There are 90 days left in 2024. Where are you on your journey to becoming a published children’s book author? Have you started thinking about the story you wish to tell? Are you stalling on finishing your first draft? Do you need help finding an illustrator? Are you unsure how to publish your story? Have you considered how you’ll market your book? Lots of questions—I know. Thankfully, I will never leave you hanging. Keep reading for my thoughts on how to end the year stronger than you thought possible.
Personally, the last quarter of the year has always been a reflective time for me. Not only am I shocked another year has basically come and gone but I also become increasingly aware of anything I’ve left unfinished. I’ve always been a goal setter, and typically, once I put a deadline to something, I will follow through with it. It’s fascinating how much a strict timeline can create momentum. That is, as long as you stick to it.
Whether you just decided to start writing a children’s book or it’s been a goal of yours for years, I know what it takes to accomplish this goal and I have resources to help you get there. I want to encourage you to make an exceeding amount of progress on finishing your children’s book by the end of the year.
I like to think that the last quarter of the year can play out similarly to the last quarter of an American football game. The focus, determination, and extra effort you put in now can be the game-changer that leads you to victory. Your goal of becoming a published children’s book author is absolutely within your reach. You don’t have to wait for the calendar to turn to 2025 to start making progress. You can start (or take the next step) right now.
In this blog, I am directing you to your next step. No matter what phase you are in, this can serve as your long-term guide to becoming a published children’s book author.
Be sure to bookmark this page and save it for future reference—I’m confident you’ll return to it as you get closer to achieving your dream and officially calling yourself a published author.
A Guide to Becoming a Published Children’s Book Author
This blog is organized around the key phases of writing and publishing a children’s book. Simply find the section that matches your progress and follow the steps outlined to move closer to becoming a published author.
- If you’re just getting started…
- If you have your story drafted…
- If you’re ready to find an illustrator…
- If you’re ready for publishing…
- If you’re ready for marketing…
If you’re just getting started…
Congrats! You are beginning such an exciting journey that I know you’ll look back on with gratitude. In this phase, the only thing you need to focus on is writing but staring at a blank page can feel a little intimidating. Fortunately, I have some amazing resources to help you navigate through writer’s block and any storyline challenges you might face.
RESOURCES FOR GETTING STARTED:
Download the Children’s Book Blueprint
When I began writing my first children’s book, I wished I’d had a resource like this one. After successfully publishing five bestsellers, I designed this resource so I could help other aspiring children’s book authors write incredible stories from the start.
Use my proven five-step formula to write your children’s book outline with ease. You’ll learn how to organize your thoughts and uncover the ‘little-known secret’ to crafting an ending that keeps children coming back to your story to read over and over again.
Register for this Free Training - 5 Steps to Writing an Enchanting Children’s Book
Maybe you have some ideas of what you want to share but just aren’t sure how to turn those ideas into a beloved story. After this training, you'll know exactly how to write a picture book that sells and tells a captivating story. We’ll also explore unconventional publishing methods, common mistakes first-time authors make, and much more!
If you have your story drafted…
You’ve just reached a huge milestone, but what’s next? Before sending your manuscript to a professional editor, it’s time to put on your own editing hat. While storytelling and editing require different skills, with the right guidance, you can make foundational improvements yourself—saving you time and money before bringing in a professional.
RESOURCES FOR ONCE YOUR STORY IS DRAFTED:
Get a Copy of the Editing Checklist 🔗
Self-editing allows you to polish your manuscript before handing it over to a professional editor. This quick editing checklist will help you identify major changes, zoom in on overlooked details, and ensure every aspect of your manuscript is refined. That way, when your editor reviews it, they can focus on the most critical aspects of your story.
Pre-Edit & Save on Your Budget:
Editing Checklist for Children's Books
You’ve gotten the words out of your head—now it’s crucial to apply the elements that make a great children’s story to your draft. There’s a proven formula for capturing and holding children’s attention, and this free training will guide you through it step by step.
If you’re ready to find an illustrator…
Ah, illustrations. One of the most common pain points in the publishing process. There’s no denying that illustrations help bring stories to life, which is why it’s so important to be intentional about who you work with and to set clear expectations from the start.
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS:
In my experience, there are three proven ways to find an illustrator, and they’ve never let me down. In this guide, I’m sharing them with you, along with some bonus insights for when you’re ready to start conversations with potential illustrators. My goal isn’t just to help you find the perfect match for your book’s illustrations, but to ensure you’re protected throughout the process. Understanding your rights and what you’re agreeing to is key, so I’ve included seven essential contract elements to keep you safeguarded from a legal perspective.
If you’re ready for publishing…
Publishing may seem like a daunting task on your journey to getting your book on a shelf, but I assure you it’s just like the other phases—all it takes is one step at a time with one resource at a time and you’ll have it figured out in no time!
I became so passionate about this process that I started my own hybrid publishing company. What feels overwhelming to many can be streamlined and achievable when approached correctly and in the right order. I’ve written several articles on this topic, but to get you started, these two will be the most helpful.
Read this - How to Publish a Picture Book: 3 Options for New Writers
Did you know there are three publishing options for new writers? When it comes to the publishing process, knowledge is power. I want you to be aware of all your options so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your book. Once you understand your choices, you can begin making real progress on this phase of your author journey.
Read this - How to Format a Picture Book Manuscript
Once you determine your publishing style, you’ll need to format your picture book manuscript. In this article, I share some basic rules of thumb for formatting and reveal formatting guidelines according to ML Publishing’s preferences.
If you’re ready for marketing…
If you've already published your book or are preparing for its release, there's one crucial step left—promotion. Many authors overlook this, yet it's the key to reaching bestseller status and ensuring a return on your publishing investment. There are various strategies for effective marketing, and I share many of mine on this blog. Below, I’ve linked three articles that will support you in this final push toward author success.
- How to Guarantee You'll Make Money Off a Picture Book - Here are 14 marketing efforts to help you make money and get your book in the hands of more children!
- Boost Book Sales with School Visits for Children’s Authors - This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to host an effective school visit that leaves a positive impression on young readers.
- Children’s Book Marketing Strategies for New Authors - Add my top four children’s book marketing strategies to your toolkit.
Make the Last 90 Days Count
Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a published children’s author—be it opening a blank document to start writing or sending your final manuscript off to print—you now have a clear path forward. Maximize these last three months of the year. You’ll be overwhelmed with pride and accomplishment when you finally hold a physical copy of your very own children’s book.
Want the ultimate guide to becoming a published children’s book author?
This 10-week, self-paced course will teach you my five-step proven method for drafting, writing, illustrating, publishing, and launching a bestselling children’s book. No more second-guessing—this course gives you the complete process from start to finish.
In just 10 weeks, you’ll learn how to:
- Develop your big-picture vision
- Master the formula for writing a bestseller
- Navigate every aspect of illustration and design
- Tackle all things publishing and marketing
- Plan and execute a successful book launch
For more information, click here.
I believe in you!
FAQs
I want to become a published children’s book author, but I don’t know where to start. What should I do?
Start by creating an outline for your book. Organizing your ideas is a great first step. You can download my Children’s Book Blueprint for a simple five-step formula to get started. If you need more guidance, join my FREE LIVE TRAINING: How to Write a Picture Book Children Will Love (and Parents Will Buy!), where you’ll learn how to craft a story that captivates young readers.
What’s the process for finding an illustrator and publishing my book?
Finding an illustrator is key to bringing your story to life. Check out my Illustrator Guide for tips on finding an illustrator that fits your budget. Once that’s done, you’ll learn all about working with a book designer, formatting your manuscript, and navigating your publishing options—whether traditional, self-publishing, or hybrid models.
How long does it take to publish a children’s book?
The timeline will vary depending on where you are in the process, but with the Children’s Book Masterclass, you’ll have a clear path to follow. In just 10 weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to know to draft, write, illustrate, publish, and launch your book.