Regina Newman writes, “My friend, who is an Army wife and moves a lot, has written several short stories for young children. The stories help explain things that are important in the child’s life, such as giving up the pacifier. My friends and I would love to help put the author of these stories on the right path to getting them published, but we really don’t know how to get her foot in the door. In fact we were told she “had to know someone” to even get her work seen. She has been published as a freelance writer, and she has worked as a magazine editor, but this was not in the children’s area. Is there anything you can suggest that might help her?”

We appreciate that you want to get her on the path, but maybe she should be in charge of putting her own foot in the door.

It’s true you need to know someone to get published, but most published authors start out not knowing anyone. That’s where getting published in journals, attending writers workshops and conferences, networking, and finding an agent come in. We still think establishing a relationship with an agent is an author’s best bet, especially for those who write books for children.

We think you could help your friend find an agent. One trick is to look at the acknowledgements in recent books in the same genre; many authors thank their agents there. The best source for US agents is the Literary Market Place. Generally LMP listings include a brief description of the kind of work the agents represent.

Thanks for Writing,

Kathi Kamen Goldmark and Sam Barry
The Author Enablers
Authors of Write That Book Already: The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now
Visit us at www.kathiandsam.net
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