So, You Want to Write Children’s Books
Thinking about writing a children's book? That’s
amazing—welcome to one of the most joyful, unpredictable, and creatively
fulfilling journeys you can take. But if you’re dreaming of going the
self-publishing route, you should know: it’s a wild ride. Writing the book is
just the beginning.
When you're self-publishing, you’re not just the
author—you’re the whole production team. You're the creative force, the
publisher, the art director, the logistics coordinator, the marketing
department, and sometimes even the postal service. It’s a lot to take on—but
with the right mindset and a plan, it’s completely doable.
The Many Hats of a Self-Published Author
Let’s break it down. As a self-published children's author,
you’ll be responsible for:
- Writing
and editing your book (sometimes again and again… and again).
- Illustrating
the story yourself—or more commonly, finding and hiring an illustrator.
- Choosing
a publishing platform, such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or a local
printer.
- Pricing
your book appropriately (which is trickier than it sounds).
- Marketing
and advertising—because if no one knows your book exists, it doesn’t
matter how good it is.
- Packing
and mailing orders yourself, if you’re not using a print-on-demand
service.
- Bookkeeping
and taxes—yes, you’re technically running a small business now.
And that’s just the behind-the-scenes work. Once your book
is out in the world, you might want to book events, attend craft
fairs or author expos, or offer classroom visits and storytimes.
That means making the calls, organizing your calendar, preparing invoices, and
planning activities.
Oh—and don’t forget the swag. Bookmarks, magnets,
stickers, coloring pages, or activity sheets can all help engage young readers
and make your table stand out at events. Of course, you’ll also need a few
staples for your event setup: tables, cloths, signage, book holders, and a cart
or wagon to haul it all in.
It is, in a word… a lot.
So, Is It Worth It?
Yes. Unequivocally, yes.
Is it hard work? Absolutely. Is it time-consuming?
Definitely. Will you have moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and mild panic?
Probably more than once.
But there is nothing like seeing a child light up
when they connect with your book. There is nothing like knowing you brought
your idea to life, saw it through from start to finish, and created something
that didn’t exist before. There is nothing like holding that book in your hands
and knowing: I made this happen.
What Makes It Doable?
If you’re just getting started, here are a few tips to keep
your journey joyful and manageable:
- Have
a plan. Break things down into small, achievable steps. You don’t need
to do everything at once.
- Don’t
rush. Good books take time—and so do good decisions. Avoid the
temptation to publish before you’re really ready.
- Learn
from others. Join online groups for indie authors and self-publishers.
The advice, encouragement, and support are priceless.
- Celebrate
your wins. Big or small, every milestone matters. Be proud of your
progress.
- Keep
it fun. Remember why you started. If you’re writing for kids, let your
creativity lead the way.
You're Making Your Dream Come True
Self-publishing isn’t just about getting a book out—it’s
about building something meaningful, one page at a time. Whether you sell ten
books or ten thousand, the fact that you’re out there doing it is something to
be proud of.
So, go ahead. Write your story. Tell it in your own voice.
Make it magical, make it yours—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
