Get ready for when EK Books submissions reopen
The Children's Publishing Academy is the author-education wing of EK Books, the multi-award-winning children's book publisher. When EK Books submissions reopen, the manuscripts that stand out will be the ones that arrive ready. Our free articles, written by the publishers who read those submissions, show you exactly what we look for and how to prepare.
Closed-door · Only 50 seats
The Publisher's Town Hall
What Publishers Expect from Children's Authors in 2027
Thursday 21 January, 11am Sydney · Wednesday 20 January, 7pm New York
A closed-door hour with the EK Books publisher, just weeks before submissions open. Platform, the slush pile, AI, and the books we said yes to in 2026. Plus 12 VIP spots with live pitch feedback.
Standard $67 · VIP $257 · First come, first served
Latest advice from the EK Books publishing team
How to Pitch a Children’s Book Publisher: A Step-by-Step Guide from EK Books
Most manuscripts are let down by the pitch, not the writing. Here’s how to research comparable titles, find a named editor, write a short query letter and put together a proposal publishers can say yes to.
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How Long Does It Take to Publish a Picture Book? A Real Timeline from EK Books
From edited manuscript to bookshop shelf, here’s how long it really takes to publish a picture book, stage by stage, based on real EK Books production schedules.
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Do You Need an Illustrator Before You Submit Your Picture Book? A Publisher Answers
Should you find an illustrator before submitting your picture book? The publishers behind EK Books explain why not, how to handle author-illustrator submissions, and how to write illustration notes that help rather than hinder.
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Our story: Publishers supporting authors
Breaking through as a children's author is incredibly difficult. Many talented and passionate writers miss out simply because the barriers to entry are so high. We exist to change that.
Created by publishers responsible for hundreds of award-winning children's titles from imprints like EK Books, our events, resources, and programs help nurture the next generation of children's authors.
Success Story: Harriet's Hungry Worms
Samantha Smith partnered with our team to develop her book, Harriet's Hungry Worms. She took advice across the entire publication process, from editing the story to partnering with illustrators. The result was a publishing contract with EK Books. Her book is now in bookstores and libraries worldwide and has been featured by media including "Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators" and "The Sunday Telegraph"
Success Story: Spot the Dot
Kris Herbert developed her book, Spot the Dot with support from the Children's Publishing Academy. Kris had a wonderful idea, and took advice to help shape it into a tight package that would be appealing to publishers, bookstores, and reviewers. The result was a traditional publishing deal with EK Books, and a book that is in bookstores in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond!