Resources and tips for aspiring children's authors
Starting your journey into children's literature can feel overwhelming, but every great story begins with a single idea. Here, I have gathered practical guidance, industry links, and supportive tools to help you craft your stories, navigate publishing in New Zealand and internationally, and bring your heartfelt books into young readers' hands. Follow along on Instagram for regular writing updates and creative encouragement.
Querying an Agent
Ready to begin your publishing journey, but don’t want to wait months for the next publisher to accept unsolicited manuscripts?
Query Tracker helps you research literary agents and submit queries to agents around the world. While having an agent does not guarantee publication, it can be invaluable to have an experienced professional in your corner, helping you navigate the path to publication.
Want to learn more about literary agents and how they work? Jericho Writes offers a helpful breakdown.
Literary Agent Fees: What You Need to Know – Jericho Writers
Manuscript Critiques
Before you begin querying, take the time to polish your manuscript until it truly shines. Reputable manuscript assessment services can help ensure your narrative arc, pacing, and language resonate with your intended age group. When you are ready to submit, query-tracking platforms and submission portals can help you send polished pitch packets to literary agents and publishers with confidence.
The 12x12 Picture Book website offers excellent resources, particularly if you would like feedback on your manuscript before submitting it to publishers. Member Services List - 12x12 Challenge
Kristi Mahoney has also been an invaluable support on my publishing journey, offering thoughtful editorial feedback and critiques. Critiques | Kristi Mahoney Books
EK Books Children's Publishing Academy provides fantastic resources to help guide you on the path to publication. EK Books - Discover All Titles
Useful Information for New Zealand writers
Whether you aim to submit to established publishers in Aotearoa New Zealand or approach international publishing houses, research is essential. Explore organisations such as the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) and Storylines Children's Literature Trust for guidelines, market insights, and mentoring opportunities designed specifically for emerging picture book and juvenile fiction writers.
Literary Organisations:
Children’s Picture Book Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts
- Huia Publishers (you can submit at anytime)
- Little Moa (has a short submission window usually 1 week in November each year 16th-22nd November 2026
- Scholastics New Zealand (Feb 14th 2027 one day only)
- Oratia (always open for submissions)
- Allen & Unwin (Look out for their picture book portal opening in 2027_
- Ek Books. check their website for submission dates. while you wait consider joining their children's publishing academy
Create Your Own Website With Webador