[joshua-steager Posts: 3 Status: Offline]

 A few months ago I decided I was going to write and illustrate a children’s book. Its a short rhyming story. I sketched images to go along with it then created final illustrations. A friend pointed me to scbwi. There is so much info available here that I feel like my head is going to explode. I want to work to get it published but not sure where to start. I’ve read about submitting a “dummy” to publishers, but my artwork is finished and past the rough sketch point. Would it be best to submit the story along with a few of my illustrations? Should I submit eveything? Thanks  for any info and your time!

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,831 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

The first step is to find a critique group or partner or post for critique on these boards. This is because we all think our own work is brilliant automatically. It's hard to see your own flaws. (Says the person with three critique groups.)

It's best not to submit fully final art because it gives the impression of being less changeable. Remember that an editor will edit the manuscript. Those changes may cause changes to need to be made to the art. Traditionally an author/illustrator submits a manuscript along with a sketch dummy that contains two or three spreads of final art. But do check submission guidelines for anyone you are submitting to.

[Vijaya Posts: 7,316 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Joshua, your pig is so cute! Debbie's given you great advice and here's a link to what's next: https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?action=faq;sa=show;faqid=8

[joshua-steager Posts: 3 Status: Offline]

Thanks so much for responding! I guess I could easily just submit the outline art without color. When you show people your work to be critiqued do you usually share the whole story and pictures?

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,831 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

It depends on where you post. In the Illustrator critiques area of the forum, you can link to your art online an have a book dummy there. In the Writer Critiques area, you post the text of your manuscript.

If you join a critique group, it's up to the members. Look for a group with author/illustrators as members.