Writing a Children’s Book Proposal that Sells in the CBA Market
and downloadable templates you can use for any book proposal
Why a Proposal Matters in the Christian (Children’s) Market
A book proposal is more than a formality—it’s an opportunity to convince publishers, acquisitions editors, and agents that your book contains a compelling message tailored to a faith-based audience. For the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) market, your proposal must also reflect biblical values and an understanding of both young readers and their gatekeepers, including parents, teachers, and church leaders.
Are you an indie author? A proposal serves as an invaluable business tool that guides everything from concept to manuscript. Audience takeaways to comparative analysis.
Understanding Your Audience: For Whom Are You Writing?
Before writing either your proposal or manuscript, determine the target age group. General guidelines are listed below:
Children’s Book Categories With Recommended Word Counts
Board Books (0–3), 100 words max.
Picture Books (3–7), 400-600 words max.
Early Readers (5–7), 1,500 words max.
Chapter Books (7–9), 4,000-15,000
Middle Grade (9–13), 15,000-65,000
With such broad word counts in some categories, it’s helpful to research industry standards and explore articles by Writer’s Digest and experienced professionals.
Word Count for Novels and Children’s Books: The Definitive Post
Children’s Books Word Count by Sarah Rexford
Consider the Child’s Spiritual and Developmental Needs
Tailor your book’s message to the child’s cognitive and emotional level and ensure themes (biblical or otherwise) are age-appropriate and accessible.
Remember the Adult Reader
Parents, grandparents, children’s ministry directors, teachers, homeschool leaders, and other adults purchase the majority of children’s literature. Your book must appeal to this group, too.
The author of How to Market Your Children’s Book explains, “…your book cover design should feature colorful, fun illustrations that appeal to young readers. But the title and book description should clearly communicate the story’s key details, themes, and benefits to adult purchasers.”
Elements of a Strong Book Proposal
Query Letter
Write a brief and heartfelt letter that conveys your passion, connection to the topic, and explains why you’re qualified to write the book.
Feel free to use my query letter template for your book.
Overview / Hook
This short section should include a short, compelling summary of your book’s core message that represents your book’s unique qualities and main concept(s). Focus on details such as: title, word count, intended age range and format, series potential (if applicable).
Market Analysis
Define your target reader along with secondary and tertiary audiences. Why will your book appeal to them?
Create a strong comparative analysis that references 5-10 similar titles in the market (i.e. Christian or general market). Providing a range of current books (within the last five years) demonstrates marketability.
I’ve provided an example “comp” for you below. (The link makes it easier for the publisher or editor to locate the books I list in my proposal.)
Bedtime on Noah's Ark (Harvest House), by Brock and Declan Eastman, (September 1, 2020), ISBN: 0736979549 Bedtime on Noah’s Ark invites the youngest readers to engage in bedtime routines along with the animals on Noah’s ark. Like Ark’s Important Job, Brock Eastman’s book helps children grow in their faith and is a special nighttime read.
Birds, Beasts, Critters, and Creatures: The Story of Noah’s Ark (Puppy Dogs and Ice Cream) by Jimmy Lynn and Ana Nguyen, (November 11, 2021), ISBN 1949474429 Written in charming rhyme for ages 2-10, this book discusses a variety of animals but does not include much of the Biblical narrative.
Author Bio
In this section, you’ll highlight your platform, ministry, and relevant experience. Emphasize why you're the best person to write this book.
Adapt my author bio however you'd like. Promotion & Platform
Provide information about your newsletter, blog, podcast, awards, and speaking engagements. I’ve separated this broad category into sections (i.e. author publishing history, awards, platform metrics, and marketing plan.)
Manuscript
Do you write for the youngest audience? Include the full manuscript (board books/picture books) in the proposal. If you’ve penned a chapter book, include the first two or three chapters.
Resources and Next Steps
Recommended Reading
The Plot Skeleton: A Practical Bare-bones Approach to Plotting by
. (Great for plotting books, novellas, and everything else.)The Christian Writer’s Market Guide (Updated annually and available in an online format, as well.)
Children’s Writer’s Word Book (A comprehensive list of vocabulary accessible to children in kindergarten through sixth grade.)
Helpful Associations & Contests
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Association—a group for female authors)
Christian Book Awards (Children’s Category)
ACFW KidLit (This chapter is hosting a children’s book contest that closes June 30th.
Join the Conversation
Have you written a book for the Christian market (children’s or otherwise)—or are you dreaming about it? I’d love to hear about your journey. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts, questions, or biggest challenges.
If you found this guide helpful, please consider sharing it with your writing group or a fellow Christian author. Together, we can share His truth and hope with the next generation—one story at a time.
Yes, very helpful! Thanks Tammy.
Thank you. I am writing a children's book and not quite sure what I am doing