Frequently Asked Questions about Publishing Children's Books

Take a moment to read through some of our most common questions, which include basic requirements that can mean the difference between your submission being considered or not. Making the commitment to writing a story, and then taking the big step to submitting it, is a significant achievement. Good luck!

How long is a picture book?

A standard picture book is 32 pages, and usually has around 500 to 1000 words, although sometimes they can have fewer or more words, depending on the story. We will occasionally publish a picture book with 24 pages.

Picture books are intended for children from preschool through to the first couple of years of school and have illustrations to help tell the story. They are designed to be read aloud and can also be excellent for children who are first starting to read.

Do you publish non-fiction for children?

Yes, we do. These are often published in picture book format but can have more content and therefore more pages. Illustrations also play an important role in our non-fiction children’s books.

What types of books do you publish for children?

We publish picture books, chapter books, junior to middle grade fiction, young adult and non-fiction books for children.

What are you looking for in a submission?

We are looking for really good stories! We want stories with original ideas that are done well. What will make your story stand out from the rest? Why is your story really good?

How long does the publishing process take?

The publishing process can take a long time. The entire process can take between 18 and 24 months – and sometimes even longer. We want to make the book as perfect as it can be, and we take all sorts of factors into account when we create our schedule.

Do I need to supply illustrations for my story?

No, you don’t need to supply illustrations, nor an illustrator. You can include some illustration notes with the manuscript, but the story should not rely on illustrations. We will work with you to find the best illustrator for your story.

Can I submit more than one manuscript?

We would love to see your very best work. Please don’t be tempted to send us all your stories, thinking that we can pick the best one – we don’t have the capacity to read through that volume of work, and it may not end up being in your best interests to send us a big selection of manuscripts.

I am a New Zealand citizen living overseas. Can I submit my work to you?

Yes, we accept submissions from all New Zealand citizens, or people with permanent residency who live in New Zealand. While we prefer to work with New Zealanders living in New Zealand, we will consider submissions from New Zealand citizens living overseas.

Can I submit a collection of poems?

We are not accepting poetry collections at this time.