[OhHeySaraA Posts: 4 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I participated in #PitMad and got a like! But, when I look at their submission requirements, I'm a little confused by what they mean:

Children’s Books
Please include a query (1 page) with the text as a word document or a pdf sketch dummy, 32-40 pages, as an attachment in spread layouts.

Does this mean that I should lay out my manuscript (which is just that--no illustrations) over the 32 page format? Most subs I've seen generally request the manuscript pasted in an email, so this is throwing me off...

Thanks!

[Schriscoe Posts: 1,765 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

 Congrats on the like!

I think that is just for illustrators. Authors only just send the text.

And be sure to check out PBParty this Sunday, too. Sounds like you have a fun PB!!

[OhHeySaraA Posts: 4 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Added to this: when I first imagined my concept, it was a short, rhyming book.  The more I read about the difficulties with getting rhyming texts published, I re-imagined my concept into a more traditional prose PB--and now I don't know which version I should submit! They've both gotten positive feedback from my beta readers, so I don't know what to do? The rhyme version is my favorite just because it is what my children most enjoy, but I know that getting published that way is tough.  Should I submit both versions at the same time? Submit one and mention the other also exists?   

[Schriscoe Posts: 1,765 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

I definitely wouldn't submit both. Agents would frown on that.

My advice would be to send your strongest version. But again, only send one. As for mentioning that you have it in another form, personally I wouldn't. But I may be in the minority on that.

[Mindy Alyse Weiss Posts: 3,641 Status: Offline A long journey - but I'm determined to get there!]

Congrats on the request!

I agree with Sharon--definitely don't submit both versions. Send the one you believe is the strongest. I also don't think you should mention the other version when you submit. An example of when you might bring it up is if the agent sends a nice rejection for the rhyming version and suggests it would be stronger in prose. Then you can thank the agent months down the road when you send a different manuscript and let him/her know that you have a prose version of the first manuscript.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,001 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

Submit one and mention you have other stories, but not two version of this one. I'd do a Google search for the agent and see if they comment about rhyme or if they've repped it. This might help you decide. Know that your meter and rhymes have to be spot on, but that kids do love rhyming books. Good luck.