Write a query letter: a one page letter similar to a cover letter that gives an agent an idea of the author’s book and the author. Agents select authors to represent based on the query letter, so make it as good as possible. Include an attention grabber at the top that relates the author to the work, expand about the idea for the work, give some author information and include contact information. Give a self-addressed envelope with the query letter for agents who prefer to contact authors by mail.
Select 10 to 15 agents who work in the appropriate genre. Agents work in different areas, so take the time to find out which agents are working in the genre of the book. For example, if the genre is fantasy, send the query letter to the agents that work in fantasy and science fiction fields and avoid the agents that work in non-fiction. Send the query letter to the agents you have selected. Check out books from the libraries that are guides for publishing or guides to literary agents to find literary agents of various genres. If more than one agent offers to help get the work published, choose the agent that best suits the genre of the book.
Write a proposal. It should include a summary of the book, the intended market for sales, description of competition such as books that have a similar plot, some author information, and a chapter summary of the book in outline form which can include sample writing and an estimate of the book length. Books that are already written do not need to include a timeline for when it should be finished, but books that are not yet completed should also include a timeline.
Submit the manuscript to the publisher via the agent. Inform the agent and the publisher that there is no illustrator and that the work needs illustrations. According to Publishing Central, publishers often have illustrators that they prefer and they hire for the project.
Work out an outline with the illustrator assigned by the publishing company. The outline should show the illustrator where the pictures will be placed in the story and what characters are important to illustrate. Determine the number of needed illustrations.
Talk to the illustrator about a timeline for completing the artwork. Since the book cannot be published without the illustrations, a timeline should be decided on so the illustrator has a deadline.
Preview the illustrations before publication. Talk to the illustrator about any necessary changes, such as important character markings that are missing. Once the final product is completed, the book can be published.