Submit to agents seeking children's books, if you choose to query an agent first. Do not waste anyone’s time by submitting your book to the wrong person. Some Australian agencies that are currently accepting children's books include Golvan Arts Management, Jacinta di Mase Management, and the Margaret Kennedy Agency. Curtis Brown Agency and Drummond Agency also accept children's books, but no picture books. For a full list of agents, click the link in the "Resources" section.
Read the guidelines carefully, if you prefer to send your manuscript straight to a publisher. Include all materials requested, such as synopses, outlines, your biography, or your marketing plan. The following Australian publishers accept unsolicited children's book manuscripts: IAD Press, Magabala Books (for indigenous writers), New Frontier Publishing, Wombat Books, and Scholastic Australia (re-opening to submissions in October 2010). For a full list of publishers, including publishers in the growing print-on-demand category, click the link in the "Resources" section.
Send your query letters in the method desired by the agent/publisher. Some publishers still prefer a hard copy sent by post, but many publishers are also embracing the eco-friendly method of electronic submission. If submitting by post, include a SSAE (stamped, self-addressed envelope) so the publisher may contact you with his response.
Be adaptable. When submitting a query to an agent, read their guidelines carefully. Golvan Arts Management asks for a cover letter with "information about yourself as well as a brief outline about your piece." They also ask you to submit your entire manuscript if under 10,000 words. The Margaret Kennedy Agency suggests that when querying an agent, "less is more, honesty is essential, and talking up your work won't work."
Remember, if you are submitting to an agency that employs multiple literary agents, address your letter to the one who reviews children's literature. You can usually find this information on each agency's website.
Respect publishers' wishes. Australian book publishers, like agents, also prefer simplicity and professionalism in authors' queries, but they may have more particular needs. For example, IAD Press prefers "a one-page synopsis on A4 paper and a brief bio including your writing experience, previous publications, work and any relevant life details." New Frontier Publishing only asks that you include an SSAE and explain why your book would fit their line--so you would need to read a few of their books before submitting (a smart routine to follow when submitting to all agents and publishers).