An author reflects on children’s publishing decisions and why prioritizing story quality over labels affects literacy and readers.
As a children’s book author, this past year has been one of the most eye opening seasons of my career in the publishing industry. I’ve learned a lot about storytelling, writing craft, marketing strategies, and how publishers actually decide which books make it to market. Some of these lessons were difficult to face, but they confirmed one belief I hold deeply: children’s stories should be selected for quality, not because they tick a box.
How Publishers Really Choose Books
Many authors discover a quiet truth: publishers often choose books not for strong storytelling, compelling characters, or solid writing, but because they fit current diversity and equity standards. Representation matters, children deserve to see themselves in books, but when representation replaces storytelling, the quality of literature suffers.
I have seen strong manuscripts passed over while weaker books are chosen simply because they meet a category or trend. This approach does not serve readers, authors, or educators and can negatively impact children’s literacy experiences.
My Personal Experience with Book Submission
I experienced this firsthand. I had beta readers review my stories, hired an editor to evaluate my picture book, and revised it carefully, focusing on craft and clarity for young readers. The story was strong and connected with children, yet when I submitted it, I faced barriers.
Several publishers and agents were uninterested because the book did not reflect what they expected from a Latina writer. This was despite my being married to a Latino and my children being biracial. My lived experience and the story itself were insufficient because it did not match a predetermined publishing expectation.
I strongly believe children should see themselves reflected in books, but my children also deserve to see themselves in stories. Unfortunately, I was told there were already too many white writers, and my book did not fit the rigid categories publishers had set. When representation becomes a checklist rather than a thoughtful part of storytelling.
Why Story Quality Matters for Kids
Children read books because stories capture their attention, not because of industry standards or political trends. Strong stories feature alive characters, engaging plots, and imaginative worlds. When books are chosen for reasons other than quality, the result is flat stories that fail to inspire young readers.
Repeated exposure to weak books can make reading feel like work rather than a joy, which can harm literacy development. Strong literacy is built on strong stories, and children fall in love with reading when stories are crafted with care.
A Publishing Experience That Revealed Industry Challenges
Another experience underscored the challenges in children’s publishing. In a preliminary conversation with a well known publishing executive for a potential podcast appearance, I was confronted with the expectation that it was somehow my responsibility to shift his mood because he was having a bad day. While everyone has off days, this was not a good reflection of professionalism in an industry that should value relationships, trust, and storytelling.
Politics also entered the conversation. I was asked whether our audience leaned blue, red, or purple. This is a podcast about children’s literature and literacy, so the question was surprising. Political alignment has nothing to do with whether a children’s book is well written or engaging. When I explained that our podcast is neutral, the response was dismissive, with the remark that everything is political. This subtle attitude reveals a concerning trend: some in publishing view stories, platforms, and even children’s books through a political lens, which does not serve writers or young readers.
Why Many Authors Choose Hybrid or Self-Publishing
Experiences like these explain why many writers are moving to hybrid and self-publishing paths. Hybrid publishing, which combines elements of traditional and independent publishing, can provide better control over story quality and audience reach. However, the term “hybrid” has been applied inconsistently, and not all hybrid publishers uphold the same standards, so authors should research carefully.
Moving Forward: Choosing Stories for Kids, Not Checklists
As an author and advocate for children’s literature, I remain committed to promoting books chosen for quality, heart, and craftsmanship. Children deserve stories that make them want to read, spark curiosity, and grow their imagination.
Publishing should serve readers first. When stories lead, everyone benefits.
