Gather the information. When looking to publish your children's book, there are a range of specialized publications that inform children's writers of various markets and appropriate book publishers that are available. Look into the most recent edition of the "Children's Writers and Illustrator's Market", which is filled with useful and up-to-date advice. These publications often contain highly useful information from how a query letter should be written, to finding a suitable agent. Use the web to look for and research various publishers that specialize in your type of book. Publishers websites online contain relevant information on the current children's market.
Send a query letter. Once you have picked out a selection of potential publishers, learn about what they are looking for and read their guidelines. What to send to your choice of publishers is entirely dependant on what each publisher is looking for. Some publishers might be looking for a whole manuscript, while others may only want a query letter. Read all publishing guidelines thoroughly and carefully. Make sure that what you send to your potential publishers is tidy and easy to read. Avoid complicated formatting and unusual font. Publishers are looking for normal font, double spacing, specific and relevant information.
Get yourself an agent. When looking for a literary agent, find a copy of a publication such as "Literary Market Place" at a library or bookstore to identify possible agents. Talk to writers and editors you know to make recommendations. Form a group of potential agents that you find suitable and that you know accommodate your style and level of writing. Visit the websites of agents you have listed down to learn a little more about what they do and whether or not they are legitimate. Look out for past clients, qualifications and published works. Write a letter consisting of a few short paragraphs, containing a summary of your children's book and your background information which you can send to potential agents.
Study the industry. Learn about the children's publishing industry and know what is happening, because you might be required to pitch your manuscript to publishers. Keep track of children's bestsellers each week and make an effort to talk to librarians and bookstore owners about current trends and children's favourites.
Illustrate your book or let someone else do it. Illustrations are an essential aspect of any children's book. If you are not an artist, or you feel like you might not do your story justice, do not worry about finding an illustrator before you send in your manuscript or query letter. It is often the case that publishing houses have certain illustrators that they like to work with, or illustrators they are able to get in contact with before publishing your book. If you are the illustrator as well as the writer of your book, tell the publisher that the artwork could be considered separately from the story. This way, if the publisher loves the story, but hates the illustrations, you are cutting down your chances of rejection.