Children's & YA

Children's and YA publishing is a rich, essential world! It's often the gateway into a lifetime of reading. Every children's publisher plays a crucial role as a talent scout, uncovering the books that will stay with kids and teens for years. Whether you're after a beautifully illustrated picture book for preschoolers or the next YA novel that will keep your teenager up past bedtime, you're in the right place.

Our list brings together the best English-language publishers in the space. You'll find major players in the industry, but also hidden gems: a small publisher with a daring catalog, or an independent press unafraid to take risks. There's something for every taste, from fantasy adventures that sweep readers into incredible worlds to mysteries for young readers that keep them guessing until the last page.

For aspiring authors, this list is a great starting point for finding the right children's or YA publisher for your manuscript. And before you submit, have you considered a beta read or professional editing to give your manuscript the best possible shot?

How do you submit a children's book manuscript?

First rule, and it surprises a lot of picture book authors: if you're not an illustrator, don't send illustrations. Text alone isn't just accepted; it's often preferred. Children's publishers typically choose the illustrator themselves, matching the artistic style to the project.

Next, target by age group: picture books (ages 0-6), early readers (6-8), middle grade (8-12), and teen or young adult. Each publisher, and often each imprint, focuses on a specific age range with very different length requirements, check recent catalogs before submitting. The field is highly competitive, so an early beta read, and for ambitious projects a literary agent who specializes in children's and YA, can meaningfully improve your odds.