SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES

Bright Ring Publishing is no longer accepting manuscripts. Currently, and for some time to come, Bright Ring is not publishing the works of anyone other than MaryAnn Kohl. However, if you are interested in having your non-fiction book of children's art ideas published, please read publisher’s guidelines you find on the internet to save yourself time, no matter which publisher you are considering.

It helps to familiarize yourself with one of the publisher’s books before submitting your manuscript to see the specific style and format. Bright Ring is a small company publishing one book a year, written by MaryAnn Kohl. Other publishers may publish from one to 100 titles each year. Learn what kind of publisher your choice may be before submitting your manuscript. To view samples of projects from Bright Ring’s books, click on the "Free Art Activities" link on our website. Books can also be seen at any bookstore or public library.

Bright Ring publishes books that -

… are creative art activity or resource books for adults to use with children, or for children to use independently
… match our own successful one-page-style and format
… work for preschool through elementary school (ages 3-12 years)
… work equally well for a parent and child at home or for a teacher and children at school

Please note that Bright Ring Publishing does not publish –

… picture books
… juvenile fiction
… poetry
… stories of any kind
… manuals
… coloring books
… fill-in books
… novels

Writer's Submission Guidelines (good advice for most publishers’ guidelines)

When submitting a manuscript, submit your manuscript in any form that suits you or that specifically fit the publisher’s guidelines. You may add illustrations if you wish, but most publishers prefer that you do not include illustrations. Publishers prefer to use their own illustrators, but if you are an artist, your illustrations may be considered. Please state clearly if you wish for your illustrations to be considered.

Include a short cover letter telling what ages you think your book is for, who will buy this book, and what your background or experience is that makes you an "expert" on the subject matter in your book.

Be sure to proofread your work and have others look at your work before submitting.

Include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope IF YOU WISH TO HAVE YOUR MATERIALS RETURNED.
Publishers respond in varying lengths of time. Most websites will state what this amount of time is.

Artist Submission Guidelines

Bright Ring Publishing is no longer accepting art submissions. We are using one illustrator exclusively at this point in time.

Bright Ring uses black line drawings to illustrate art activities for children ages 4-12 and the adults who work with children. Because Bright Ring is a small company, we prefer to use our regular illustrator. However, if you wish for us to look at your work, and if it specifically fits our proven style, you may submit a sample. In recent books, we have been incorporating children’s original artworks into our black line illustrations. To view samples of illustrations from our books, visit our "Free Art Activities" page.

If you wish to draw a sample idea specifically for Bright Ring Publishing, you may choose from the following suggestions, but this is not required:

1. Black line drawing of a child painting, modeling clay, or cutting
2. Black line drawing of the materials and ingredients for art projects such as a grouping of glue, scissors, paint box, and crayons. Add any details to highlight your style or make them unique (example: scissors hanging from a ribbon, paint box decorated with hearts).

Send your submissions and inquiries to:
Bright Ring Publishing, Inc.
P.O. Box 31338
Bellingham, WA 98228-3338
1-800-480-4278

Questions? Email: maryann@brightring.com

Thank you for your interest in Bright Ring Publishing and good luck!
MaryAnn Kohl