Free Spirit Publishing is committed to uplifting diverse voices with books that are relevant and inclusive for the youth we serve. We are especially seeking manuscripts from authors of diverse representation; including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, social class, LGBTQ identities, ability, and physical differences.

Submission Guidelines for Children’s and Teens’ Books

If you are a returning Free Spirit author, please contact us at acquisitions@freespirit.com to receive the link to the invited submissions Submittable form.

We Are Looking for Strong Proposals for Ages Birth through Eighteen in the Following Categories:

PICTURE BOOKS WITH ALIGNMENT TO AN SEL TRAIT OR STRATEGY

Authentic, high-interest, and lyrically written picture books reflecting contemporary experiences of children from diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, and identities; and that also align with a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) trait or strategy.

GIFTED & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Books on academic, social, and emotional development for young people of all ages with diverse learning needs, including gifted students and students with learning differences, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, or autism spectrum disorders.

BULLYING PREVENTION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Picture books and books for kids and teens, and resources for teachers, counselors, and other educators, to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to bullying incidents. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

CHARACTER EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Picture books and books for kids and teens to help young people build character, discover their leadership potential, and engage in their communities. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Board books for infants to age 4 and picture books for ages 3 to 8 that focus on social skills and getting along, early learning, character education, self-esteem, and other topics related to positive early childhood development. We will also consider fiction that relates directly to these areas of focus.

COUNSELING & SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Picture books and books for kids and teens to help children and teens deal with grief and loss, health and wellness, depression and other mental illnesses, stress, social skills and friendship, anger management, LGBTQ issues, manners, family, self-confidence, and more. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

Current Areas of Special Interest 

Our editors are particularly interested in seeing the following areas of focus in our submissions pile. If your submission aligns with one of these special interests, please note that in your cover letter.         

 Picture Book Wish List: 

• Books that are culturally relevant for today’s children  
• High-interest and lyrically written picture books about experiences & challenges personally relevant to children 
• Fiction and nonfiction books portraying social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in connection with social studies or STEAM 
• Fiction and nonfiction books providing strategies to support executive function skills 
• Important stories from historically underrepresented voices  
• Picture books in celebration of identity, culture, and/or family   
• Authentic picture book featuring a child with sensory sensitivities   
• Authentic picture books featuring characters with disabilities 
• Authentic picture book featuring foster care or adoption  
• Stories based on real experiences of kids displaying SEL skills or impacting the world around them   
• Picture book addressing trauma 
• Latino/a/x authors
• Asian American authors
• Health and wellness topics
• Books exploring any of these SEL themes: joy, beauty, emotions, sadness/depression, coping skills, empathy, problem solving, resilience, perseverance, kindness, honesty, social awareness, self-management, calm-down strategies, focus/attention, self-confidence, self-esteem, decision-making, cooperation, teamwork, compassion, responsibility, or respect.

 
Wish List of Nonfiction for Older Kids and Teens:  

• Books that are culturally relevant for today’s youth   
• Mental health and executive function topics written by experts in the field  
• Health and wellness topics written by experts in the field   
• Tough topics and challenges faced by children and teens  
• Strategies to address negative thinking 
• Strategies to address media literacy and navigating complex conversations  
• Books answering questions teens might be afraid to ask  
• Books applying SEL to youth activism   
• True stories about kids or teens impacting the world around them  
• Strategy books addressing teen anger and violence  
• Books teaching leadership skills   
• SEL books aligned with high interest topics (i.e. sports, agriculture, technology, video games, etc.) 
• Mindfulness for teens written by an expert 

Submission Guidelines for Educator Resources

If you are a returning Free Spirit author, please contact us at acquisitions@freespirit.com to receive the link to the invited submissions Submittable form.

We Are Looking for Strong Proposals to Support Teaching Strategies and Professional Development

Practical, jargon-free materials for educators, administrators, counselors, and youth workers that focus on positive youth development, creative teaching strategies, leadership, and a wide range of social and emotional needs.

GIFTED & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Resources for educators, counselors, parents, and other adults that support children’s diverse learning and social and emotional needs.

BULLYING PREVENTION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Books for teachers, counselors, and other educators to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to bullying incidents.

CHARACTER EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Resources for teachers, counselors, and other educators to help young people build character, discover their leadership potential, and engage in their communities.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Guides for early childhood teachers, program directors, and other educators working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary children (birth to age 8). We look for hands-on, teacher-friendly guidance that is research-based, classroom tested, and focused on best practices to support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Topics include social skills, behavior challenges, healthy emotional development, diversity and equity, family engagement, emergent learning, and teaching strategies.

COUNSELING & SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Educator resources to help children and teens deal with grief and loss, health and wellness, depression and other mental illnesses, stress, social skills and friendship, anger management, LGBTQ issues, manners, family, self-confidence, and more.