I rigged up this page 'cause my Mum and Dad have been so helpful to me and have given me the best possible advice on how to get something published, and I decided to share it with you.

 A great help was a book - Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market UK 2008/09. It lists publishers for pretty much everything and gives you their e-mail, address, telephone, etc. It also gives you advice on stories and how to handle editors. I know that doesn't really make sense but if you read on you'll get it. Plus there's competitions. =P

 If you don't get this book, use Google. The toolbar is at the bottom of the page. Type in some publishers and stuff and just browse aroud gathering ideas. Some sites even have advice from published authors. Basically, before you can publish, you need to know your publisher's and what they publish. Simple!

Also, remember that if you don't get published, it's not you, but the publisher with the problem. =D. Plus, you will probably need to try several times for your book to get published - one editor will reject your book and another may love it. You just don't know, so send your work off to several publishers, to the editor.

First decide whether you really want your book to get published. If you haven't already, type it up. Then, run a spellcheck and edit your work, over and over, and read it aloud - it's then easier to pin-point mistakes. Once you've edited it once, do another spellcheck - you can't be too careful. When you're certain it's as best as it can be, do some formatting - start each chapter on a new page and generally make it tidy.

Also, think about your langauge and the plot - if it's for an eight-year-old, will it get the plot? A nice, long word here and there can be fun, but don't challenge the reader too much. It's also a good idea not to challenge the editor too much if it's a first attempt. Keep it simple.

If you are unlucky enough to be critisised, take it as a compliment. I mean, if you were a loser nobody would waste their breath on you! There's bound to be some truth in what they say (we are the public, after all) so just adapt your idea a little or begin a new idea.

Send your work to the publisher(s) of your choice. Bear in mind that editors are always very busy so if your work is a total mess it won't even get a glance. If you've written a good letter, however, with a good idea that appeals to the publisher, you should get a reply. E-mail if you want an ultra-fast reply, as editor's prefer this quick method of contact.

Approaching the publisher is a different method altogether. First, do your research - it's useless approaching a publisher who makes fiction novels if yours is a non-fiction. Go to their website (there's a toolbar at the bottom of the page), or read the information on this if you purchase the book above. If you're still in doubt, phone them up. Their number will be on their website.

The Letter

Presentation is important. Use clean, A4 paper and type in a standard size (12 is good) and a laid-back font - Arial or Times New Roman. Nothing fancy. Next, type it up, sticking to these guidelines:

>>> Keep it short - no more than one sheet of A4.

>>> Keep to the point. Explain your query/submission, and add if you've included sample chapters (some publishers ask for these).

>>> Make sure you are crystal clear in what you are asking.

>>> Make the first paragraph compelling. Editors get truckloads of submissions, so get their attention!

The Email

If you decide to approach the publisher by email, keep it formal. Outline your idea in brief and ask if they are interested in your work. Don't include attachments unless invited to do so.

The Phone Call

I for one know I could never, EVER  do this option 'cause I sound dreadful on the phone and am really shy. Most editors prefer other methods of contact, especially for the first time, so if you choose this one, keep it simple; keep it short. Don't leave a rambling voicemail message. You probs won't get a reply. Give them the option of replying by email as well as phone. And remember that editors are busy. Leave a bad first impression and you're toast. Most editors will be sorta wary if you sound too high-maintenance, so keep it low-key at first, then show 'em your quirky side!!

The Letter: 10 Tips

Yep, we're back here. But you need a nice letter to go with your submission, so follow these pointers:

1: Take the letter as seriously as the work itself.

2: Ask someone to read your letter before you send it off, and ensure there are ZERO typos or mistakes.

3: Always try and find a contact name to send your letter to.

4: Familiarise yourself with the publisher. They may not be taking submissions at the moment, or might not publish your general genre. You can find out a lot about the publisher from their website.

5: Paragraph 1: Grab the reader's attention! Tell them what is special about your idea, and how many words it comes to. You can do this by using Word Count. On Microsoft Word, find ‘Tools’ and then ‘Word Count’. Easy.

6: Paragraph 2: Go into a little more detail, calmly though, and add any particularly unusual aspects of your work. Include who would want to read it and why.

7: Paragraph 3: Suggest any marketing ideas, whatever, or events that may boost publicity (e.g., book fairs, festivals and such. I would probs ask your parents about this ‘cause I would be so lame at this part).

8: Paragraph 4: Present your record/credential, and show you get the publisher’s work. Again, I’d turn to the Parents.

9: Sign off and thank them for their time and consideration and ensure you have left your contact details, just in case they want more information.

10: If you use email, be formal in the first instance and, like I said earlier, I wouldn’t attach any attachments until invited to do so. Also, don’t forget to include who you are, what your idea is, and why it’s so special.

The Letter: 5 Don'ts

1: Don’t ramble.

2: Don’t bring money into the first instance.

3: Don’t say your work is copyrighted. If it is, why send it off?!

4: Don’t say that this is the best book ever written.

5: Don't try to make the presentation fancy - chances are it'll look naff.