Albert Whitman & Company Submission Guidelines

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

We have an open submissions policy: we 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 projects:

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

More Information for Writers

PLEASE NOTE: We have a new policy for unsolicited submissions. After November 1st, 2010, we will respond only to submissions of interest. We read every submission within four months of receipt, but we can no longer respond to every one. If you do not receive a response from us after four months, we have declined to publish your submission.

After November 1st, 2010, please do not enclose an SASE. We will not be returning materials received after that date. Please be sure to include current contact information (mail address, email, and phone number) on cover letter and first page of manuscript.

We understand that writers are inconvenienced by delayed responses and lengthy waits. We feel that this change in our policy allows our small staff to read all submissions in a timely manner and continue to be open to unsolicited work.

Important Tips

Please note: Kathleen Tucker retired as Editor-in-Chief in May 2010, but we’ve continued to read submissions that are addressed to her. There is no need to re-send your work.
We will not read any unsolicited manuscripts, queries, or proposals sent via email.
We cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of materials, so please do not send anything that is irreplaceable or expensive.
Some other common concerns about the submission process are addressed in our Frequently Asked Questions.