Albert Whitman & Company Submission Guidelines

Albert Whitman & Company publishes approximately thirty books per year for the trade, library, and school library market.

We have an open submissions policy: we will read unsolicited work, which means that it is not necessary for writers to submit through a literary agent.

We are interested in reviewing the following types of work:

Picture book manuscripts for ages 2-8.
Novels and chapter books for ages 8-12.
Nonfiction for ages 3-12.
Art samples showing pictures of children.

More information for Writers and Illustrators

Important Tips

We will not read any unsolicited manuscripts, queries, or proposals sent via email.
Writers may notify us by postal mail if five or more months pass without a response. Letters clearly marked Status Inquiry will be given immediate attention.
Did you send us your manuscript without a self-addressed stamped envelope? The best thing to do is to simply re-submit your manuscript with an SASE. Don't just send the SASE on its own—it can be very difficult to match it up with the original submission!
Please do not send international reply coupons or currency checks. U.S. postage is available for purchase online.
We can not be held responsible for the loss or damage of materials, so please do not send anything that is irreplaceable or expensive. It helps to be clear in your cover letter about what materials you wish to have returned.
Some other common concerns about the submission process are addressed in our Frequently Asked Questions.