Ready, Set...Submit? How to know if your book is ready for publishing

Deciding whether your children's book manuscript is truly ready to send out into the world—whether that means querying agents or diving into self-publishing—can feel both thrilling and terrifying.

And honestly? Only you can make that call.

But as an agented and traditionally published picture book author who’s helped hundreds of writers navigate both traditional and indie publishing paths, I’ve found that most successful authors can answer YES to the following questions before they take the leap.

1. Have you read at least 50 picture books published in the last 5 years?

This might sound like a lot, but immersing yourself in modern picture books is essential. The market moves fast, and what worked 10 or 20 years ago might not fly today.

Reading widely helps you:

• Understand current trends and themes

• Get a feel for pacing, language, and structure

• Notice what makes a story stand out to editors, agents, and kids

  
  

Pro tip: Check out your library’s “New Picture Books” section or browse recent award winners and bestseller lists. This counts as research (the fun kind!).

2. Have you written more than one manuscript?

It’s rare for the first picture book manuscript you ever write to be the one. (If it is, congratulations—you’re basically a unicorn!)

Writing multiple manuscripts helps you:

• Grow your craft faster

• Experiment with different structures and voices

• Show agents and editors that you’re not a one-book wonder

  
  

Pro tip: If you’ve only written one story so far, put it aside and keep going! Your early manuscripts are stepping stones, not wasted time. And you can always come back to it later.

3. Has it been at least 1 month since you finished the manuscript you want to publish?

This question is all about distance. When you’ve just finished a manuscript, it’s easy to think it’s perfect. But give it a few weeks—or better yet, a few months—and read it again with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed at what jumps out.

Time away gives you:

• A clearer perspective on what’s working (and what’s not)

• The ability to edit with less emotional attachment

• A better chance to polish your story into something truly strong

Pro tip: This is a great time to work on those additional stories I mentioned in #2!

4. Have you done in-depth self-editing?

Before you ever send your manuscript to another human, it should be in the best shape you can make it. That means more than just fixing typos—it’s digging deep into story structure, character motivation, pacing, and word choice. A thorough self-edit can make a huge difference between a “meh” submission and one that gets noticed.

Ask yourself:

• Does every line move the story forward?

• Is the language vivid and child-friendly?

• Could the illustrator have room to shine, or am I over-directing?

  
  

Pro tip: Check out this video about how to self-edit your picture book manuscript.

5. Have you had at least 3 peer critiques from fellow writers in your genre?

And no—your mom, best friend, or coworker who “loves kids” doesn’t count.

You want honest, knowledgeable feedback from other picture book writers who understand the genre. They’ll catch things you might miss and offer constructive suggestions to strengthen your story.

Look for:

• Local or online critique groups

• Writing communities like SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)

• Critique partners who are at a similar or slightly more advanced level than you

Pro tip: When asking for a peer critique, you'll want to return the favor! Here's a post about how to GIVE a great critique!

6. Have you had at least 1 paid critique or developmental edit?

This step isn’t strictly required, but it can be a game changer—especially if you’re new to writing picture books. A professional editor or published author can provide deep insights into your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, often for less than $100.

This kind of feedback can:

• Highlight issues you didn’t even realize were there

• Offer concrete suggestions for revision

• Boost your confidence that your story is truly ready for publishing

  
  

Pro tip: Think of it as investing in your craft. One solid critique early on can save you months (or years!) of frustration later.

So…is your manuscript ready for publishing?

Here's a handy recap:

1. Have you read at least 50 picture books published in the last 5 years?

2. Have you written more than one manuscript?

3. Has it been at least 1 month since you finished the manuscript you want to publish?

4. Have you done in-depth self-editing?

5. Have you had at least 3 peer critiques from fellow writers in your genre?

6. Have you had at least 1 paid critique or developmental edit?

If you were nodding “yes” to all (or most) of these questions—congratulations! You’re ready! 🎉

If you answered “no” to a few, it might be too soon to submit. And that’s okay too! This isn’t a checklist meant to discourage—it’s a guide to help you give your manuscript its very best shot.

Publishing—whether traditional or indie—is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, do the work, and when you finally hit “send” or “publish,” you’ll know you’ve put your strongest story forward!

Want some help navigating this list? Join our Profitable Picture Books Program! Our course and community is designed especially for hopeful picture book writers like you!