So, You Want to Publish a Children’s Book? Read This First!
By Relentless Aaron
Writing a book is an accomplishment. Writing a children’s book? That’s a mission of love, patience, and purpose. I recently received a message from Brandy Schramm, who expressed admiration for my body of work and asked for tips on publishing her first children’s book. Brandy, you’re not alone—many aspiring authors dream of seeing their book on shelves or in the hands of young readers. So, let’s break it down step by step.
1. Define Your “Why”
Before publishing, ask yourself:
- What message or lesson do I want children to take away?
- Who is my target audience? (Ages 0-3, 4-7, 8-12?)
- What makes my book different from others?
Clarity here will shape everything from your story to your marketing.
2. Nail the Writing & Illustration
Writing for children requires simplicity, rhythm, and engagement. Every word matters. Keep sentences concise, and use language appropriate for your target age group.
Illustrations? Critical. If you’re not an artist, hire one! Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Behance are great for finding talented illustrators. Ensure your visuals match the tone and feel of your book.
3. Choose a Publishing Path
You’ve got two main routes:
Traditional Publishing
- Submit your manuscript to publishers or agents specializing in children’s books.
- You’ll need a polished query letter and possibly a book proposal.
- If accepted, they handle printing, distribution, and marketing—but you have less control.
Self-Publishing
- More control over the process but requires more work.
- Platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital allow you to publish affordably.
- You fund illustrations, editing, and marketing.
4. Editing & Formatting
A professional editor is a must—even for children’s books. Formatting is equally important. Children’s books rely on page layout, font choices, and image placement, so using software like Adobe InDesign or hiring a formatter is wise.
5. Marketing & Distribution
Books don’t sell themselves. Develop a marketing plan that includes:
- A website or social media presence to showcase your book.
- Pre-orders and an email list to generate excitement.
- School & library outreach—get your book into reading programs.
- Paid ads and influencer reviews to expand reach.
6. The Relentless Mindset
Publishing isn’t just about putting words on paper—it’s about persistence. Expect setbacks, rejections, and revisions. But if you stay relentless, you’ll get that book in front of eager young readers.
Brandy, and anyone else chasing this dream, remember: The world needs your story. Keep pushing, refining, and believing. The journey from idea to bookshelf isn’t easy, but it’s worth every step.
If all else fails, you can always hire me to do your illustration, to format your book and to guide you.
404-477-8257
