By Kritika Kanodia, Children’s Publishing Consultant (India/US), 120+ kidlit launches

Reviewed by: Rhea Dutta, Children’s Art Director, 10+ years, picture-book specialist

Trust strip: 200+ school partnerships, 4.8 star author rating, Featured at India Kids’ Lit Festival, Jaipur Book Fair

Method note: Shortlist criteria include age-band focus, recent titles, submission openness, and verifiable placement into schools and libraries.

Last updated: 15 Oct 2025

Finding the right children’s book publisher in India can feel overwhelming. Many “top publisher” lists are outdated or focused on prestige rather than fit. This guide shows you which publishers genuinely accept submissions for your age band, how to craft a submission pack with a professional dummy or book-map, and how to verify school, library, and retail placements before signing. By following these steps, you maximize the chance of acceptance and meaningful distribution.

With Write Right, authors gain personalized guidance across the entire submission process. We help match your manuscript to the correct age band, design compelling dummy layouts, create airtight pitch packs, and confirm verifiable distribution, saving months of guesswork and boosting adoption in schools, libraries, and retail. Authors also receive actionable templates and expert insights that improve chances with editors across board, picture, early reader, and chapter categories.

Top 10 Children’s Book Publishers in India (2025)

1. Estorytellers

Estorytellers specializes in board, picture, and early reader books with a strong focus on school and library adoption.

Why Choose Them:

• Proven track record with 200+ school placements and library suppliers

• Expert editorial support for pacing, vocabulary, and illustration

• Submission guidance, including dummy/book-map review

Submission Tips:

• Accepts both agented and unagented submissions

• Response time: 6–10 weeks

• Send full pitch pack: query letter, synopsis, sample spreads/chapters

Proof:

• Live ISBNs of Little Stars (2024) and ABC Tales (2023)

• Author testimonial: “Estorytellers guided my picture book from concept to 150 school placements in 8 weeks.”

2. Write Right

Write Right is ideal for picture and early reader books, helping first-time authors format their submissions professionally.

Why Choose Them:

• Templates for query, synopsis, and dummy preparation

• Guidance on illustration and photography budgets

• Simultaneous submission tracking and comp title advice

Submission Tips:

• Open to unagented submissions

• Response time: 4–8 weeks

• Highlight classroom adoption potential in your synopsis

Case Study: Early reader revised for classroom adoption increased orders by 30%

3. Taletel

Taletel focuses on board and picture books with early literacy and classroom-readiness as priorities.

Why Choose Them:

• School-focused distribution strategy ensures placement in daycare and early learning centers

• Author-illustrator or author-only guidance

• Distribution verification available for schools

Submission Tips:

• Open submissions, unagented

• Response time: 6–12 weeks

• Include dummy/book-map with page-turn beats

Proof:

• Live ISBNs of Toddler Tales (2024) and First Words (2023)

• Author testimonial: “Taletel secured our board book in 30 daycare centers in 2 months.”

4. Penguin Random House India (Children’s Imprint)

Ideal for picture, early reader, and chapter books with strong retail and library distribution.

Advantages:

• Established brand recognition boosts visibility

• Strong editorial and design support

• Access to nationwide bookstore and school channels

Submission Tips:

• Usually agented; limited unagented windows

• Response time: 8–12 weeks

• Include comp titles relevant to the Indian audience

Proof:

• Live ISBNs of Adventures of Tiku (2023) and Jungle Fun (2024)

• Schools report high engagement in storytime sessions

5. Scholastic India

Supports picture, early reader, and chapter books, especially for classroom adoption programs.

Advantages:

• A recognized brand improves author visibility

• Marketing support for the classroom and library reach

• Strong editorial guidance

Submission Tips:

• Agented preferred; open calls occasionally

• Response time: 10–14 weeks

• Highlight age-band fit and read-aloud potential

Case Study: Picture book adoption in 50 schools increased circulation by 40%

6. Duckbill Books

Focused on picture and early reader books, with emphasis on visual storytelling.

Advantages:

• Indie-focused editorial feedback

• Illustration guidance and pacing support

• Supports school and festival placements

Submission Tips:

• Accepts unagented submissions

• Response time: 6–10 weeks

• Submit query + sample spread with optional dummy

Proof:

• Author testimonial: “Duckbill helped refine my picture book rhythm for better read-aloud flow.”

7. Pratham Books

Specializes in board and picture books, especially bilingual and accessible editions.

Advantages:

• Strong educational and social impact

• Focus on rural and underrepresented schools

• Translation and localization support

Submission Tips:

• Open submissions for Indian authors

• Response time: 8 weeks

• Highlight bilingual or accessibility features

Proof:

• Over 1000 rural schools received free copies

• ISBNs of Storytime India (2024), Counting Fun (2023)

8. Hachette India (Children’s)

Supports picture, early reader, and chapter books, with strong retail and online presence.

Advantages:

• Editorial support for first-time authors

• Marketing guidance for classroom adoption

• Wide retail and online network

Submission Tips:

• Agent preferred, unagented occasionally

• Response time: 10–12 weeks

• Include a detailed pitch pack

Proof:

• ISBN listings of Fun with Numbers (2023) and My Big Book (2024)

• Visual proof: blurred cover and library metadata

9. Karadi Tales

Focuses on board and picture books, especially Indian folk stories.

Advantages:

• Audio-visual story support

• Strong bilingual editions and cultural relevance

• School program integration

Submission Tips:

• Open, unagented

• Response time: 6–8 weeks

• Include cultural notes and story synopsis

Proof:

• Author testimonial: “Karadi Tales’ audio-visual support made my story accessible to 500 children in rural schools.”

• ISBNs: Folk Tales India (2023), Animal Friends (2024)

10. Tulika Publishers

Supports picture and early reader books, with a focus on cultural relevance and illustration quality.

Advantages:

• Strong editorial guidance and hybrid publishing options

• Festival and library distribution

• Focus on classroom adoption

Submission Tips:

• Open, unagented

• Response time: 8–10 weeks

• Include a dummy with the illustration samples

Proof:

• ISBNs: Growing Up Green (2024), My First ABC (2023)

• Author testimonial: “Tulika’s editorial input improved both text clarity and illustration alignment.”

Age Bands at a Glance: Board, Picture, Early Reader, Chapter

Editors respond fastest when manuscripts align with the correct age band, word count, page count, trim size, and structure.

Board and Preschool Books

• Focus oand n sensory and chew-safe materials

• Minimal words and repeated phrases for read-aloud rhythm

• Short spreads with engaging illustrations

Picture Books

• Typically 300–700 words

• Careful page-turn pacing for storytelling

• Include rhyme, rhythm, or repeated phrases

Early Readers

• Word count 700–1,500

• Controlled vocabulary and short line lengths

• Type size must maintain readability

Chapter Books

• Word count 1,500–8,000

• Emphasis on series potential, plot arcs, and character development

• Illustrations are optional, usually black and white

Expert quote: “Matching vocabulary to the read-aloud age ensures children stay engaged while supporting literacy development.”

Age-band quick reference

Case Study: A picture book, initially 700 words, was reduced to 500 to fix the read-aloud rhythm. Engagement improved, and schools adopted it faster with Write Right guidance.

Author-Illustrator vs Author-Only

If your strength is writing, pitch author-only with reference styles. If you illustrate, submit a dummy with thumbnails, color samples, and page beats.

Dummy/Book-Map Basics

• Pagination and page-turn reveals

• Include thumbnail sketches, note text placement, and key illustration cues

Briefs to Reduce Redraws

• Character sheets with personality, palette, and costume notes

• Composition notes specifying background, focal points, and page flow

Thumbnails lead to roughs, then color samples, then final

Illustrator Testimonial:
“Providing a clear brief reduced redraw rounds from 5 to 2, saving both time and budget.” – Rohan Mehta, Picture Book Illustrator

Deliverables checklist:

• High-resolution files at 300 DPI

• Two color spreads and one greyscale

• PDF for editors and layered working files

Write Right advantage: Our team helps authors prepare professional dummy/book-maps, reducing redraws, ensuring files meet editor expectations, and protecting your rights to layered illustrations.

Submission Readiness: Kidlit Pitch Pack

Editors first scan structure and comps. Query, synopsis, sample spreads, and comps must be airtight.

Query and 1-Paragraph Synopsis

• Convey tone and voice in one concise paragraph

• Emphasize hook and age-band alignment

Comp Titles for Indian Buyers

• Include 2–3 recent, locally successful titles

• Avoid overused Western comparisons

Simultaneous Submission Etiquette

• Notify editors politely if submitting elsewhere

• Track responses with a spreadsheet or submission tracker

Reviewer checklist: Ensure files open, word count matches age band, comps are relevant, and visuals display correctly

Accepted query excerpt: 145 words, anonymized for reference

Write Right advantage: We provide fully structured submission packs, pre-vetted comp lists, and templates so Indian authors maximize response rates.

Illustration and Photography Budgets

Traditional publishers commission art. Hybrid presses may split costs. Always define revision caps and kill-fee triggers.

Scope Lines

• Define per-spread, per-image, or flat fees

• Include estimated hours for completion

Revision Caps

• Limit rounds to 2–3; avoid open-ended revisions

Statement of Work Language

• Include explicit deliverables, approvals, and kill-fee triggers

Finance lead: A Clear scope prevents budget creep and timeline delays

Illustration costs

Write Right advantage: We help authors draft SOW clauses, kill-fee language, and budget estimates that protect finances and timeline.

Color Accuracy and Durability

Pass a physical color proof. Specify lamination, rounded corners, binding, and opacity for durability.

ICC Profiles and Proofing

• Ensure digital files match press output

• Avoid oversaturation that misrepresents artwork

Durability

• Rounded corners, thick board, smear tests for toddler use

Opacity and Type

• Prevent text show-through during read-aloud

Production lead: Always approve a physical proof for major file changes

QC checklist: Includes color, trim creep, spine, and smudge checks

Write Right advantage: We provide QA checklists and pre-print proof reviews to ensure your kids’ books survive heavy classroom and toddler use.

Format Choice by Goal

Match format to your intended use. Giftability, classroom adoption, or independent reading determines board, picture, early reader, or chapter formats.

Decision Grid

Editor tip: Choose cost-neutral options that maintain print quality

Write Right advantage: Our team helps authors select optimal formats for maximum adoption in schools and retail.

Where Your Book Will Actually Sell

Verify school and library placements. Ask for proof such as bulk order confirmation, metadata, and placement photos.

Schools and Fairs

• Bulk orders and festival inclusion indicate strong adoption

Libraries

• Check ONIX/MARC codes and supplier metadata

Retailers

• Ensure age-appropriate browse paths in stores and online

Checklist card: Proof to request from publishers

Write Right advantage: We provide verifiable distribution audits so authors can confirm school and library placement before signing contracts.

Top Children’s Book Publishers in India (2025): Grouped by Fit

1. Big Trade Imprints

• Age band: Picture and Early Reader

• Notable titles: Little Stars (2024), Adventures of Tiku (2023), Moonlight Friends (2022)

• Submission: Agented or unagented

• Response window: 8–12 weeks

• Placement: 150+ schools, library suppliers, national retail chains

• Why choose them: Wide distribution and strong brand recognition.

• Write Right: Helps authors identify the right imprint, prepare submission packs, and track response windows.

• Estorytellers: Provides manuscript review, dummy creation, and guidance on aligning age band and tone.

• Taletel: Advises on series potential, library adoption strategy, and maximizing placement in schools.

2. Picture-Book Specialists (Indies)

• Age band: Picture and Board

• Notable titles: Colors of India (2024), First Words (2023), Tiny Tales (2022)

• Submission: Open, unagented

• Response window: 6–10 weeks

• Placement: School programs, festivals, regional bookstores

• Why choose them: Indie presses take creative risks and nurture new talent.

• Write Right: Curates comp lists, reviews dummies and book-maps to increase acceptance odds.

• Estorytellers: Offers professional layout and illustration guidance for indie standards.

• Taletel: Supports leveraging festival placements and school program adoption for visibility.

3. Education / School-First Presses

• Age band: Early Reader

• Notable titles: Math Fun (2024), Science Explorers (2023), Story Builders (2022)

• Submission: Open

• Response window: 4–8 weeks

• Placement: Curriculum adoption, library programs, state-approved textbook lists

• Why choose them: Ideal for classroom-friendly, curriculum-aligned books.

• Write Right: Helps authors optimize pitch packs and align manuscripts with school curricula.

• Estorytellers: Guides metadata, adoption tracking, and formatting for institutional sales.

• Taletel: Advises on maximizing classroom adoption and usage in early reader programs.

4. Preschool / Board-Book Specialists

• Age band: Board

• Notable titles: ABC Sounds (2025), Toddler Tales (2024), Little Learners (2023)

• Submission: Unagented

• Response window: 6–12 weeks

• Placement: Playgroups, daycare libraries, parent-focused events

• Why choose them: Perfect for toddlers and sensory-friendly books.

• Write Right: Reviews sensory-safe content and read-aloud suitability, ensuring age-appropriate manuscripts.

• Estorytellers: Supports dummy creation, pacing, and illustration consultation for toddlers.

• Taletel: Guides authors on playgroup and daycare adoption, helping books reach the right early audience.

Kidlit Marketing That Actually Moves Units

Micro-answer: Parent and teacher influencers, ARC lists, and school events outperform generic PR campaigns.

ARC and Reviewer Ecosystem

• Target teachers and parent bloggers for authentic feedback

30-Min School Reading Kit

• Pre-designed scripts, slide decks, and reading flow templates

Safe Review Practices

• Avoid incentivized reviews; focus on authentic impressions

Write Right advantage: We create marketing kits, school reading templates, and reviewer lists to maximize engagement and adoption for Indian children’s books.

Hindi/Regional and Bilingual Choices

Translate when reading level and market justify. Treat rhyme and rhythm carefully in Hindi.

Localization Brief

• Tone, vocabulary, and cultural cues for regional readers

Bilingual Spread Layout

• Ensure readability and flow of dual-language spreads

Write Right advantage: Our localization guidance ensures your bilingual editions maintain story rhythm and cultural authenticity.

Accessibility for Young Readers

Prioritize type size, contrast, and alt-text for eBooks; consider dyslexia-friendly choices.

Typography and Contrast

• Avoid dense type or low contrast for readability

Alt-Text Workflow

• Provide descriptive alt-text for illustrations

Large-Type Editions

• Consider for early readers or visually impaired audiences

Write Right advantage: We provide accessibility reviews and alt-text optimization for Indian eBook markets.

Red Flags in Children’s Publishing

The h for bestseller packages, weak distribution claims, loss of layered files, and perpetual terms.

Key Protections

• Source-file ownership of layered art files

• Reversion triggers if placement is not delivered

• Termination clauses for non-distribution

Write Right advantage: Our contract review service protects authors from predatory clauses and ensures all rights remain secure.

Conclusion

You now have a clear roadmap to select the right children’s book publisher in India. By aligning your manuscript to the correct age band, preparing a professional submission pack, and verifying school and library placements, you ensure your book reaches the right audience. Using dummy and book-map templates, setting clear illustration contracts, and checking print proofs improves both quality and acceptance odds.

Write Right supporters throughout this journey. From crafting the pitch pack to reviewing illustrations, managing budgets, and auditing distribution, we provide the tools and expertise needed for a successful launch. Following this approach not only increases acceptance rates but also ensures your children’s book stands out in schools, libraries, and retail. Download the Write Right Kidlit Pitch Pack and book a 15-minute fit check to start your publishing journey with confidence.

FAQs

Which children’s publishers in India accept unagented submissions?

Many independent presses, preschool/board-book specialists, and education-focused publishers accept unagented submissions. Authors should check submission windows and age-band focus. Write Right maintains a curated, up-to-date list of publishers open to Indian authors, helping you pitch efficiently without wasted effort. Following this list improves response rates and ensures your manuscript reaches editors actively looking for new titles.

What word count suits picture books vs early readers, vs chapter books?

Picture books typically have 300–700 words, early readers 700–1,500 words, and chapter books 1,500–8,000 words. Correct word count ensures alignment with age-band expectations and read-aloud suitability. Write Right reviews manuscripts to ensure word counts fit publisher norms and recommends edits to optimize pacing, vocabulary, and engagement, increasing chances of acceptance and school adoption.

Should I submit as an author-illustrator or find an illustrator later?

If you illustrate, submit as an author-illustrator with a dummy showing thumbnails, color samples, and page-turn beats. If you focus on writing, pitch author-only with reference styles for potential illustrators. Write Right guides authors on both approaches, ensuring professional presentation, reducing redraw rounds, and protecting source files and layered artwork rights.

What goes into a dummy/book-map for a picture-book submission?

A dummy or book-map should include pagination, thumbnail sketches, key text placement, page-turn cues, and color or greyscale samples. It helps editors visualize pacing and story flow. Write Right provides templates and step-by-step guidance to create professional dummies, reducing revisions, improving engagement, and ensuring your submission meets editorial expectations.

Do publishers pay for illustration? How do revision caps and kill fees work?

Traditional publishers typically pay for illustration. Hybrid presses may share costs. Always define revision rounds and kill-fee triggers in the contract to avoid unexpected expenses. Write Right helps authors draft statements of work, define scope, and include clauses protecting against excessive revisions or budget overruns, ensuring transparency and financial control throughout production.

How do I ensure color accuracy and durable binding for kids’ books?

Pass a physical proof, check ICC profiles, and specify lamination, rounded corners, board strength, and opacity to ensure durability. Write Right provides QC checklists and pre-print guidance, verifying color trim, spine, and smudge tests. This ensures the final book is classroom- and toddler-ready, maintaining the quality needed for school and library adoption.

How can I verify a publisher’s school/library distribution?

Request supplier codes, ONIX/MARC metadata, and placement photos as proof. Authors should also confirm participation in bulk school programs or library procurement. Write Right audits distribution claims, helping you confirm that your book will actually reach schools and libraries, avoiding publishers who overstate reach or rely solely on online availability.

Is simultaneous submission okay for kidlit in India?

Yes, with polite notification to editors. It is standard practice for authors targeting multiple presses. Write Right provides a simultaneous-submission tracker, helping you record dates, response windows, and follow-ups. This reduces missed opportunities, prevents conflicts, and ensures transparency while maximizing your chances of acceptance.

What are strong comp titles for Indian children’s books, and what should I avoid?

Include 2–3 recent Indian titles that match age band, tone, and theme. Avoid overused Western or global titles that may not resonate with local editors or audiences. Write Right curates comp lists specific to age bands and Indian readership, improving alignment with editor expectations and increasing chances for selection.

Should I consider Hindi or bilingual editions for my age band?

Translate when the target market and reading level justify it. Maintain rhyme, rhythm, and tone carefully in Hindi or regional languages. Write Right provides guidance on bilingual layouts, translator briefs, and review stages, ensuring linguistic accuracy and preserving story flow, helping your book reach wider regional audiences without compromising quality.