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Board books are specially designed for babies and toddlers. They require durable pages, engaging storytelling, and eye-catching illustrations. For authors seeking to publish board books, choosing the right publisher can make all the difference. In this guide, we highlight 15 publishers currently accepting submissions. Each publisher offers unique advantages—from full-service support to creative freedom and marketing assistance.
Understanding Board Books and Submission
Board books differ from traditional children’s books because they are designed for very young readers. Their pages are thick and sturdy, stories are short, and visuals play a central role. When submitting to publishers, authors must consider readability, developmental appropriateness, and visual appeal. Many publishers require clear formatting, polished manuscripts, and professional illustrations or a well-thought-out concept. Understanding these requirements increases the chance of acceptance and ensures the book resonates with toddlers and caregivers alike.
1. Cloud Ghostwriters
Cloud Ghostwriters lead the list for a reason. They offer comprehensive support for board book authors, guiding projects from initial concept to submission-ready manuscripts. Their team of ghostwriters, editors, illustrators, and publishing strategists helps authors refine storytelling, ensure age-appropriate content, and choose the right genre for their audience. They also provide professional editing and marketing guidance, helping books reach their target readers effectively. Whether your board book is educational, fictional, or interactive, The Cloud Ghostwriters ensures your vision is polished, marketable, and impactful.
2. Chronicle Books
Chronicle Books specializes in unique and visually compelling children’s books. They look for board book submissions that are creative, simple, and engaging for toddlers. Authors and illustrators are encouraged to submit fresh ideas with strong visual storytelling. Chronicle Books provides editorial guidance to refine manuscripts and enhance marketability. Their focus on originality ensures your work stands out in bookstores, libraries, and online platforms. They are open to both emerging and established creators.
3. Hachette Children’s Group
Hachette Children’s Group publishes diverse and educational board books. They seek submissions with clear narratives, strong illustrations, and age-appropriate content. Their editorial team collaborates closely with authors to polish manuscripts and ensure stories are engaging for toddlers. Hachette values originality and inclusivity in storytelling, making room for fresh voices and diverse themes. They provide guidance on submission-ready formatting and market-ready presentation to increase the chance of successful publication.
4. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing is a top choice for board book authors. They accept manuscripts that are creative, educational, and visually captivating. Their editors work with authors to refine storytelling and illustrations, ensuring content is appropriate for early readers. They also provide marketing and distribution advice, helping authors reach parents, teachers, and caregivers. Simon & Schuster encourages unique concepts that match toddlers’ developmental needs while remaining fun and engaging.
5. Scholastic Inc.
Scholastic Inc. is a leading publisher of children’s literature. They accept submissions for board books that are interactive, educational, and entertaining. Scholastic emphasizes literacy development, early learning skills, and age-appropriate storytelling. Their editorial team collaborates with authors and illustrators to refine manuscripts and enhance visual appeal. With extensive distribution channels to schools, libraries, and retailers, Scholastic ensures board books reach a wide audience. They also support marketing strategies for successful book promotion.
6. Candlewick Press
Candlewick Press is known for its high-quality, creative children’s books. They look for board book submissions that combine originality, strong visuals, and engaging storytelling. Candlewick values concepts that spark curiosity and support early learning. Their editorial team provides collaborative feedback on illustrations, manuscript structure, and overall design. Authors benefit from Candlewick’s focus on market-ready, professional-quality books. Their commitment to creativity and craftsmanship makes them a strong choice for emerging and established authors alike.
7. HarperCollins Children’s Books
HarperCollins Children’s Books publishes innovative and visually appealing board books. They seek manuscripts that are age-appropriate, educational, and entertaining. Their editors work with authors to enhance storytelling, refine illustrations, and create polished submission-ready manuscripts. HarperCollins also provides marketing and audience insights to help books reach parents, libraries, and retailers. Emerging authors are encouraged to submit original content that demonstrates creativity and developmental suitability for toddlers.
8. Random House Children’s Books
Random House Children’s Books is a leader in playful and educational literature for young children. They accept board book submissions with strong storytelling, engaging illustrations, and age-appropriate content. Their editorial team guides manuscript structure, visual design, and market appeal. They encourage interactive and creative concepts that capture toddlers’ attention. Random House also offers marketing and distribution support, helping authors successfully connect with families, schools, and libraries.
9. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky focuses on creative, visually striking board books. They welcome manuscripts with simple, engaging storytelling and strong illustration concepts. Their editors provide support to refine manuscripts and prepare submission-ready content. Sourcebooks also offers marketing guidance to help authors reach broader markets. They value diverse storytelling and innovative approaches, making them ideal for authors seeking to create memorable, age-appropriate books that resonate with toddlers and caregivers alike.
10. Peachtree Publishing Company
Peachtree Publishing Company publishes imaginative and educational children’s books. They accept board book submissions that are engaging, visually appealing, and developmentally appropriate. Peachtree offers editorial feedback, guidance on illustration and formatting, and support for market-ready presentations. Their marketing and distribution assistance ensures books reach retail stores, libraries, and online channels. Peachtree is dedicated to helping authors produce professional-quality board books that educate, entertain, and delight young readers.
11. Little Bee Books
Little Bee Books is an independent publisher focusing on children’s books for young readers. They seek board book submissions that are simple, fun, and visually engaging. Authors and illustrators are encouraged to submit creative concepts with playful narratives or educational content. Little Bee Books offers editorial guidance and collaborates with authors on design, layout, and formatting. Their focus on approachable, interactive books makes them an excellent choice for authors targeting toddlers and preschool audiences.
12. Sterling Publishing
Sterling Publishing specializes in illustrated children’s books, including board books. They accept submissions that are colorful, imaginative, and educational. Sterling emphasizes interactive storytelling and engaging visuals suitable for young children. Their editorial team works with authors to refine manuscripts, illustrations, and layout. They also provide guidance on marketing and retail readiness. Sterling Publishing supports both debut and experienced authors who aim to create impactful, marketable books for toddlers and preschoolers.
13. Blue Apple Books
Blue Apple Books publishes creative and interactive children’s literature. They welcome board book submissions that are visually striking, playful, and developmentally appropriate. Their editorial team provides support in refining manuscripts and illustrations for submission-ready quality. Blue Apple Books also assists authors in creating books that stand out in bookstores, libraries, and classrooms. They value innovative approaches, making them a strong option for authors seeking to produce fun and educational board books.
14. Albert Whitman & Company
Albert Whitman & Company is known for quality children’s books with engaging narratives. They accept board book submissions with clear, simple storytelling and appealing illustrations. Their editorial team collaborates with authors to ensure readability, age-appropriateness, and market potential. Albert Whitman & Company also provides marketing guidance and distribution support to maximize reach. They encourage fresh, creative concepts for toddlers that are fun, educational, and visually captivating.
15. Kar-Ben Publishing
Kar-Ben Publishing specializes in children’s books with educational and cultural content. They accept board book submissions that are simple, engaging, and visually appealing. Their editorial team works with authors to refine stories, illustrations, and presentation. Kar-Ben guides market readiness, distribution, and marketing strategies. They focus on books that are suitable for early childhood readers, making them a great option for authors who want to combine education with entertainment in board book format.
Table 15 Board Book Publishers Overview
| # | Publisher | Submission Focus | Support Offered |
| 1 | The Cloud Ghostwriters | Full-service, submission-ready board books | Ghostwriting, editing, design, marketing |
| 2 | Chronicle Books | Creative, visually compelling stories | Editorial guidance, market advice |
| 3 | Hachette Children’s Group | Educational, diverse, age-appropriate | Manuscript refinement, editorial support |
| 4 | Simon & Schuster Children’s | Unique, educational, visually appealing | Editing, marketing, distribution |
| 5 | Scholastic Inc. | Interactive, literacy-focused books | Editorial guidance, distribution |
| 6 | Candlewick Press | Original, high-quality storytelling | Collaborative editorial support |
| 7 | HarperCollins Children’s Books | Innovative, age-appropriate board books | Editorial advice, marketing support |
| 8 | Random House Children’s Books | Playful, educational, early learning books | Editorial guidance, promotion |
| 9 | Sourcebooks Jabberwocky | Creative, visually striking books | Manuscript preparation, marketing advice |
| 10 | Peachtree Publishing Company | Imaginative, engaging board books | Editorial, marketing, distribution |
| 11 | Little Bee Books | Fun, simple, visually engaging books | Editorial support, design collaboration |
| 12 | Sterling Publishing | Illustrated, interactive, educational | Editorial refinement, marketing advice |
| 13 | Blue Apple Books | Creative, interactive, visually striking | Manuscript and illustration support |
| 14 | Albert Whitman & Company | Simple, clear, engaging narratives | Editorial and marketing guidance |
| 15 | Kar-Ben Publishing | Educational, culturally themed, age-appropriate | Editorial, market readiness, distribution |
Conclusion
Publishing a board book requires careful planning and the right publisher. From full-service companies like The Cloud Ghostwriters to creative independents such as Blue Apple Books, there are numerous opportunities for authors to bring engaging, educational, and visually appealing board books to market. Understanding each publisher’s focus, submission preferences, and support options can help you craft a professional manuscript and make a lasting impression on your audience.
FAQ
What is a board book?
A board book is a durable book for babies and toddlers with thick pages and simple storytelling. It often includes interactive or visually engaging elements.
Can I submit a manuscript without illustrations?
Yes, some publishers accept unillustrated manuscripts, but having illustrations or a clear vision improves chances.
How long does the submission process take?
Response times vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the publisher and submission volume.
Do I need an agent to submit?
Not always. Some publishers accept unsolicited submissions, while others prefer submissions through literary agents.
What makes a board book submission successful?
Successful submissions are original, age-appropriate, visually appealing, and professionally presented, often with a clear market or educational focus.
Disclaimer: Cloud Ghostwriting provides details about publishers and submission opportunities solely for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any publishing houses, and we do not guarantee anything related to submissions, acceptance, or publication outcomes. Our role is to support authors through professional writing, editing, and marketing services that strengthen their manuscripts and publishing readiness.
