How to Get Your Children’s Book Published by Scholastic
Scholastic is one of the most recognized and respected publishers of children's books globally. Getting your children's book published by Scholastic is a dream for many authors, but it can be challenging due to their high standards and rigorous selection process. This guide will provide insights on how to approach Scholastic, the costs involved in publishing a children's book, and what it takes to get your work into Scholastic book fairs.
How to Submit a Children's Book to Scholastic
Scholastic primarily works with literary agents rather than directly with authors. This means that to have your children's book considered by Scholastic, you will likely need to secure a literary agent who has connections with the company. Here’s how you can approach this process:
Write a High-Quality Manuscript: Before submitting to Scholastic, ensure your manuscript is polished and professionally edited. Scholastic looks for compelling stories, strong characters, and engaging narratives that will captivate young readers.
Find a Literary Agent: Research and query literary agents who specialize in children's books. Websites like the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) and QueryTracker can help you find reputable agents. Your agent will submit your manuscript to Scholastic on your behalf, increasing your chances of being noticed.
Prepare a Strong Book Proposal: Your literary agent will likely help you craft a book proposal that includes a synopsis, market analysis, and sample chapters. This proposal will be crucial in convincing Scholastic that your book is worth publishing.
Submit to Scholastic: Once your literary agent submits your manuscript, Scholastic’s editorial team will review it. If they’re interested, they may offer a book deal. Be patient, as this process can take several months.
How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Children's Book?
The cost of publishing a children's book can vary significantly depending on whether you go the traditional publishing route or self-publish.
Traditional Publishing: If you secure a deal with Scholastic or another traditional publisher, you typically won’t incur any upfront costs. The publisher will cover the expenses of editing, design, printing, and marketing. In return, they will take a percentage of your book's sales as part of the publishing contract.
Self-Publishing: If you choose to self-publish, you’ll be responsible for all the costs involved. This can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on factors such as professional editing, illustrations, cover design, printing, and marketing. Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark offer self-publishing services that cater to children's books.
How Much Money Do
Scholastic Authors Make?
The income of a Scholastic author can vary widely based on factors such as book sales, the terms of their contract, and the success of the book.
Advances: Scholastic typically offers an advance against royalties to authors. Advances can range from a few thousand dollars to six figures for well-known authors or highly anticipated books. This advance is paid upfront and is deducted from future royalties.
Royalties: After the advance is earned back through book sales, authors typically earn royalties, which can range from 5% to 10% of the book's retail price for print editions and up to 25% for eBooks.
Additional Income: Authors may also earn money from rights sales, such as foreign language editions, audiobooks, or movie adaptations. Participation in Scholastic book fairs and other promotional events can also boost an author's earnings.
How to Publish Your First Children’s Book
Publishing your first children's book can be an exciting but daunting experience. Here are the steps to get started:
Develop Your Story: Start by brainstorming ideas that appeal to your target audience. Consider the age group, themes, and messages you want to convey. Write a draft and revise it multiple times until it's polished.
Hire an Illustrator: If your book requires illustrations, find a professional illustrator who can bring your story to life. The quality of the illustrations can significantly impact the appeal of your book, especially for younger readers.
Decide on Publishing Method: Choose whether to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing. Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to literary agents or publishers like Scholastic, while self-publishing gives you more control over the process but involves upfront costs.
Submit or Publish: If you’re going the traditional route, submit your manuscript to literary agents who specialize in children’s books. For self-publishing, platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Blurb can help you publish both print and digital versions.
Market Your Book: Once published, promote your book through social media, book readings, school visits, and other marketing strategies. Building a presence online and in your community is crucial for reaching your audience.
How to Publish a Children’s Book with Scholastic for Free
Publishing with Scholastic typically means you won’t have to pay any costs out of pocket. If Scholastic decides to publish your book, they cover all the costs of production, distribution, and marketing. However, securing a deal with Scholastic is highly competitive, so having a well-crafted manuscript and a literary agent is essential.
How to Get Your Book into Scholastic Book Fairs
Getting your book into a Scholastic book fair can significantly boost your book’s visibility and sales. Here’s how you can achieve this:
Publish with Scholastic: The most straightforward way is to have your book published by Scholastic. As part of their catalog, your book has a higher chance of being included in their book fairs.
Work with Your Publisher: If your book is published by another company, work with your publisher to pitch your book to Scholastic. They may have existing relationships with Scholastic and can help facilitate this process.
Build a Strong Sales Record: Books with strong sales and positive reviews are more likely to be considered for book fairs. Focus on marketing your book and generating interest.
Contact Scholastic: Reach out directly to Scholastic to inquire about the submission process for their book fairs. Although rare, some independent authors have successfully pitched their books to Scholastic for inclusion in their fairs.
Scholastic Publishing Location
Scholastic’s headquarters is located in New York City at:
Scholastic Inc.557 BroadwayNew York, NY 10012United States
They also have offices in other locations around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. For specific inquiries, it’s best to contact their main office or visit their website.
How to Contact Scholastic Publishing
If you wish to contact Scholastic Publishing, here are the best ways to do so:
Through Your Literary Agent: If you’re working with an agent, they will handle all communications with Scholastic on your behalf.
Direct Submission Inquiries: For general inquiries, you can visit Scholastic's website and navigate to their "Contact Us" page. Note that unsolicited manuscripts are not typically accepted, so it’s crucial to have a literary agent.
Via Mail: You can send mail to their New York headquarters at the address provided above. Be sure to address your correspondence to the appropriate department.
Finding a Literary Agent for Scholastic Books
Securing a literary agent is a critical step if you want to publish with Scholastic. Here’s how to find one:
Research Agents: Look for literary agents who specialize in children's books and have a track record of working with Scholastic. Resources like the Writer's Market and online directories can help you find potential agents.
Query the Agents: Prepare a query letter that includes a brief synopsis of your book, a short author bio, and why you think your book would be a good fit for Scholastic. Be sure to follow each agent’s submission guidelines.
Attend Writing Conferences: Literary conferences and book fairs are excellent places to meet agents and pitch your book in person. Many agents attend these events to discover new talent.
Use Online Platforms: Websites like QueryTracker and Publisher’s Marketplace can help you track your submissions and find agents who are actively seeking new clients.
Final Thoughts
Getting your children's book published by Scholastic is a significant achievement that requires talent, persistence, and often the support of a literary agent. By understanding the process, preparing a high-quality manuscript, and finding the right agent, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you aim to publish with Scholastic or another major publisher, the key is to stay dedicated to your craft and keep exploring opportunities to share your stories with the world.
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