Self-Publishing Tips for Children's Book Authors
When you’re writing a children’s book and thinking about self-publishing, the process of releasing your book without a traditional publisher, often using digital platforms and independent distributors. Also known as independent publishing, it gives you full control over your story, art, pricing, and timing—but it also means you handle everything from editing to marketing yourself. It’s not magic. It’s work. And the most successful authors don’t just write great stories—they know how to build a system around their book.
Many parents and educators buy children’s books online, not in stores. That means your book needs to show up where they’re searching: Amazon, Etsy, and even Instagram. The top sellers don’t rely on luck. They use children’s book royalties, the percentage of sales revenue paid to the author after costs are deducted wisely. Some earn 60% or more per sale on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, while others get stuck with 35% because they didn’t pick the right format or pricing. self-publishing children’s books, the act of producing and distributing a children’s book without a traditional publisher, using digital tools and direct-to-consumer channels isn’t about printing a few copies and hoping for the best. It’s about treating your book like a product—with a target audience, a clear message, and a plan to reach them.
You’ll also need to understand children’s book income, the total earnings an author makes from book sales, licensing, merchandise, or speaking engagements tied to their published work. One author made $12,000 in six months selling a $4.99 ebook about bedtime routines to tired parents. Another spent $3,000 on ads and sold just 80 copies. The difference? One knew who her readers were. She wrote for moms of toddlers who struggled with sleep. She used keywords like "bedtime story for 2-year-old" and ran ads on parenting blogs. That’s the kind of detail that turns a book into income.
And don’t forget book sales, the number of copies purchased by readers, which directly determines an author’s earnings and visibility in digital marketplaces. It’s not just about how many you sell—it’s how consistently. A book that sells 10 copies a week for a year beats a book that sells 500 in one month and then disappears. That’s why successful authors keep publishing. They release a new book every 4 to 6 months. Each one pulls in new readers, and together, they build a library that keeps earning.
What you’ll find below are real examples from parents, teachers, and indie authors who’ve figured this out. No fluff. No promises of overnight success. Just what actually works when you’re writing for kids and trying to make it pay. Whether you’re just starting or stuck at 50 sales a month, there’s something here that can help you move forward.
