Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you do school or library visits?
If you would like to schedule a visit for the 2018-2019 school term, I would love to hear from you. I offer full-day, half-day, and hourly rates.
2. I've written a children's book. Will you do the illustrations?
Writing a book is a huge accomplishment, and I'm honored when a new author asks me to illustrate his or her book. My agent, Lori Nowicki at Painted Words, handles all book requests. You can reach her by calling (212) 663-2311 or by clicking here.
3. How do I get my book published?
Submit Your Manuscript to a Publisher (or Literary Agent)
Usually, an author submits his/her manuscript to a publisher or a literary agent. Once a publisher decides to publish the manuscript, the publisher (not the author) will choose and contract an illustrator for the project.
And while there are many options for self-publishing a book, I would like to encourage you to first try submitting your work to a publisher (or multiple publishers). You've done the hard work, so aim high. Even if a publisher doesn't take it, you may get valuable advice on how to make it better so you can resubmit. A list of publishers accepting manuscripts can be found here.
I would also recommend getting the most recent copy of the book, Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market either through Amazon.com, your local bookstore or your library. The book is a wealth of information and includes a list of publishing companies accepting manuscripts.
Make Connections
Many authors (and some illustrators) have cited membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) as a major contributing factor in getting published. SCBWI allows you to connect with a community of like-minded folks on the same journey, and can provide valuable exposure to editors, agents, and art directors. If you haven't had anyone other than friends, family, co-workers, neighborhood kids, etc. read your manuscript, you should consider participating in an SCBWI critique group so you can get an unbiased, professional assessment of your story. It's also not a bad idea to participate in their writer workshops. Visit SCBWI's website for more information.
Usually, an author submits his/her manuscript to a publisher or a literary agent. Once a publisher decides to publish the manuscript, the publisher (not the author) will choose and contract an illustrator for the project.
And while there are many options for self-publishing a book, I would like to encourage you to first try submitting your work to a publisher (or multiple publishers). You've done the hard work, so aim high. Even if a publisher doesn't take it, you may get valuable advice on how to make it better so you can resubmit. A list of publishers accepting manuscripts can be found here.
I would also recommend getting the most recent copy of the book, Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market either through Amazon.com, your local bookstore or your library. The book is a wealth of information and includes a list of publishing companies accepting manuscripts.
Make Connections
Many authors (and some illustrators) have cited membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) as a major contributing factor in getting published. SCBWI allows you to connect with a community of like-minded folks on the same journey, and can provide valuable exposure to editors, agents, and art directors. If you haven't had anyone other than friends, family, co-workers, neighborhood kids, etc. read your manuscript, you should consider participating in an SCBWI critique group so you can get an unbiased, professional assessment of your story. It's also not a bad idea to participate in their writer workshops. Visit SCBWI's website for more information.
