What I Wish I Knew Before Writing a Children’s Book

Dear first-time authors, 

This one’s for you. 

Many of us start our author journey with this excited, hopeful, and eager mentality to get things rolling. But that energy can quickly shift to frustration or doubt when things don’t go as planned. 

If that’s where you are, pause. You’re not doing it wrong. 

Loving the idea of something and knowing how to create it aren’t exactly the same thing.

Creating a children’s book is a layered process, and you don't know what you don't know. Give yourself some grace. 

There was a lot I had to figure out in my early days of writing, so I get it, and I don’t want you to feel like it’s something you have to navigate alone. In this blog, I’m sharing with you what I’ve learned along the way. 

Some Things Took Longer Than I Expected…

While the writing process is time-consuming, I wish I had known how much more there was to it once the manuscript was done. Editing, finding an illustrator, knowing how to get published—those were all lengthy parts of the process that I couldn’t anticipate as a first-time author. Here’s one part that took particularly longer than I could have imagined: 

Copyright & Contracts 

Looking back, I wish I had really understood who owned the copyright of my book and instead opted for a work-for-hire agreement. A work-for-hire agreement means you, the author, own the rights to your illustrations and you can choose what to do with the artwork. I wish I had taken the time to learn about this option up front. This would have saved me a headache (or three). 

Some Limiting Beliefs Held Me Back (They Might Be Holding You Back Too)...

You expect some bumps in the road when writing your first children’s book, but the mental roadblocks can really sneak up on you and be a hindrance if you don’t challenge them. I wish I had known how common limiting beliefs can be—and how important it is to shift your mindset. Here are two I personally encountered:

“I need to figure this all out on my own.”  

I had questions—so many questions—but felt guilty asking friends for their time or input. I wish I had invested in help sooner. When you hire someone, you know it’s a part of the deal. You’re not bothering them, you’re paying for their expertise. Had I taken the time to invest in help early on, it would have lessened the overwhelm.  

“I don’t need to use social media for marketing. I can just use a pen name.”

You might be thinking, “What does social media have to do with writing your children’s book?” or “I can get by without it.”

While it’s tempting to remain totally underground, there’s actually a huge value in putting yourself out there. Trust me, I get it. It can feel scary, but social media isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing up for your story. 

Hiding behind a pen name doesn’t help your book land in the hands it’s meant for. Social media is one of the best free marketing tools available to authors. When you start to lean into it, you learn to embrace it. 

Oh, and you don’t have to wait until you're done with your book either. You can start right now. Bring people into your journey: share a behind-the-scenes photo, why you’re writing your first children’s book, or a quote that’s inspired you along the way. Starting now means more people will be invested when you finally launch it into the world! 

“No one will take me seriously.” 

“I have to be perfect before I start.” 

“There are already too many children’s books out there.”

“I need a background in education or writing.” 

Do not fall into the trap of any of these limiting beliefs. They will only stall your progress. Know that these are mental roadblocks—not your reality. 

There Was a Surprise No One Warned Me About…

Challenges? Delays? All expected. What I wish I had known is the deep sense of fulfillment I would get by holding my book in my hands for the first time and reading it to children. That moment was indescribable. 

Something I created had the power to change the way I saw myself. I realized at that moment that I could do hard things. My confidence grew. My self-esteem grew. I couldn’t write my next goal down fast enough after that. I wanted to keep experiencing that feeling. 

We all know the infamous tagline of Nike: Just Do It. Three simple words, with such power behind them. When I decided to go all in and do this, I became determined to see it through. Instead of thinking, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I started saying, “What’s the best that could happen?”

If there is a story tugging at your heart, don’t spend the rest of your life wondering what if…? What’s the best that could happen if you…just did it?

One Thing Changed Everything 

I wish I had found a mentor early on. I can only imagine how different things would have been (fewer tears and late-night Google search rabbit holes, I’m sure). 

But that wasn’t my story. My story had a greater purpose. 

Through all the missteps, the thousands of dollars invested, the countless drafts, and the hard lessons, I found my mission: Now, I get to be the mentor I once needed.  

I get to sit beside first-time authors as they walk this road for the first time. I know the questions before they ask them. I understand their fears and their doubts. I know that deep passion for really wanting this. All because I’ve been there too. 

This is the mission I was born for. 

You CAN Write a Children’s Book

Of course, all of these are things I wish I had known before writing my first children’s book, but they’re also all of the things that brought me to where I am right now. 

Nothing is wasted. The only thing that can ever hold you back is you. 

So, speak this over yourself right now: “I CAN do this.”

Also remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Writing might seem like a solo act, but the right support system changes everything. I hope you feel the encouragement to start before you’re ready, ask the questions, and take that first step—even if you don’t have everything figured out. 

FAQs

What Should I Know Before Writing My First Children’s Book? 

Writing isn’t what takes the longest. Sometimes, it’s editing, finding an illustrator, understanding contracts, and learning how to get published. But these are all important and growing parts of the journey. You should also know that no one can prepare you for the incredible feeling of holding your book in your hands for the first time. The day you realize that you really did it. Finally, know that you don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out today. Just take the next right step—like this free training.

What Limiting Beliefs Hold First-Time Writers Back? 

Many authors, including myself, have faced self-doubt. Whether it’s the fear of asking for help or not feeling capable of using social media to market your book, these limiting beliefs can quietly close in on you. But the good news is that you can challenge them—and replace them with a mindset that is empowered, not paralyzed. 

What Is the First Step I Can Take When Writing My Children’s Book? 

You can join my free training. In this free webinar, I’ll share with you my exact formula for writing and publishing a children’s book so you can confidently take your first step.