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If you're just trying to get your book out of your head and onto a page, that's totally fine! Heck, you can jot your very first draft down on a napkin if you have to. (We’ve all been there!) But, there comes a time when you have to dress your manuscript up for the big leagues. If you’re ready to pitch an agent or an editor, there are some general guidelines to follow.

5 literary agents currently open to picture book submissions!

There’s still a lot we don’t know about where AI and publishing will go next. Laws will continue to evolve, and so will technology. But some things are already clear. Copyright belongs to humans. Authors deserve transparency. And ownership begins with understanding what you’re agreeing to.

We are so excited to connect with Aashna Avachat, a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, to chat about the world of publishing, and what advice she has for authors in the querying trenches!

Our world is craving genuine people and authentic stories. The market is flooded every day with new children’s books. What will set yours apart?

We are always looking for simpler ways to grow without burning out. If PayPal can provide a low-lift, fast-impact advertising alternative that integrates with the financial tools we already use, it could be a powerful addition to the indie author toolkit.

For aspiring authors, getting "the call" from a literary agent is a monumental step. But how do you know what to ask?

Some days, finding time to write feels like trying to catch a firefly with oven mitts on—possible, technically, but wow does it take effort.

The good news? Most website mistakes are fixable—and once you know what to look for, you'll never make the same mistakes again.

I read so many manuscripts now that I can spot craft issues almost instinctively. I know why something works and why it doesn’t. I’ve seen enough submissions to recognize pacing problems, exposition dumps, and arcs that fizzle out instead of soaring. That level of immersion in story after story makes you sharper. It’s like living in a constant writing masterclass. But—and this is a big but—knowing something isn’t the same as being able to execute it. Because in writing

The moment a publishing offer comes in, everything feels electric. An author’s phone buzzes. I get to deliver the news: You did it. Someone wants your book. And for a minute, it feels like we both won the lottery. But almost immediately, the practical part of my brain kicks in. Because an offer is just the beginning. Now it’s time to talk numbers, rights, clauses, and timelines—the unglamorous fine print that shapes the author’s future.

Below are four excellent writing conferences (including ours!) that picture book writers should keep on their radar—plus two kidlit writing organizations that are just too good to leave out. 👇