Once you've written and published your children's book, you want to get it into as many children's hands as possible, but many first-time authors struggle with promoting their own work. Fortunately, it's not difficult to sell your book with a few easy marketing strategies. You can spread the word in many ways, and in this blog, I’ll share my top five ways to market a children’s book (and keep it simple).
5 Simple Strategies to Market a Children’s Book
Share on Social Media
With the internet being popular now more than ever, and so wide spread, it’s the perfect platform to market a children’s book. Depending on your target audience, you might promote your book on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or even YouTube.
Social media is versatile, meaning you can market in lots of ways. You can post pictures, infographics, quotes, videos, LIVEs, and more.
Not sure what to post? Check out THIS blog about Social Media Post Ideas for Authors.
Approach Local Bookstores
Approaching local bookstores is great to market a children’s book AND help out small businesses. If there are any bookstores in your area, reach out and let them know that you’re a local author.
Odds are family-owned or brick-and-mortar bookstores will be more than happy to carry your book. Of course, they’ll need to take a consignment fee upon selling. You can negotiate that percentage with the store owner.
You can also approach chain bookstores, but they will likely only carry your book in that specific location. They’re unlikely to send your book to all of their locations.
Still, getting your book on as many shelves as possible is a great way to ensure that more people find your book (and hopefully bring it home).
Host a Book Event or Signing
Another method you can use for local marketing is by hosting a book event or signing. When you market a children’s book, you want to not only sell your book, but connect with your readers and their parents. It’s always great to get feedback or fan mail from your readers!
Book Events and Signings are the best of both worlds: you can promote your book to get new readers and meet your current readers.
You might host this event LIVE or virtually. To learn more about hosting book events like a launch party, read THIS blog about Launch Day.
Visit Schools
I always say the #1 way to market a children’s book and make your money back after self-publishing is to visit schools.
Contact local schools first and offer a few visits for free. You’ll need to get a feel for how to make the most of your time with readers. You might talk about the process of writing a book, read the story aloud, or prepare a school-wide activity for students to take part in.
Once you get a hang of it, start charging or requiring a minimum book order in exchange for the visit. Always remember to bring copies of your book so you can sell them day-of.
Attend LIVE Author Events
Another essential piece to market a children’s book effectively is networking. Yes, you’ll want to focus on your readers and their parents, but it can be just as important to connect with other writers.
More often than not, children’s writers are supportive and encouraging with other writers. If you can build some genuine relationships with other writers, you’ll see opportunities follow not far behind.
I wrote a blog all about author events. You can check it out HERE.
Want to attend an author event sooner rather than later? Click the button above to check out all the details on my LIVE author events.