Frequently Asked Questions: Editorial

I've written a story that I'd like to get published. May I send it to Albert Whitman & Company?
You're welcome to submit a manuscript to us, but we ask that you carefully review our guidelines page first to see if your work fits our general category needs and requirements. Please do not send manuscripts, queries, story ideas or editorial questions by email.

Do I need to have my story illustrated? Do I need to have an agent?
For both of these questions, the answer is no. If you have questions about the submission process in general, there are many helpful resources available at your public library and on the web.

What happens after I send in my manuscript?
We will read your work within four months of the postmark date. If we are interested in your work, we will contact you via email or phone. If we choose not to publish it, we'll shred your materials (to ensure privacy) and recycle them.

If my story is rejected, is there any way I can find out why?
We're afraid not. Since we receive nearly four thousand manuscripts a year, we're just not able to provide individual critiques.