Linda Bozzo
1.What attracted you to the idea of writing children's books for the educational publishing marketplace?

I knew that in order to be successful as a writer I needed to be well-rounded. I felt that writing nonfiction could provide me with more experience and new writing opportunities. Other members of my writing group were writing nonfiction and they encouraged me to give it a try.

2.How did you make your initial contact with educational publisher? (referral, from another writer, editor contact at conference, cold call by email or phone?

My first contract was a result of submitting my resume and a writing sample with a cover letter. I received a response one year later from a publisher with an offer to write a concept book for the educational market.

3. What materials were you asked to submit to publishers before getting a contract?

Each publisher has their own guidelines. I've had to submit outlines and sometimes a sample chapter prior to signing my contracts.

4.What publishers have you worked with so far and on what type of books?
Published Books
  • Five Apples, Harcourt Achieve, Inc. 2005 – A concept book for the Pre-K classroom.
  • My First Pet Library from the American Humane Association series, Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2007 (Grades 1-3) Nonfiction books for the school and library market.
    • My First Bird
    • My First Cat
    • My First Dog
    • My First Fish
    • My First Guinea Pig and Other Small Pets
    • My First Horse
      My First Pet Bilingual Library from the American Humane Association series, Enslow Publishers, Inc., (Grades 1-3) Nonfiction books for the school and library market.
    • My First Bird
    • My First Cat
    • My First Dog
    • My First Fish
    • My First Guinea Pig and Other Small Pets
    • My First Horse
  • Creature Feature series, Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2008 (Grades 2-3) Nonfiction books for the school and library market.
    • Amazing Teeth
    • Amazing Animal Tails
    • Amazing Animal Feet
    • Amazing Animal Tongues
    • Amazing Animal Tails
    • Amazing Animal Skin
Future Publications

Amazing Dog Heroes with American Humane series, Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2010 (Grades 3-4) Nonfiction books for the school and library market.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow series, Enslow Publishers, Inc. 2010 (Grades 2-3) Nonfiction books for the school and library market.

5. From a creative standpoint, how is this route to publication different from traditional trade publishing?

Educational publishers will usually provide you with specific guidelines for a particular project. These guidelines include a brief description of what topics should be covered as well as an approximate word count, reading level, interest level, and even what resources are acceptable. Curriculum standards can also be provided.

6. From the publishing process standpoint, how is this route to publication different from traditional trade publishing? Do you have more or less input on layout or illustration choices, is it faster or slower to finish a book,etc.

I think the route to publication differs depending on the publisher, their publishing schedule and the editor.

7. Personally, what do you find is the best thing about writing for this market?

The best part of writing for the educational market has been all of the amazing people I've interviewed during the research phases of my books. I shied away from writing nonfiction for so long because I was afraid that the research would feel too much like homework. Now it's one of my favorite parts of the process.

8. Conversely, what is the worse thing about writing for this market?

The most challenging part has been working with the limited word count, language, and vocabulary you can use when writing for the elementary grades.

9. What is your best piece of advice for other writers wanting to try this type of book-writing experience?

My advice would be to do your homework. Research publishers and what they publish. Study their books and when you're ready, follow their submission guidelines. Be specific about which imprint or what grade level you're interested in writing for. I suggest starting with small projects until you gain experience. Keep your resume updated and mention in your cover letter any special areas of expertise or interests you have. I highly recommend having a Web site to showcase yourself and your work. I resubmit to publishers once a year. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing and being prepared when an opportunity arises. Most important, be persistent and don't ever give up.

10.Where can readers find our more about your books?

Readers can visit my Web site: www.lindabozzo.com to find out more about my books.