As a self published author, you should know as much about marketing your book as you do about writing it. Prior to the book launch, i do recommend you establish sites or accounts you plan to be active on for the long termjust be aware theyll be most useful, marketingwise, for your next launch, whenever it is. Complete control of any artistic or business decisionsthis is big when it comes to the illustrations. He selfpublished his mega successful science fiction novel. We have handselected the best book publishing and marketing options that can help childrens book authors catapult to success. Your launch is just the beginning, and you absolutely must continue marketing your book to build your brand. You must market to both the child who will be at the library picking out his. Heres a highlevel view of the plan, which works for both traditionally published and selfpublished authors. How to selfpublish and market a childrens book with karen inglis. Eevi jones outlines the precise path to fulfilling your dream of becoming a published childrens book author. As previously mentioned, marketing childrens books can be difficult. Whether you call it self publishing, indie publishing, printondemand or hybrid publishing, there is no disputing the fact that authors now have many more options to see their work in print beyond traditional publishing. The happily ever after if youre dedicated to your story and ready to shoulder the work involved in crafting a childrens book, selfpublishing is a great way to get the. Everything you need to know to write, illustrate, publish, and market your paperback and ebook how to write for children series volume 1 at.
In todays interview, karen inglis shares her fantastically detailed and honest information about writing, selfpublishing and marketing books for children. Lauren ranalli childrens book writer and marketing. Part of what a large publishing house offers is broad distribution, a sales force, and a marketing and publicity team, but if your book doesnt need that, selfpublishing may be a good way to go. Having seen and been involved in so many book launches ourselves, we know what works and what doesnt when it comes to book marketing well walk you through a playbyplay of exactly what you need to do so that your readers can find your book and buy it. Jul 19, 2018 post some free content or excerpts from your book on thats great for exposure and you can also sell your book here if youre looking for additional retail outlets. Start marketing your book early six steps to selling your book. Despite all their advance promises to give you lots of promotional support, they mostly will leave the marketing of your book up to you.
Everything you need to know to write, illustrate, publish, and market your paperback and ebook how to write. Prior to the book launch, i do recommend you establish sites or accounts you plan to be active on for the long termjust be aware theyll be most useful, marketingwise, for your next. Most of all though, i strongly recommend that you purchase how to selfpublish and market a childrens book if you are a childrens author or considering writing something in that category it has great information for new and experienced writers alike. Apr 21, 2015 how to plan your self published picture book print project and reach your readers through schools and bookshops. With the advent of ebooks, there is no longer something called a backlist. Apr 10, 20 so youve written a childrens book, hired an illustrator or illustrated it yourself, and it is now at the printers probably in china if its fourcolor. You cant market direct to your readers, you are competing with some huge, established names from traditional publishing, and its more expensive to commission illustration and print color books. Five simple ways to promote your selfpublished book. The happily ever after if youre dedicated to your story and ready to shoulder the work involved in crafting a childrens. Only 6% of childrens books published in 2016 were written by black and native american authors. Here are 9 uncommon tips that ive used to turn my books into bestsellers, including my self published wall.
A book launch plan for firsttime authors without an online. Here are five tips on how to promote your selfpublished book. Donaldson had the edge over most firsttime authors, in that she had a background in kids tv. Selfpublishing books for children can be challenging because of higher printing costs and difficulties in marketing to your target market. She regularly goes into primary schools and has held many book signings in waterstones and independent bookshops across southwest london. How to market childrens books selfpublishing and book. Within the past few months, there has been increased conversation around selfpublishing in the childrens book market, including three focused posts here at this site. Sep 03, 2017 karen inglis is a successful selfpublished childrens author with close to 10,000 sales across five titles. However, when you look at annual writing incomes for authors publishing at noadvance houses, the averages are very comparable to self publishing. Karen inglis is a successful self published childrens author with close to 10,000 sales across five titles. Selfpublishing and marketing books for children with. Despite the differences, marketing a childrens book doesnt have to. But the good news is that marketing is also about fostering. Publish much sooner than pitching to agents and getting a publishing deal.
Six powerful ways to market childrens books 30 day books. The book marketing services at outskirts press help authors promote highquality books with exceptional book marketing services. If theres one question that is eternal and ongoing in our author community, then its how to sell more books sales are always on our mind and wherever we. How to successfully selfpublish a childrens picture book. But the good news is that marketing is also about fostering connections and relationships, which can be rewarding to you and your fan base. That s the magic of the oneclick publishing suite for children s books from outskirts press. Self publishing is on the rise and many people are bypassing the traditional route of seeking the affirmation of publication worthiness via commercial publishers and are striking out on their own, with. Childrens authors have been crying out for a resource like this and please share this post, those book links, and karens helpful. Self published book marketing for authors smith publicity.
If you are just starting your selfpublishing journey you. In todays article, darcy pattison gives some tips for successfully self publishing a children s picture book. It will follow a highly intricate marketing plan that will ensure its full. Find out who your book appeals to, get to know those people well, and be where they are, both online and off. Three keys to marketing childrens books ingramspark. Authors of selfpublished childrens books, in particular, have their. Whether youre selfpublishing a childrens book about sharing life lessons or making a kids book to share some laughs, bookbaby makes it easy. Home book marketing seo book marketing for your book title i spent some time chatting with an author today about self publishing their book and exactly how to make the book stand out seo.
Give a talk at a local school if its appropriate content works well for childrens fiction, history or other educational content. How to sell more books on amazon self publishing school. For book promotion purposes, childrens and young adult books ideally have. Homing in on your book s target audience will also help demonstrate your understanding of the publishing business, which is something most editors want in a collaborator. Successfully market your self published book with smith publicity. Mar 12, 2015 unless and until you set up the right distribution and get the right recognition with booksellers, your selfpublished book will not reach bookstores.
How to market a childrens book, as well as titles for young adults, is similar to all book marketing, but with notable additions. As a selfpublished author, you should know as much about marketing your book as you do about writing it. Successfully market your selfpublished book with smith publicity. Karen inglis is a successful selfpublished childrens author with close to 10,000 sales across five titles. Here are a few key takeaways from the nontraditional childrens publishing survey. How to market childrens books online selfpublishing advice. But how does a regular person one with no connections to the arts become a published author. How to market your childrens book free course reedsy. She regularly goes into primary schools and has held many book signings in. This article will tell you the tips and avenues that can help you promote your book. The title of this post should be credited because i have been asked how to market a selfpublished book or how to promote a book, so many. Your book will also be given the best marketing services possible. Whether youre selfpublishing a childrens book about sharing life lessons or making a kids book to share some laughs, bookbaby makes it easy to print and deliver your story to kids and parents around the world.
Self publish childrens books how to make a childrens book. View my childrens books and browse resources on diversity, literacy, and the joy of reading. The cornerstone of your childrens book marketing efforts will always be your connectionsthose you have established and those you build through inperson readings. Dec 17, 2016 karen inglis is a successful selfpublished childrens author with close to 10,000 sales across five titles. Whether you call it selfpublishing, indie publishing, printondemand or hybrid publishing, there is no disputing the fact that authors now. Getting a selfpublished childrens books into the hands of your readers comes with a unique set of challenges.
Authors of selfpublished childrens books, in particular, have their marketing work cut out for them, as promotions for these titles have to essentially appeal to. The services include quality printing that covers a variety of forms. You may be able to turn your successful selfpublished childrens book into a successful, traditionally published childrens. For book promotion purposes, childrens and young adult books ideally have newsworthy themes, and authors have expertise in the theme covered in the book. Whether you have a publisher or you selfpublished your childrens book, you are the one who can make it successful. There are successful selfpublishers in every niche, but authors of childrens books face more challenges than most both on the publishing. You may be able to turn your successful selfpublished childrens book into a successful, traditionally published childrens book. Book marketing questions to help you sell more books. Check out these resources for aspiring and selfpublished authors.
Knowing your audience is essential when youre writing your book and crucial when youre selling it. Apr 28, 2017 marketing selfpublished childrens books is an interesting task, different from the marketing of a regular book for one sole reason. With these services you will be equipped with everything you need to succeed as a self published author. Here are 9 uncommon tips that ive used to turn my books into bestsellers, including my selfpublished. Sep 20, 2018 pros to selfpublishing your childrens book. Seo book marketing advice for self publishing authors. In this post, well show you how to publish a childrens book and get it into the hands and hearts of young readers everywhere. Follow through on publicity and marketing, and keep it going.
The secret to selfpublishing childrens books lulu blog. The best part is you have our team on your side throughout the entire. The hardest part of selfpublishing a childrens book is selfmarketing it. The first thing an editor wants to know is whether its the kind of book they can sell. Marketing takes planning, organization, and consistent action.
The good and bad news about selfpublishing your children. Selfpublishing and book marketing services bookventure. You will find everything you need to know to write, illustrate, publish, and market your paperback and ebook. The good and bad news about selfpublishing your childrens book. My husband and i are writing and illustrating our first chapter book for kids and your book has been a huge help. Meet karen inglis, childrens author selfpublishing advice. If theres one question that is eternal and ongoing in our author community, then its how to sell more books sales are always on our mind and wherever we are in the bestseller chart, we look a little enviously at those above us in this article, we have ideas and solutions for you 50 of them in fact which should be more than enough ways to promote your book. The next and most important step is how to promote it. This is a vital step in the promotion and marketing of your book, andif done rightwill make the rest of the process infinitely easier. We appreciate all the detailed steps and resources so we feel like we arent in the dark as we embark on our journey. Marketing selfpublished childrens books is an interesting task, different from the marketing of a regular book for one sole reason. Childrens books have some unique opportunities when it comes to marketing and pr. Kids are loyal readers but it might be difficult to interest them at the initial stage.
Selfpublishing childrens books a look at the numbers. Book marketing consultant tim grahl defines your platform as whatever plan and methods you use to connect with readers and sell books. Integrity, authenticity, generosity, social karma 5 book marketing strategy, launching and relaunching. Four reasons to selfpublish your childrens book huffpost. We have taken our decade of industry experience and bundled together the very best production, fullcolor illustration, and marketing services for children s books.
Most of all though, i strongly recommend that you purchase how to self publish and market a childrens book if you are a childrens author or considering writing something in that category it has great information for new and experienced writers alike. While writing will get your book published, promotion and marketing is what will get you sales and more readers. This is a vital step in the promotion and marketing of your book, andif done rightwill make the rest of the process. Self publishing is on the rise and many people are bypassing the traditional route of seeking the affirmation of publication worthiness via commercial. Whether or not you decide to selfpublish depends on your goals, needs, and skills as an author. Selfpublishing your childrens book doesnt have to be difficult. Other important considerations for self published children s authors. There is a lot of competition out there, so how can you compete. Book companies dont do the marketing for their titles like they did ten years ago. I love your new book, how to self publish a childrens book. Common approaches to book marketing will often fall.
Common approaches to book marketing will often fall short as you attempt to appeal to your target taught by eevi jones. And take this author quiz to find out your book marketing style. Boost your books success and sell more copies of your book by following 20 marketing tips and tactics for selfpublishing authors. Your launch is just the beginning, and you absolutely must continue.
It will follow a highly intricate marketing plan that will ensure its full marketing potential. My biggest tip to a selfpublished author is commit to your book. Mar 14, 2018 we have to do things right and set our efforts up for long term sales. The selfpublishing package made for your happily ever after. How to plan your selfpublished picture book print project and reach your readers through schools and bookshops. Apr 02, 2020 book marketing for selfpublished authors.
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