Child's Play

Manuscript Guidelines

DUE TO A BACKLOG OF SUBMISSIONS CHILD'S PLAY IS CURRENTLY NO LONGER ABLE TO ACCEPT ANY MORE MANUSCRIPTS.

We are happy to accept manuscripts, but as we are sent so many
it is worth considering whether they will fit in with our program
before sending them.

Our program is extremely diverse; although it mainly focuses on children
under five. We publish a large number of board books for babies
and toddlers. Board books are generally 12 pages and reflect experiences
relevant to the age group. They have very few words. Many of our books
contain an element of interaction, lift-up flaps, pop-ups, dials etc.
When this interaction is tactile it is always an integral part of the story.
Picture books are highly illustrated; generally they are 32 pages with
a maximum of 1,500 words of text. They are always child centered.

We use a number of independent illustrators and do not require manuscripts to arrive with illustrations.

Our books cover many different subjects, but all are written within
the context of a diverse and international society. We try to reflect
various families and avoid gender, disability or racial stereotyping.

We also publish a limited number of information books for up to nine years old, which are usually engineered and interactive. We do not publish children's novels.

Before submitting your work, we suggest that you look through the books on our website to see if your style fits into our programme.

In exceptional circumstances (if you do not have access to a computer), we will accept postal submissions. Please enclose a self-addressed envelope if you wish to have your samples returned.

Contact Details

Email: office@childs-play.com

Postal Address:
Child's Play (International) Ltd
Ashworth Road
Bridgemead
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN5 7YD

As we receive such a large number of manuscripts every month, it is impossible for us to offer criticism on individual projects.

As a response may take some time, we recommend that you make simultaneous submissions.