The (Almost) Untouchable Big Five

Hello writers!

In my last blog, I briefly touched upon your options for book publication. Today, I'd like to focus on what is referred to as the Big Five traditional publishers.

When Did This Happen?

The term Big Five was established in 2013 when two major publishing houses merged—the Penguin Group, and Random House. This group is the largest of the five. Acting as an umbrella, Penguin Random House is home to over 300 imprints worldwide—more than 100 in the U.S. alone. Alfred A. Knopf and Delacorte Press are two well-known imprints in this group.

More Impressive Groups

The publishing groups that follow are equally impressive. HarperCollins is the second largest of the Big Five with more than 120 imprints worldwide. They publish everything form Picture Books to YA (young adult) fiction. Simon & Schuster is the third largest and has familiar imprints such as Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books. To complete the list, Hachette and MacMillian follow with impressive print numbers as well.

Fantastic! How Do I Get In?

Before you get too excited, I have a little explaining to do. These publishing conglomerates control approximately 80% of the literary market for children's publishing in the US. Unfortunately, not just anyone can submit a manuscript to them. Unless you have a Uncle Fred or cousin Candice employed by these companies (a connection), there are certain rules that must be followed.

Unsolicited and Unagented

The Big Five are generally closed to unsolicited and unagented manuscripts. An unsolicited manuscript is any work of fiction or nonfiction that is submitted without an invitation from an editor. If you don't have a literary agent, you are unagented. I know this isn't the best news. But, to shed a little positive light, occasionally one of the imprints will post Special Open Calls. If you run across this opportunity, jump on it! Follow your favorite publishing companies on social media to be informed of these opportune times.

Another Option

If you have your heart set on one of the Big Five or their imprints publishing your book, explore joining SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). Attending their writing conferences will sometimes present the opportunity to submit directly to an editor (or agent) who is a guest speaker (A major perk!)

To Agent or Not to Agent

This is something to seriously consider. If you have a literary agent, it will literally open the Big Five doors, enabling your manuscripts to be submitted to them. Agents have an open-door policy at most of these publishing companies. Interested in looking for a literary agent? It will require some work. And, you must have an outstanding query letter promoting you and your manuscripts. 

Need more information? Tune in next week as we discuss this topic. In the meantime, keep writing and hang onto hope. Dreams do come true.