Michelle Medlock Adams, 37, Bedford

Works: Has authored 29 books— 22 for children—and has four new books coming out in 2007.

Is there any easy way to break into children's writing? Yes, through magazine markets. There is a huge need for fiction and nonfiction stories in magazines such as Clubhouse Jr., Clubhouse, Guideposts For Kids Online, Wee Ones, etc. For instance, if you get a story accepted by Highlights magazine, you have a much better chance of getting a book accepted by Boyd Mills—their book-publishing arm.

Also, you can break into the children's writing market by submitting good, solid stories for Sunday School take-home papers. Every denomination has them, and guess what? They need enough stories to fill 52 copies a year.

I've written a picture book manuscript, but it doesn't rhyme. Is that OK? Yes. In fact, many editors say they don't accept any manuscripts written in rhyme, but that's not really true. What they really mean is, "I receive so many manuscripts written in bad rhyme that I don't like to say I accept manuscripts written in rhyme." If your meter and rhythm are good, they'll buy rhyme. (All but two of the children's books I've sold are written in rhyme.)

Erin Healy of Waterbrook Press gave me a great piece of advice a few years ago. She suggested that I write every story in rhyme and in narrative and see which version is stronger. When you do this, you'll discover that, many times, your narrative version is stronger. It seems that some writers force rhyme and compromise the story. So, take Erin's advice and try it both ways.

How do I know where to send my children's book manuscript or magazine article? Get a hold of a Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market Guide. In it, you'll find hundreds of publishers (both book and magazines), editors' names, what each house publishes, their needs and how they wish for you to submit. You'll also find their contact information. Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market is also good to have.

Find which publishers are publishing the kind of book you're proposing and make a list of five to 10. Then, start sending out the book, or query letter, whatever they request.

After I write a children's story, do I need to find an illustrator for my story before submitting it anywhere? Unless you are a professional artist yourself, it's not wise to send pictures with your manuscripts. In fact, it might even hurt your chances for publication.

Here's why: The editor might really love your words but despise the artwork that your niece did to accompany each page. Her yucky artwork could nix the whole deal for you. Editors at publishing houses already have a list of talented illustrators that they love to use.

Is there any organization that I should belong to as an aspiring children's writer? The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators is a national organization for writers and artists. Anyone can join. The society publishes a newsletter and various reports, including a list of legitimate agents and several market surveys, which members may obtain for the cost of postage.

In addition, the SCBWI has a Web site where you can download a pamphlet on submission basics, titled "From Typewriter to Printed Page." Membership is currently $50 per year. Find SCBWI online at www.scbwi.org.

Join a local critique group, too. Try to find a group just for children's writers.

Any final advice? Keep good records so you'll know when and where you sent your manuscripts/articles. I use the note card method. Write the name of your story at the top, then list the places you sent your story and the date, and any other details you wish to include. This will keep you from submitting to the same place twice, etc.