishers to get a feeling for their preferences. Your book must be appropriate for the publisher you choose.
• Buy the latest version of the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market (CWIM) and study the needs and submission requirements and restrictions listed.
• After you've done your publisher homework, call, write, or visit their website for the latest contacts and submission guidelines. Follow these guidelines to an absolute "T"! If you do not, you risk all your hard work being rejected out of hand.
• You might want to note in your cover letter that you are willing for your writing and artwork to be considered separately. This is important! Publishers prefer to assign established illustrators to stories, authors who are their own illustrators being the exception. But if your artwork is not up to professional standards, you stand a far better chance of being published if they know you're willing to have a pro do the illustrating.

Don't Get Discouraged!
Your story is terrific, your artwork is delightful, your submission is made to the right publisher, and your fingers are crossed. But don't be discouraged if you receive rejections before a contract. Remember, even Dr. Seuss's first book was rejected many times before he was published. If an editor makes suggestions in a rejection letter, consider making changes to strengthen your creation. Keep in touch with your critique group, keep tweaking, keep submitting, and above all, keep writing and illustrating!