Find out what children's publishers want.
An amazing experience from start to finish. —Karen J. M.
My first book deal. —Ernest R.
The information was just priceless. —Eva S.
Absolutely invaluable experience! —Elizabeth G.
1. Find out what children's publishers want.
Take our free online course to see why only certain books make the cut.
Free Introduction Why Some Children's Books Get Acquired—and Most Don't
Go behind the scenes of children's publishing with David Miles, publisher at Bushel & Peck. Discover the surprising qualities that editors are really looking for when they evaluate submissions. (1 hour)
2. Follow our Acquired program to create ultra-marketable books.
Our step-by-step program will help you develop books that stand a real chance at getting acquired.
Lesson 1 Maximize Your Book's Value
From streaming to Lego sets, children's books face more competition than ever. Understanding your book's true value to parents and readers will help you maximize its value to publishers.
Lesson 2 Master Today's Topics and Trends
Many submissions fail because there simply isn't a market for the topic. Learn what's working in the industry today, from evergreen standbys to popular trends.
Lesson 3 Stand Out By Being First—Or the Best
Getting the right topic is only half the battle. What you do with the topic will make or break your submission. Learn how to make your book stand out by being the best or the first.
Lesson 4 Market-Stack Your Book
Only 25% of books are sold in bookstores, so publishers look for books that can work in multiple markets. Learn what those markets are and how you can craft a manuscript that stacks the retail opportunities.
Lesson 5 Unlock Foreign Rights Sales
Foreign rights sales can be a significant revenue stream for children's publishers, but small missteps can ruin your chances. Learn simple changes you can make to appeal to foreign publishers.
Lesson 6 Leverage a Knowledge of Book Formats
Foreign rights sales can be a significant revenue stream for children's publishers, but small missteps can ruin your chances. Learn simple changes you can make to appeal to foreign publishers.
Lesson 7 Put It All Together
Collapsible content
3. Refine your ideas with on-the-spot feedback from a real publisher.
TALK WITH A PUBLISHER Take the guesswork out of getting published.
$199 / 20 minutes $399 / 40 minutes $599 / 60 minutes
Schedule a one-on-one call with David Miles, publisher at Bushel & Peck. You'll receive honest feedback on your work, market insights, and personalized suggestions for turning your work into a marketable submission. Learn about David >
You don't have to complete the Academy to have a call, but it's highly recommended so that you can discuss your most marketable work.
4. Enter your book to Pitch Day for a chance to get published!
PITCH DAY Win a traditional publishing contract with Bushel & Peck.
Open to all Acquired graduates!
It's time to celebrate everyone's hard work—and acquire some books!
Twice a year, all Acquired graduates are invited to pitch their best manuscript to our editorial team. The two best concepts—sometimes more!—will be crowned Pitch Day winners and offered traditional publishing contracts with Bushel & Peck.
At least two winners are guaranteed a publishing offer every Pitch Day! Our next deadline is October 1.
Plus, all Acquired graduates receive these awesome perks . . .
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$500 off our Jumpshot program
Check out JumpshotJumpshot is Bushel & Peck's groundbreaking hybrid program for children's authors and illustrators. Our clients range from first-time authors to traditionally published veterans looking to publish more books and reach more readers.
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$250 off Acquired In-Person
Notify me when registration opensComing soon in 2027! Get ready for a 3-day in-person retreat filled with fun, learning, and lots of publishing. You'll work one-on-one with publisher David Miles, editorial director Ryan G. Van Cleave, and fellow attendees to craft incredible books with a real chance of getting acquired.
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Advice Line help during our Ask the Publisher podcast
Join Advice Line waitlistDuring our Ask the Publisher podcast, David and Ryan will discuss trends, best-practices, and other know-how to help listeners get ahead in their publishing journey. Anyone can listen, but Acquired graduates can join our Advice Line segments to get live help with manuscripts and publishing questions.
. . . and access to all our bonus lessons!
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Mastering the Seasonal Book: How to Succeed with a Holiday Title
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10 Things Publishers Love (or Hate) in a Book Submission
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Why Every Kids Author Should Consider Nonfiction
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Beware Love at First Sight: How to Avoid the Idea Trap
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Mastering the Alphabet Book: What Publishers Look For
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Meet your publishing instructor
David Miles is both a publisher and bestselling children's author. As publisher of Bushel & Peck Books, he has acquired and developed countless children's books, from award-winning titles like The Witness Trees to commercial powerhouses like the Draw With Mom franchise. His work with authors—from celebrities like Nancy Kerrigan and Keyshawn Johnson to kidlit luminaries like Jane Yolen and Rob Sanders—has produced a host of starred reviews, awards, and other accolades. David's own books have sold over a half million copies. He was named a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and a Trvst Changemaker. He lives in Fresno with his family.
