Navigating the World of Children's Book Publishing

So, you’ve written (or illustrated) a children’s book. Amazing! Now what?

Publishing can feel like a maze with hidden doors, secret passwords, and a few plot twists along the way. But don’t worry—I’m here to break it all down so you know what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Which Path is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to publishing. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two main routes:

Traditional Publishing:

• You submit to agents or publishers.
• If accepted, they handle editing, design, production, and distribution.
• You earn royalties (a percentage of sales) and possibly an advance.
• Takes time, but gets you into major bookstores and libraries.

Self-Publishing:

• You handle everything (or hire professionals for editing, design, etc.).
• You keep all profits but also take on all costs and marketing.
• More control, faster turnaround, but requires business-savvy.

No path is better—it depends on your goals, patience, and willingness to learn the business side of things.

How to Break Into Traditional Publishing

1. Write a Killer Manuscript
   Your book needs to be polished before you even think about submitting. Read it aloud, get feedback, revise, and repeat.

2. Find an Agent (Optional, But Helpful!)
   Agents act as the middleman between you and publishers. They pitch your work, negotiate deals, and guide you through contracts.

3. Submit to Publishers
   If you’re unagented, research publishers that accept direct submissions. Follow their guidelines to the letter(seriously, don’t skip this).

4. Prepare for Rejections (They’re Part of the Process!)
   Even bestselling authors have been rejected many times. Keep refining your work, keep submitting, and don’t take it personally.

How to Succeed in Self-Publishing

1. Invest in Professional Help
   Editing and cover design matter. A lot. If you want a professional-looking book, work with professionals.

2. Understand Distribution & Printing
   Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and print-on-demand services help you get your book out there without massive upfront costs.

3. Marketing is Your Best Friend
   No one will know about your book unless you tell them. Social media, author websites, book launches, and school visits help spread the word.

4. Think Like a Business Owner
   You’re not just a writer—you’re an entrepreneur. The more you embrace the business side of things, the better your book will do.

No matter which publishing path you choose, the key is to keep learning, keep creating, and keep putting yourself out there. The more you understand the industry, the better equipped you’ll be to succeed.

Because the world needs your story. So go make it happen!

Need help refining your story or getting through the slush pile? Check out my manuscript or illustration assessment here.