I'm often asked the same things, so before sending me an email, please check this list of frequently asked questions:

"How do I get my book published?"
I've found that the following two books have great information on how to get published. I would highly recommend them for both authors and illustrators. The first is "How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books and Get Them Published," by Treld Pelkey Bicknell and Felicity Trotman. The second is "Children's Writers and Illustrators Market," by Alice Pope and Rebecca Chrysler. This one is revised yearly. Other good resources are your local Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) chapter, and the Children's Book Council. The most important piece of advice that I can offer is to keep trying, even if you end up with more rejection letters than acceptance letters. I wish you the best of luck!

"Will you read my manuscript?"
I'm not qualified to judge manuscripts and offer writing advice. I receive many queries from people who have their own story ideas and it becomes overwhelming. Please submit your work to editors at publishing houses. After all, they're the ones who will be able to help you most and ultimately the ones who will publish your work. You can also get great feedback from peers in your local SCBWI chapter.

"Will you illustrate my book for me before I submit it to a publisher?"
In general, most publishers prefer to see manuscripts without any artwork unless you are both the author and illustrator. Illustrators are usually hired by the publisher after a manuscript has been accepted for publication. So your best bet to get accepted is to send it in without having an artist lined up to do the artwork beforehand.

"Will you donate a book for our cause?"
I do donate books for select causes, but cannot accommodate all the requests I receive. Authors and illustrators only receive ten or so complimentary copies of their books, so we have to purchase any others after those are gone (and they never last long). I'd be happy to consider your request, but please do not be offended if I cannot accommodate it. Thank you for your understanding.

So, if I didn't answer your question, you can send me an email by clicking on the pile of letters below:

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© Christine M. Schneider