Picture Book Submissions open each January.
Picture Book Submission Information
Wombat Books accepts unsolicited manuscripts for review to be considered for traditional publishing at specific times through the year.
We have limited spaces for publication. We are looking for entertaining, original manuscripts that leave a lasting impression. We strongly recommend you have a read of our recent releases before submitting a manuscript to us. It is important to demonstrate in your cover letter an understanding of the type of manuscripts we are interested in.
Before any submission, please ensure you have looked at our other Wombat titles to see the style of books we publish. In your submission form you will be asked for the Wombat titles you have read. You can get a peek into the sorts of stories and characters we look for at Wombat Books with our suggestions at the bottom of the page.
Things to keep in mind to improve your chances:
We take very little rhyming books.
We are looking for picture books that are aimed at 4 to 7-year-olds, not for younger. Therefore not pre-school specific nor counting or alphabet books. Though they are fun in books, it is not our speciality.
Note: Do not submit before the 1st of January as submissions will be deleted. Other information included in the link. A maximum of two submissions per person. If exceeded all by that author will be deleted. Do not resubmit if you make a mistake as it may trigger all deleted so check your work carefully before submitting.
Need some inspiration for picture books?
To read some of our bestselling titles, purchase some of our much loved picture books!
There are a range of sets here.
Need feedback?
Unfortunately we are not able to give feedback on submissions received. Our editors consult for Book Whispers which is a separate business. Appraisals receive feedback but they are a paid service and unrelated to submission to Wombat Books.
Need help in pitching?
We run webinars to help aspiring authors. Check the workshops tab.
How to Submit
Please do not send us query letters or emails. You must submit using our online form when the submission date is open. Do not submit outside of the submission months.
Turn around time for manuscripts can be up to 6 months. We will respond; please do not contact us about your submission. All submission contacts will be automatically added to our mailing list to keep up to date with Rhiza Press news. For picture books we are not able to respond individually as we receive so many submissions.
Please read this carefully as each submission requirements varies.
Only two submissions in any category per submission period. If more than two submissions are entered all submissions by that author will be deleted.
Our word counts are fairly flexible depending on the age group of your story. Ensure you include that in your cover letter.
Picture book lengths:
100 - 600 words
As of the 1st of January we will have a google form link HERE to use!