FAQ for artists
We work closely with a wide variety of creatives through our many programmes and school events. Whether you are a writer, an illustrator or a graduate interested in following a career in children's publishing, here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If you wish to submit a title for review, please read the eligibility criteria detailed below. This criteria governs all of Children’s Books Ireland’s publications and reviewing policies.
Should your title meet the outlined criteria for submission you can send a copy of your title to:
Inis magazine
Children's Books Ireland
17 North Great George's Street
Dublin 1
D01 R2F1
Please note, the offices of Children's Books Ireland are currently closed in line with prevailing Government and Public Health guidance. We are currently only reviewing in digital format via emailed PDF's. PDF submissions can be sent to jenny@childrensbooksireland.ie.
- Please be aware that submission does not guarantee review.
- Unsolicited articles, features or interviews are not accepted at this time.
- Due to the large volume of submissions, we unfortunately cannot comment on all titles individually nor return submitted titles.
- Books must be a first edition, submitted within 3 months of publication.
- Books may be published in Ireland or abroad.
- Books must be written for children or young people, i.e. for readers up to eighteen years of age.
- We want to ensure that the titles we cover are accessible by and available to all, so any title we review must be widely available in libraries and bookshops in Ireland. As such, we are not in a position to review titles that are solely available online.
- Books must meet basic professional standards of publishing and printing. Editing must be professional with conventions of spelling and grammar upheld. All titles must have a valid ISBN number.
- Books may be in English or Irish.
- Books may be fiction, non-fiction or poetry.
No, due to the large volume of submissions, we unfortunately cannot comment on any individual title.
No, we do not publish any books nor solicit any manuscripts.
The simple answer is No! If you have a text that you believe would benefit from illustrations, let the publisher know this when submitting your work. The publisher has the knowledge and experience to match the perfect illustrator with your work. Please do not commission illustrations in the belief they will bolster your work, it might just prove an expensive mistake.
Pick up a copy of the Children’s Writers and Artists Yearbook. This guide can be found at your local bookshop or library and is updated yearly. As well as containing lots of inspiring articles the yearbook lists the best contacts at each publishing house and literary agencies. We advise you also cross -check each individual publisher’s and agency’s website to ensure you are abiding to their submission guidelines which change over time.
For authors- The Irish Writers Centre hosts and promotes several writing groups around the country. Creating a community provides an essential foothold in establishing yourself as a writer.
For illustrators- Illustrators Ireland is the support and members organisation for professional illustrators in Ireland. Illustrators Ireland provides resources, promotes illustrators work and offers portfolio review.
