If you’re writing a children’s book, at some point you’re going to begin to look into how to get it printed. The whole process can feel technical, confusing, and—if I’m being honest—a little intimidating at first.
I remember when I published my first book. I didn’t have guidance. I didn’t have a clear path. I made decisions that cost me time, energy, and money.
The good news is that things have changed.
Today, there are simpler, smarter ways to publish your book through print on demand on Amazon, and I want to walk you through them in a way that feels clear and doable.
We’ll Cover:
What Print-on-Demand Really Means (and Why It Matters)
Print-on-demand is one of the greatest gifts available to authors today.
Here’s how it works:
When someone orders your book on Amazon, they print the book at that exact moment and ship it directly to the customer.
That means:
- No large upfront printing costs
- No storing boxes of books in your home
- No managing shipping logistics
Your book exists professionally in the world—without requiring you to carry the financial burden of inventory.
I love this model because it allows you to focus on what matters most: your message and your readers.
The Most Cost-Effective Way to Print Your Children’s Book
People often ask me:
“What is the most affordable way to print my book?”
My answer is simple:
Amazon KDP is one of the most cost-effective options available.
Here’s why:
You only print books when they’re purchased
You avoid large bulk orders upfront
You can still order copies for yourself at a reduced author price
Let’s say you’re preparing for a school visit, a book signing, or a library event.
You can order 50, 75, or 100 copies directly from Amazon at your author rate, have them shipped to your home, and bring them with you to sell in person.
This gives you flexibility. You’re not guessing how many books you might need months in advance—you’re responding to real opportunities as they come.
Find Your Illustrator & Protect Your Children's Book
FREE Guide for Aspiring Authors
You will discover:
✓ How to find the perfect illustrator for your picture book
✓ 7 MUSTS for your illustrator contract
✓ Bonus Tips for working with an illustrator
Where should we send the free guide?
What an Amazon Bestseller Actually Is
You may have heard the term “Amazon bestseller” and wondered what it really means.
An Amazon bestseller is a book that ranks in the top 100 of a specific category on Amazon at a given time.
Amazon is not just one big list—it’s made up of categories and subcategories.
For example:
- Children’s Books
- Sports
- Basketball
- Sports
The more specific your category, the more targeted your visibility becomes. If your book reaches the top 100 in that category, it earns bestseller status.
This is a meaningful milestone, because it adds credibility, it builds confidence, and it’s genuinely exciting to see your book recognized in that way.
Why Choosing the Right Category Matters More Than You Think
This is one of the areas where I spend time guiding authors—because it makes a real difference.
Choosing the right category does two important things:
It helps readers find your book
If someone is searching for a children’s basketball book, and that’s exactly how your book is categorized, your chances of being discovered increase.
It increases your chances of ranking
A broad category is much more competitive than a focused subcategory. When you narrow in, you give your book a stronger opportunity to stand out.
I always say: Clarity creates opportunity.
What I Learned the Hard Way (So You Don’t Have To)
When I first published my book over a decade ago, I didn’t have guidance.
I printed a large number of books upfront, had them shipped to my home, and then sent inventory to Amazon.
At the time, I thought this was the right approach.
But here’s what actually happened:
- I paid for large print runs
- I paid to ship books to Amazon
- Amazon stored the books
- Then they shipped them out one by one
By the end of it, my profit margin had nearly disappeared.
It was discouraging and unnecessary. Today, I do things very differently.
Print-on-demand has changed everything. It removes the pressure, reduces the risk, and allows you to grow at a pace that feels sustainable.
And if you’re not someone who enjoys the technical side of publishing, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
There are pathways now that offer support, structure, and guidance every step of the way.
Find Your Illustrator & Protect Your Children's Book
FREE Guide for Aspiring Authors
You will discover:
✓ How to find the perfect illustrator for your picture book
✓ 7 MUSTS for your illustrator contract
✓ Bonus Tips for working with an illustrator
Where should we send the free guide?
How I Assist Authors in Getting Their Books on Amazon
The publishing and printing process can feel confusing, and I wanted to make sure that other authors didn’t make the same mistakes I did. This is why I created my program Publishing Mastermind.
When I work with authors inside Publishing Mastermind, my goal is to make the publishing process feel supported and streamlined, not overwhelming.
Here’s how I guide you through getting your book onto Amazon:
I provide your ISBN
As your publisher, I supply the ISBN for your book. This is an essential step because it officially identifies your book in the marketplace.
I set up your book on Amazon
I take care of setting up your book through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform, so your book is ready for print-on-demand and available for purchase.
I help position your book for visibility
This includes choosing the right categories and subcategories, so your book has the opportunity to be discovered by the right readers.
Most importantly, I do this with one goal in mind:
To help you move forward without unnecessary expenses or confusion.
Publishing your book is not about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about making thoughtful decisions that support your long-term journey as an author.
You don’t need to rush. You don’t need to overspend.
You simply need a clear path—and the willingness to take the next step.