How do I go about becoming an author and publishing my first book?

Question

I want to become an author writing children's stories. How do I go about becoming an author and publishing my 1st book?

Do I have to fork out my own money to publish my book in small quantity? How to go about doing it?

Answer 1

You don't have to use your own money. Vanity publishing will get you nowhere.

Obviously, start wtih the actual writing. See if you can find someone to do illustrations (not sure where you'd go for that). Then check magazines like Writer's Digest to see if anyone is taking submissions.

I should warn you , a friend worked for years and years to get her first children's book published. The delays were ridiculous. That's how first-timers get treated.