The Children’s book industry is exceptionally competitive and continually challenges both my patience and my pride.  I’ve spent the last few years writing books for kids and attending national and local conferences for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and have managed to accumulate my fare share of rejections.  In the meantime I have purchased quite a few resource books about the industry and have compiled the following list of titles and my own personal opinion of each. 

I purchased many of these books prior to belonging to SCBWI and attending conferences.  My opinions are based on what the books have to offer versus what I have learned first hand about the industry and the submission and approval/rejection process of the majority of publishers and agents.

I’ll begin by saying that the industry constantly changes and no book will be able to cover all of the changes all the time.  The best way to keep up with the ever-changing industry that is children’s book publishing is to belong to a nationally recognized organization such as SCBWI.  This particular organization is recognized and respected by agents, publishers, and authors alike and will automatically guarantee you some degree of respect by the submissions editor or agent.  SCBWI is an exceptional resource that publishes regular periodicals that keep authors and professionals up to date on the changes in the marketplace and current trends.  Conferences are a great place to network, too. 

Monthly Periodicals –

•      The Children’s book Insider – This is a great little newsletter that has informative articles as well as industry basics.  It also has a special section dedicated to the current needs of specified agents and editors for both books and magazines.
•       The Children’s Writer– Another great newsletter that comes out monthly with one section for articles and information about writing and another dedicated specifically to the marketplace. 
•       SCBWI publication– comes out every two months and keeps is members up to date on everything in the industry.  There are updates on events and conferences, new and upcoming book publications, awards, updates on the industry, and submission guidelines for various editors and agents. 

Books about Writing –

•       The Everything Guide to Writing Childrens' Books – This has been my favorite all around guide.  Although I have gathered more detailed information about specific areas of the children’s book industry from other sources, this book does a great job of giving the basic details about the industry and what to do and expect from the adventures in writing for kids.  It’s a great step by step guide to starting out in the field, is easy to follow and provides great guides to other resources in the industry. 
•       The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Childrens' Books – This book was a little harder to follow and was not as thorough as the Everything guide.  It seemed to give fewer references to other resources despite being relatively thorough.  It’s a bit more straight-forward and blunt about the competitive nature of the industry.  Although I appreciate the honesty about the industry, I also appreciate the encouraging, enthusiastic tones of other books. 
•       How To Publish Your Children's Book – Along the same lines as The Everything Guide.  This is a step-by-step guide to getting work out into the publishing world.
•       How to Write a Children's Book and Get it Published – This is an older book with good references to other organizations and publications but does not go into details on finding agents and editors and the best ways to query or submit.  The link above is for a newer revised version which may go into more detail than mine and elaborate on new ways to query.
•       Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market– An annual publication that gives authors and illustrators insight into editors and art directors, who is open to submissions, and what they generally like.
•       Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents – This is by far my favorite resource to agents and editors.  It gives an thorough overview of every major publisher in the U.S. and the names of the editors to whom you should address your submissions.  The agent section is fantastic with complete insights into what the agents like and dislike, their backgrounds, and interests. 

Submission etiquette changes constantly.  When I first began sending query letters, agents and editors advised that authors should only query one agent or publishing house at a time.  This was more for their benefit as it would cut down on the amount of mail.  Rules, however, have changed and most agents and editors expect authors to query multiple people at one time.  They do, however, like to have exclusive reading rights should they ask to read your manuscript. 

Keep track of all your submissions in a database with dates and responses.  This helps prevent against double submissions to an agent or editor who already sent a response. 

Good Luck!