Work with an editor or critique partner to get your manuscript as polished as you can make it. Even experienced writers benefit from having a peer look over their work.
Follow proper manuscript format. Pages should be typed, double-spaced and printed in black ink, preferably in a standard, 12-point font such as Times New Roman. Do not staple or bind manuscript pages.
Seek out a local or online writing community. These are valuable sources of advice and expertise. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (Scbwi.org) is a worldwide organization dedicated to supporting both published and unpublished authors. Watch for workshops and other events held by regional chapters. There is an annual fee to join.
Browse the bookstore or local library. Seek out books with a genre similar to yours. Take note of the publishers. Then read, read, read. Familiarize yourself with trends. Learn what kids like to read about, what factors make a book age-appropriate and what ideas have already been covered.
Identify your book's genre. Is it fiction? Nonfiction? Picture or chapter book? Is it a fantasy, a mystery or historical fiction? You must first know the intended audience before you can successfully shop your manuscript to potential publishers.
Buy or borrow copies of "Writer's Market" and "The Canadian Writer's Market." These books list a wide range of publishers and markets for your work. Compile a list of publishers who accept submissions for books of your genre. The Association of Canadian publishers (Publishers.ca) is another helpful resource. Pay particular attention to submission guidelines, as they can vary widely from one publisher to the next. Always double-check a publisher's website for the most up-to-date guidelines.
Many publishers are closed to unsolicited manuscripts, but will accept a query letter that introduces you and your book (word count, brief summary, your writing credentials, if any). If you're covering a subject or story idea that has been done before, state what makes your story stand out and why it is marketable. Some publishers ask that you include sample pages with your query. Always check the guidelines.
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the publisher may send a response. Submissions without an addressed, stamped envelope will often not be returned. Some houses do not respond unless they are interested in seeing more of your work. Also take note of response times, which can vary from a few weeks up to a year or more.
If a publishing house does not accept simultaneous submissions, you must wait until you hear back from that publisher before you may submit the manuscript to anyone else.