Hi Bibi, I'm a mid-career illustrator who is looking to transition into children's books. I just did illustrations for a poetry book, including the graphic design for the cover, for a small publisher in Minnesota called Bluebird Press. I also recently finished covers for both CreateSpace and Kindl... more

Hi Bibi, I'm a mid-career illustrator who is looking to transition into children's books. I just did illustrations for a poetry book, including the graphic design for the cover, for a small publisher in Minnesota called Bluebird Press. I also recently finished covers for both CreateSpace and Kindle versions of a short story book, so I'm building upon my extensive Photoshop knowledge with knowledge of e-publishing now. (I know next time will be easier, ha ha) If you want to know more about anything e-publishing let me know, I might have some advice that works! Or just a shoulder to cry on.....I'm that too. Welcome fellow new member :D
~Leah

Bibi, Nice to hear from you. Sorry I can't help you out on the poetry/agent thing. I don't know much about poetry publishing. My friends who do it usually start with a chapbook, I think. But I don't know if that's the way to go with children's. What I would do is read acknowledgments in all the kids... more

Bibi, Nice to hear from you. Sorry I can't help you out on the poetry/agent thing. I don't know much about poetry publishing. My friends who do it usually start with a chapbook, I think. But I don't know if that's the way to go with children's. What I would do is read acknowledgments in all the kids poetry books you like. Most authors thank their agents. You can generate a list of possible agents that way, and you will KNOW that they handle poetry. You can also check out who is publishing these books. Most children's houses accept unagented manuscripts so you can query from there, again knowing that that house is open to poetry submissions. You may know all this....Have you joined SCBWI? That's another great resource. Hope this helps!

Ellen