How to Start Children’s Book Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
If writing and illustrating children’s books makes your heart sing, maybe you’ve thought about starting your own children’s book biz. Creating magical picture books or enchanting chapter books for kids can be super rewarding. But it also takes tons of effort and never giving up. Let me share some tips I’ve picked up on launching a children’s book business from the ground up.
Pick a Business Structure
First, figure out a business structure that aligns with your goals and situation. Most newbie children’s book authors rock the solo entrepreneur or freelancer vibe at first. You can always create an official LLC or corporation later if your business takes off. Being a sole proprietor keeps things simple on taxes and legal stuff.
Craft Outstanding Books
Clearly, the big kahuna of a children’s book business is writing stupendous books that kids adore. Take the time to carefully develop memorable stories and characters. Your words and pictures need to spark kids’ imagination and speak right to their hearts. Read as many super successful picture books and novels as you can to see what sings in this genre. Join a critique group for feedback on your manuscripts.
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Get Published
Once you’ve penned some polished manuscripts, you gotta get your books out there. Research publishers open to children’s book submissions from newbie authors. Great sites like PublishersMarketplace can help. If you go the traditional publishing path, strap in for some rejection letters at first. Or you can self-publish print or ebooks on Amazon, IngramSpark, and other platforms — no rejection letters!
Spread the Word
Dropping a book is just the start. You gotta hustle to market your books and yourself as a children’s book writer. Build your author platform with a website and rockin’ social media. Reach out to book reviewers for coverage. Visit schools, libraries, bookstores for author events. Run Goodreads giveaways. Look into BookBub ads. Never stop creating buzz so your books sell.
Release Books Regularly
The most successful children’s book writers are prolific, dropping new books all the time. Plan to publish multiple books a year. Series are super popular with kids, so consider a themed collection. One book likely won’t pay the bills. You need fresh content regularly to grow your biz and keep those royalty checks coming.
Explore Other Income Streams
Beyond book sales, look at other potential paydays. Some authors make bank on speaking gigs, school visits, and teaching. You may be able to sell audiobook rights or merch with your characters. Online courses about writing children’s books could be a moneymaker. Movie deals are rare but cha-ching. Build those income streams.
Handle the Biz
Running a book business means handling expenses, tracking income/sales, taxes, rights management, and other biz stuff. Consider an accountant, bookkeeper, or assistants to help, especially as you expand. Have a solid plan in place to run the business smoothly.
Connect with Your Peeps
Writing can be lonely. So link up with other children’s book pros — authors, illustrators, agents. Join groups like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Hit up conferences and events. Facebook groups and Goodreads help you find your tribe. Share ideas, cheer each other on, cross-promote, and collaborate.
Persistence Rules
Launching a thriving children’s book biz takes time and grit. Overnight success is rare. Be ready to start small and build gradually through hustle. Push through rejections, slow sales, challenges, and stumbles. With passion and grit, you can make your dream a reality!
The big keys are loving kids’ books, killer writing and art, tireless marketing, and never giving up. Use these tips and you’ll be on your way to living your dream of a children’s book empire! Let your imagination soar, delight young readers, and make your mark. You got this!
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Children’s Book Financial Forecasts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first steps to take when starting a children’s book business?
The first steps are to choose a business structure like sole proprietorship, create outstanding book content that appeals to kids, and decide whether you want to find a publisher or self-publish your work. Building an author platform on your website and social media is also important right away.
How long does it take to write a typical children’s book?
It depends on the length and complexity, but most picture books take 2–3 months from concept to final manuscript. Chapter books and middle grade or YA novels can take 6 months to a year to write and polish. The illustration time also varies greatly.
What are some tips for getting a publisher’s attention as a new children’s book author?
Research publishers accepting submissions in your genre and follow their guidelines. Attend writers conferences to network and pitch. Build your author platform to showcase your expertise. Enlist beta readers to provide feedback. Query widely and be prepared for rejection before getting a “yes.” Persistence is key.
Should I hire an illustrator or provide my own artwork?
If you lack artistic skills, it is better to hire a professional illustrator partner. The illustrations are key for children’s books and the publisher may have an illustrator in mind already. If you can illustrate well, provide your own artwork but be open to suggestions from the publisher’s art director.
How much does it cost to self-publish a children’s picture book?
The cost can range from $1000-$5000+ depending on length, whether you hire an editor/illustrator, and other production factors. Shop around for the best deals on self-publishing packages. Crowdfunding can help cover costs. Selling ebooks is more affordable than print.
What are effective strategies for marketing children’s books?
Book reviews, giveaways and promotions, school visits, social media marketing, forming a launch team, attending events, advertising in niche markets, creating book trailers, email newsletters, and persistently reaching out to your networks. Get creative with outreach.
Does one children’s book generate enough royalties to sustain a full-time business?
Very rarely will one book provide a full-time income. Publishing and promoting multiple books, ideally in a series, is key for generating enough royalties over time to support yourself. A diversified income from speaking events, courses, merchandising etc also helps build a sustainable business.
How can I protect my children’s book ideas from being stolen?
Copyright your manuscripts and illustrations and register your copyrights. Only pitch ideas to reputable publishers. Use non-disclosure agreements and writer-publisher contracts. Publicly date your manuscript drafts. While very rare, idea theft is a slight risk so take reasonable precautions.
What resources do you recommend for aspiring children’s book authors?
Some top resources are the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Writers & Artists Yearbook, Children’s Book Insider newsletter, KidLit411 Facebook group, The Purple Crayon podcast, Children’s Book Academy courses, and Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 program.
