How to get published with Windmill Books

UPDATE: Picture Book Submissions

As of 2025, Windmill Books is only accepting picture book submissions that are fully illustrated*

Windmill’s picture books combine powerful, poignant stories with important social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Social and emotional learning skills include relationship skills such as teamwork, social awareness skills such as empathy, and self-awareness skills such as identifying one’s emotions. Readers should learn to solve problems in effective ways through a familiar storyline. For more information on social and emotional learning, please explore the CASEL Framework for SEL.

Windmill picture books pair accessible text with vibrant illustrations to capture the heart of the story and empower readers to apply essential skills to their daily lives.

How to Submit

If you have a picture book that you’d like to submit to Windmill Books, please send it to our editorial director Caitlin McAneney at caitlinm@rosenpub.com with your name and book title in the subject line.

Please include a brief query letter in the body of the email covering your book’s plot, who you are, and why you’re the person to write this book. Please attach the fully illustrated book in PDF form. We wholeheartedly welcome submissions from underrepresented voices.

Project Specifications

• Each manuscript must be between 300 and 1,000 words.
• Please include high-res files of final illustrations and text.
• The main character should be between 5 and 7 years old. Main characters can also be animals, monsters, etc., but should have human qualities that make their situations relatable to kids.
• Use simple, easy words, and short, simple sentences.
• Please avoid run-ons, complex sentences, or overly abstract ideas.