Best Children's Book Publishers for First-Time Authors Looking to Get Published

July 05, 2025 | 15 min read

So, you've written a children's book and you're wondering what to do next. You’re not alone. Many new authors feel stuck at this point. The good news? There are publishers out there who actually love working with fresh voices. Whether you’ve got a silly story for toddlers or a heartwarming tale for older kids, this guide will help you find the right publisher to bring your book to life. Let’s dive into where to start and what to look for.

1. Flashlight Press

Flashlight Press is an independent publishing house based in the United States, focused solely on children’s picture books. They publish stories geared toward readers aged 4 to 8 that explore relatable social and family themes. Each book they select tends to pair a universal message with expressive illustrations, aiming for strong narrative and visual appeal. Manuscripts must stay under 1,000 words and fit the tone and style of their existing catalog. Authors interested in submitting are encouraged to review their books first to determine compatibility.

They welcome submissions from both unagented authors and author-illustrators, though specific guidelines must be followed for queries to be considered. Submissions are accepted only via email and must be attached in standard document formats. Flashlight Press does not accept rhyming texts or snail mail queries. They typically respond within three months if they’re interested in moving forward with a manuscript.

Key Points:

Publishes picture books for ages 4 to 8
Focuses on universal themes in social or family settings
Manuscripts must be under 1,000 words
Open to unagented authors and simultaneous submissions
Does not accept rhyming stories or postal submissions

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: flashlightpress.com
Email: submissions@flashlightpress.com
Address: 527 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11225 USA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flashlight.press
Instagram: www.instagram.com/flashlightpress
Twitter/X: x.com/FlashlightPress

2. Cardinal Rule Press

Cardinal Rule Press is an independent publisher specializing in realistic fiction picture books for children between the ages of 4 and 11. Their publishing program emphasizes socially thoughtful stories that reflect the real-world experiences of children. The focus is on narratives featuring human characters in contemporary settings, without the use of fantasy, talking animals, or magical elements. Each book aims to offer messages that support emotional development, social awareness, and positive behavior.

They publish a limited number of titles each year and maintain specific submission periods. Manuscripts must be submitted as a single PDF that includes both the cover letter and the full manuscript. While they do not accept illustrator submissions, they are open to unagented authors during designated windows. Submissions that fall outside of these criteria, including those with rhyming text or non-realistic elements, are not considered for publication.

Key Points:

Publishes realistic fiction picture books for ages 4–11
Accepts only human characters and real-world scenarios
Submission period is limited to specific dates each year
Requires a single PDF with cover letter and manuscript
Does not accept illustrator portfolios or artwork submissions

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: cardinalrulepress.com
Email: info@cardinalrulepress.com
Address: Cardinal Rule Press, P.O. Box 930237, Wixom, MI 48393
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariadismondy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cardinalrulepress
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cardinalrulepress
Twitter/X: x.com/CardinalRulePrs

3. Charlesbridge

Charlesbridge is a children's book publisher based in Watertown, Massachusetts, with a strong focus on creating books that support learning and spark curiosity. They publish a broad range of formats including board books, picture books, early readers, and middle grade titles. Their publishing approach blends entertainment with education, often highlighting subjects like nature, science, history, and social themes. While they offer both fiction and nonfiction, their catalog leans into meaningful content that reflects the real world and encourages discovery.

They prioritize diversity and inclusion, with a particular interest in underrepresented voices, including BIPOC authors and illustrators. Submissions are accepted digitally only, and they specifically note that they do not review materials generated with artificial intelligence. Their mission is to publish books that are not only informative and accurate, but also engage children’s imaginations and support their development as readers and thinkers.

Key Points:

Publishes fiction and nonfiction for ages 0–12+
Accepts board books, picture books, early readers, and middle grade
Digital submissions only; no mailed materials accepted
Seeks work from underrepresented authors and illustrators
Emphasizes educational content with accurate, inclusive storytelling

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.charlesbridge.com
Phone: (800) 225-3214
Email: trademarketing@charlesbridge.com
Address: 9 Galen Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlesbridgePublishingInc
Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlesbridgepublishing
Twitter/X: x.com/charlesbridge

4. Sleeping Bear Press

Sleeping Bear Press is a children's book publisher based in Michigan that focuses on creating stories that inform, engage, and entertain. Since launching in 1998 with The Legend of Sleeping Bear, they have built a diverse catalog of books aimed at young readers in a variety of formats. Their list includes board books, early readers, picture books, and a smaller number of middle grade titles. The press works with both fiction and nonfiction content, often incorporating educational themes suited for school, library, and home settings.

They accept unsolicited submissions via email and are open to a wide range of topics and genres. While illustrations are not required, the manuscript must be submitted as a Word document along with a cover letter included in the body of the email. Sleeping Bear Press also offers a specific submission opportunity through their “Own Voices, Own Stories” award, aimed at uplifting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ debut authors.

Key Points:

Publishes board books, picture books, early readers, and middle grade
Accepts both fiction and nonfiction submissions
Open to unagented authors via email submissions only
Promotes diversity through a special award for underrepresented voices
Responds within six months if interested in a manuscript

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: sleepingbearpress.com
Phone: 1-866-918-3956
Email: customerservice@cherrylakepublishing.com
Address: Sleeping Bear Press 2395 South Huron Parkway Suite 200 Ann Arbor MI 48104
Facebook: www.instagram.com/sleepingbearpress
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sleepingbearpress
Twitter/X: x.com/sleepingbearbks

5. Familius

Familius is an independent publisher founded in 2012 with a focus on books that support strong, healthy families. Their children’s publishing program includes board books and picture books designed to reflect a wide range of family experiences and promote positive values. Every book they publish is aligned with their mission of “helping families be happy,” and connects to one or more of their 10 Habits of Happy Families. Topics may touch on kindness, communication, love, gratitude, and similar themes, always centered on real-life family interactions.

The submission process at Familius is open to unagented authors. They accept electronic proposals that include a cover letter, sample materials, and a market analysis. Manuscripts should be relevant to their mission and can also include parenting and educational content in addition to children’s stories.

Key Points:

Publishes children’s board books and picture books centered on family values
Focuses on real-life themes that support emotional and social growth
Accepts unsolicited proposals electronically in PDF format
Requires a cover letter, sample content, and market research with each submission
Emphasizes collaboration and author involvement throughout the publishing process

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: familius.com
Email: bookideas@familius.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/familiusbooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/familiusbooks

6. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers is an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, established in 1995. They publish a select number of children's titles each year, including board books, picture books, middle grade novels, and nonfiction. Their editorial focus is on thoughtful, well-crafted stories that are honest and hopeful, often rooted in cultural, social, or historical themes. The imprint is particularly interested in stories that reflect diverse experiences and explore meaningful topics through creative or lyrical storytelling.

While Eerdmans prefers to work with literary agents, they do accept unsolicited submissions via email and consider both full manuscripts and partials, depending on the format. Submissions are open to unagented authors, though only those under consideration will receive a reply. They are not seeking YA, fantasy, horror, or early reader books. Their catalog often features titles that blend religion and culture or explore nature, STEAM subjects, and social studies through accessible narratives for young readers.

Key Points:

Publishes 18–20 children's titles per year across several formats
Interested in diverse, socially conscious, and educational content
Accepts unsolicited submissions via email from unagented writers
Not currently seeking fantasy, horror, YA, or early readers
Prefers complete picture book manuscripts and sample chapters for novels

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.eerdmans.com
Email: ebyrsubmissions@eerdmans.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/eerdmanspublishing
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eerdmans
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eerdmans
Twitter/X: x.com/eerdmansbooks

7. Blue Dot Kids Press

Blue Dot Kids Press is a small independent publisher that produces a curated list of children’s books centered on global awareness and emotional development. They publish around ten titles each year, including board books, picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade fiction and nonfiction. Their primary focus is on stories that promote environmental stewardship, appreciation of nature, social-emotional learning, and empathy. These themes align with their mission to foster a sense of connection among young readers to both their communities and the world at large.

Submissions are welcome from both new and experienced creators, with or without literary agents. Writers are expected to submit complete manuscripts that align with the press’s thematic goals. Nonfiction submissions should be narrative-driven and include back matter to support curriculum use. Blue Dot does not consider fantasy, religious content, or YA manuscripts. Authors are encouraged to actively participate in marketing and promotional efforts after publication.

Key Points:

Publishes 10 children's titles annually, ages 0 to 12
Focuses on environmental, social-emotional, and educational themes
Accepts agented and unagented submissions via email
Requires full manuscript for consideration, not just story ideas
Encourages author involvement in post-publication outreach and events

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.bluedotkidspress.com
Email: hello@BlueDotKidsPress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blue-Dot-Kids-Press-112425916807508
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bluedotkidspress
Twitter/X: x.com/bluedotkids

8. Bushel & Peck Books

Bushel & Peck Books is an independent, family-run children's book publisher focused on creating meaningful, high-quality books that inspire kids and spark curiosity. Their catalog spans board books, picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade fiction and nonfiction. Known for beautiful design and thoughtful content, they seek stories that engage, uplift, and educate young readers through topics like science, empathy, faith, friendship, and global understanding.

Bushel & Peck does work with both agented and invited unagented submissions. They accept both fiction and nonfiction and place high value on books that reflect diverse perspectives and leave a lasting emotional or intellectual impact.

Key Points:

Publishes a wide range of children's books from board books to middle grade
Focuses on stories that spark curiosity, promote empathy, and explore big ideas
Submissions for unagented authors are by invitation only
Agented authors and illustrators may submit via email following clear guidelines
Books are crafted with strong editorial and design attention, often taking years to perfect

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: bushelandpeckbooks.com
Email: agentsubmissions@bushelandpeckbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bushelandpeckbooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bushelandpeckbooks

9. Paw Prints Publishing

Paw Prints Publishing focuses on publishing inclusive, socially impactful children's literature. Their catalog includes fiction and nonfiction for ages 3 to 18, with an emphasis on picture books and early readers, and a growing interest in graphic novels and chapter books. They aim to amplify diverse voices and promote stories that build empathy and emotional connection.

Paw Prints accepts both agented and unagented submissions. They are particularly interested in work from underrepresented voices and stories that foster social-emotional development. Manuscripts or portfolios should be emailed as PDFs with a cover letter. While response times vary, they review every submission with care.

Key Points:

Publishes picture books, early readers, graphic novels, and novels for ages 3-18
Strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and social-emotional growth
Open to agented and unagented submissions
Accepts fiction, nonfiction, and illustration portfolios via email
Does not provide individual responses unless interested in the submission

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.pawprintspublishing.com
Email: pawprintspublishing@baker-taylor.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawprintspublishing

10. Kids Can Press

Kids Can Press is one of Canada's leading children’s book publishers, known for high-quality picture books, nonfiction, fiction, and graphic novels. They focus on stories that reflect diverse perspectives and emphasize themes like social-emotional growth, mental health, environmental awareness, and global citizenship. Submissions are open only to Canadian authors.

They accept agented and unagented manuscripts via email and welcome submissions in several categories, including nonfiction, fiction, and graphic novels. They prefer a complete manuscript for picture books and sample chapters or outlines for other formats. Due to high volume, they only respond to submissions that are a good fit.

Key Points:

Publishes picture books, nonfiction, fiction, and graphic novels for kids aged 3 to 14
Strong focus on diversity, mental health, and global awareness
Open to unagented Canadian authors
Submissions accepted by email only, no physical manuscripts
Responds only if interested within 3-6 months

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.kidscanpress.com
Phone: 1-800-759-0190
Email: submissions@kidscan.com
Address: 53 State Street, 9th floor, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KidsCanBooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidscanpress

11. Andrews McMeel Publishing

Andrews McMeel Publishing is an independent publishing house based in Kansas City, Missouri. They publish a wide range of genres, including children's books, poetry, inspiration, and humor. Their list often includes works by creators with unique perspectives and distinct voices, and their titles are known for blending creativity with accessibility across both print and digital formats. The company also produces a large number of calendars annually, many of which are tied to licensed content or cultural themes.

For children’s publishing, Andrews McMeel includes titles that lean toward imaginative storytelling, graphic storytelling, and narrative-driven humor. They accept submissions from both agents and unagented authors, though they note a high volume of submissions and selective response. Authors are encouraged to review the company’s catalog before submitting work that fits within their style and themes.

Key Points:

Publishes children's books alongside poetry, humor, and inspirational titles
Open to submissions from both agented and unagented authors
Known for producing both books and calendars with broad cultural reach
Prioritizes distinctive voices and creative storytelling
Accepts digital and mailed submissions but does not return original materials

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com
Phone: 816-581-7500
Email: corpcommunications@amuniversal.com
Address: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106

12. Annick Press

Annick Press is a Canadian independent publisher with a focus on children’s and young adult literature. They publish a broad mix of formats, including picture books, early chapter books, middle grade fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction. Their editorial direction centers on stories told from the perspective of young people, often exploring contemporary themes with emotional depth and thoughtful insight. Annick looks for stories that engage readers while offering opportunities to reflect on personal identity, community, and broader social issues.

The publisher is particularly interested in working with creators from underrepresented backgrounds, encouraging submissions that reflect diverse experiences and voices. While they prioritize Canadian talent, they remain open to working with authors and illustrators from around the world. Their submission process is fully digital, and they welcome complete manuscripts as well as sample materials, depending on the genre.

Key Points:

Publishes picture books, chapter books, middle grade, YA, and nonfiction
Actively seeks diverse voices and underrepresented perspectives
Accepts digital submissions directly from authors and illustrators
Interested in emotionally resonant, kid-centered storytelling
Open to creators globally, with a focus on Canadian talent

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.annickpress.com
Phone: 416-221-4802
Email: orders@annickpress.com
Address: Annick Press, 665 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y2
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnnickPress
Instagram: www.instagram.com/annick_press

13. The Innovation Press

The Innovation Press is a U.S.-based children's book publisher focused on titles that engage kids in learning and creative thinking. Their catalog includes a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid formats aimed at young readers from preschool through grade 5. Many of their books blend educational content with playful storytelling, supporting areas like STEM, emotional development, and early literacy. They also place a strong emphasis on visual appeal, often working closely with illustrators to bring stories to life.

This publisher welcomes submissions from both debut and experienced authors and illustrators, with a particular interest in original content and #OwnVoices creators. Submissions are accepted via email and should follow specific guidelines depending on the book type. They are also known for supporting schools and libraries by donating books to underserved communities. Their approach blends educational value with an eye for engaging young audiences through fresh ideas and diverse representation.

Key Points:

Publishes for preschool to grade 5 audiences in fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid styles
Accepts submissions directly from unagented authors and illustrators
Actively seeks diverse voices and original concepts
Interested in activity books with strong educational and creative angles
Donates books to schools and libraries in underserved communities

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.theinnovationpress.com
Phone: 1-917-478-4614
Email: info@theinnovationpress.com
Address: Chitra Bopardikar, Managing Director, Global Publishers Group, LLC
Facebook: www.www.facebook.com/theinnovationpress
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theinnovationpress
Twitter/X: x.com/InnovationPress

14. The Quarto Group

The Quarto Group is an international publishing company known for producing a wide range of illustrated books for both children and adults. They operate multiple imprints that focus on various niche categories, including arts, crafts, science, nature, biography, and children’s publishing. Their titles are distributed globally in over 50 countries and translated into more than 40 languages. Quarto's children’s imprint, Quarto Kids, publishes books designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in young readers through engaging visuals and accessible content.

Authors submitting to Quarto are expected to provide a comprehensive proposal that includes a concept overview, sample materials, marketing ideas, and visuals that reflect the tone and format of the proposed book. They accept unsolicited proposals in specific categories and forward them to the relevant imprints. Their submissions process is clearly structured, with each category routed through designated editorial teams, including a separate channel for kids and teens.

Key Points:

Publishes children’s books through Quarto Kids, with a focus on educational and visual storytelling
Accepts unsolicited proposals with detailed submission requirements
Offers global distribution in over 50 countries and more than 40 languages
Each imprint operates independently with its own editorial focus
Proposals must include marketing plans, visuals, and a signed submission agreement

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.quarto.com
Phone: +1 (425) 629-6117
Email: meredith.mennitt@quarto.com
Address: The Quarto Group Inc., 800 North State Street, Suite 304, Kent County, Dover, DE 19901, USA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/QuartoBooksUS
Instagram: www.instagram.com/quartobooksus
Twitter/X: x.com/QuartoBooksUS

15. Wacky Bee Books

Wacky Bee Books is a small UK-based publisher focused on children's books for ages 3 to 12. Their catalog is divided into three main age groups: picture books for 3–6 year olds, early readers for 4–7 year olds, and middle grade fiction for 8–12 year olds. They are especially interested in stories that fill the gap between picture books and chapter books, with a strong emphasis on humor and imaginative storytelling. Rhyming texts and non-fiction submissions are not part of their publishing focus.

Writers can submit their manuscripts directly, although the company prefers authors to first use The Writers’ Advice Centre's manuscript appraisal service. This allows them to identify promising talent while offering guidance along the way. While they publish a limited number of titles each year, Wacky Bee Books remains open to working with both debut and experienced writers and illustrators.

Key Points:

Publishes books for children ages 3 to 12, with focus on fiction
Prefers submissions with humor and originality; no rhyming or poetry
Picture books should be fully illustrated and submitted as PDFs
Authors can submit unsolicited manuscripts via email
No advance is paid; authors receive royalties, illustrators are paid a flat fee

Contact and Social Media Information:

Website: www.wackybeebooks.com
Phone: +44 (0) 7938 819510
Email: louise@wackybeebooks.com
Address: 17a Electric Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8LA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wackybeebooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wackybeebooks
Twitter/X: x.com/WackyBeeBooks

How Freewrite Helps Writers Stay Focused

Once you've found the right publisher, the next challenge is actually writing the book. And that’s often the hardest part. Staying focused, avoiding distractions, and getting the words out consistently can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time authors. That’s where writing tools likeFreewrite come in.

We built Freewrite devices to help writers stay focused in a world full of distractions. With no internet access, notifications, or apps, our tools create a quiet space where creativity can thrive. A mechanical keyboard, clean screen, and long battery life make it easy to write anywhere. Every word is backed up to the cloud, so you can pick up right where you left off later.

Freewrite helps writers push past procrastination and stay in the flow. The simple display shows only a few lines at a time, which reduces pressure and keeps attention on the words, not formatting or editing. Writers tell us they double their output and feel less overwhelmed. Whether you're working on your first book or your tenth, Freewrite is designed to support the writing process from start to finish.

Smart Typewriter (Gen3)

Smart Typewriter is a distraction free drafting device built for writers who want to focus on words without fighting browsers or pop ups. Its mechanical keyboard feels like a classic typewriter while the frontlit E Ink screen stays gentle on the eyes in bright sun or late night sessions. A tough aluminum shell and retractable handle make it travel ready, and every keystroke is saved locally and in the cloud so drafts are always safe and easy to export.

What Makes It Different:

E Ink display with built in frontlight for clear reading day or night
Kailh Box Brown mechanical switches and thick PBT keycaps for a satisfying feel
Automatic cloud backup to Postbox, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote
Long lasting battery and room for about one million words on board
Die cast aluminum body with seamless retractable handle for grab and go use

Alpha Cosmic Edition

Alpha Cosmic Edition is a lightweight drafting canvas that weighs under two pounds yet stores up to a million words. Its terrazzo speckled shell and warm backlit LCD make late night or outdoor writing comfortable, while low profile mechanical switches keep typing quiet and fast. A 100 hour battery, built in Wi Fi syncing, and an exclusive felt sleeve let writers roam far from their desks without worrying about power or distractions.

What Makes It Different:

Adjustable warm backlight on an anti glare LCD for writing in any lighting
Slim 1.6-lb build that slips easily into bags for café or mountain sessions
Automatic local and cloud saves plus USB transfer when offline
Low profile Kailh Choc V2 mechanical switches for quick, comfortable drafting
Comes with a custom felt sleeve featuring constellation style stitching for protection on the go

Valentine

TheValentine edition takes everything writers love about the Smart Typewriter and wraps it in a bold finish inspired by a 1969 Italian design icon. Housed in polished aluminum, it ships with a fitted water resistant carrying case and branded strap so the device and its sturdy keyboard can travel in style. Inside, the same E Ink screen, cloud syncing, and long battery help writers stay in flow wherever inspiration strikes.

What Makes It Different:

Eye catching aluminum body that turns a writing tool into a statement piece
Protective case and strap included for safe and portable use right out of the box
Signature mechanical keyboard with tactile switches for smooth typing sessions
Frontlit E Ink screen and automatic cloud syncing to keep drafts visible and secure
Special edition build that offers Smart Typewriter performance in a limited package

Final Word

Getting your first children’s book published can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are many publishers out there who are open to working with first-time authors. Whether you’re writing picture books, early readers, or middle grade fiction, the key is finding a publisher that aligns with your voice and story. Take time to research submission guidelines, tailor your manuscript, and stay persistent.