So, you’ve written a story for kids. Maybe it’s funny, magical, full of adventure—or carries a life lesson young readers will never forget. Now you’re stuck on the big question: How to publish a children’s book?
The good news? You’ve got options. Whether you want to go the traditional route, explore children’s book self publishing, or you’re curious about how to publish a children’s book for free, this guide will break it all down for you—clearly, simply, and without the industry jargon.
First Things First: Is Your Children’s Book Ready?
Before we jump into the publishing side of things, let’s talk prep work. Publishing a children’s book isn’t just about printing pages—it’s about delivering something polished, engaging, and visually appealing.
Ask Yourself:
✔ Is your story age-appropriate?
✔ Does it have a clear message or theme?
✔ Are the sentences short, simple, and easy to follow?
✔ Have you thought about illustrations?
If you answered “not sure” to any of these, don’t worry. That’s what the next sections are for.
How to Write and Publish a Children’s Book the Right Way
Here’s the truth: writing for kids is often harder than writing for adults. It has to be short, engaging, and make sense to young minds. But with the right approach, you can absolutely do it.
1. Understand Your Readers
Age groups matter:
- Toddlers (0-3 years): Bright images, one-liners, simple language
- Preschool (3-5 years): Rhymes, repetition, basic storytelling
- Early Readers (5-8 years): Simple plot, fun characters
- Middle-Grade (8-12 years): More detailed stories, relatable themes
2. Keep It Simple & Fun
Children love repetition, rhyme, humour, and relatable characters. The simpler the language, the better.
3. Get It Edited by Professionals
No matter how good your draft feels, professional editing transforms it. Consider using book editing services to catch grammar errors, awkward phrasing, and structure issues.
How Do I Get My Children’s Book Published? Your Two Main Options
Option 1: Traditional Publishing
This means submitting your manuscript to children’s book publishers or children’s book publishing companies. If accepted, they handle production, illustration, editing, and distribution.
Perks:
- Professional teams work on your book
- Potential to get your book in bookstores
- No upfront publishing costs
Downsides:
- It’s highly competitive
- You lose creative control
- Rejection is common
Option 2: Self-Publish a Children’s Book
Many first-time authors skip the waiting game and go straight to children’s book self publishing. This way, you control everything—from the text to the illustrations to how and where your book is sold.
Children’s Book Self Publishing: How It Works
Self-publishing sounds overwhelming, but with a step-by-step plan, it’s manageable and often more rewarding. Here’s how to self publish your children’s book:
Step 1: Get Your Manuscript Professionally Edited
Don’t skip this. It’s worth investing in expert book editing services to ensure your story is polished and publication-ready.
Step 2: Illustrate Your Book
Kids’ books thrive on visuals. Partner with skilled illustrators through book illustration in the UK to create captivating artwork that complements your story.
Step 3: Format for Print and Digital
Formatting ensures your book looks great on paper and e-readers. For digital versions, ebook editing services can help you prep your eBook perfectly.
Step 4: Choose a Self-Publishing Platform
Popular options include:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- IngramSpark
- Lulu
- Blurb
Each has its pros and cons, but Amazon KDP is beginner-friendly and globally accessible.
Step 5: Design a Winning Cover
Your cover sells your book. Invest in a professional design that’s age-appropriate and eye-catching.
Step 6: Market Your Book
Publishing doesn’t guarantee sales. That’s where marketing comes in. You can collaborate with book marketing experts in the UK to launch your book effectively.
How to Publish a Children’s Book for Free—Is It Really Possible?
Good news—it is. Platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to upload your eBook and paperback version for free. You only pay when someone buys a printed copy.
What’s the Catch?
Free publishing doesn’t mean free everything. You’ll still want to invest in:
- Professional Editing
- Illustration
- Marketing
But uploading the book? Totally free. That’s why many beginners explore how to publish a children’s book for free, especially when on a budget.
Children’s Book Publishers for First Time Authors: Yes, They Exist!
Many publishing houses specifically look for new talent. These children’s book publishers for first time authors are open to fresh voices, especially if your story is unique and marketable.
But don’t make the mistake of rushing your submission. It must be polished, edited, and formatted properly. Professional support like book editing services improves your chances of being noticed.
Self Publish Children’s Book vs. Traditional Publishing: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Control | Publisher makes key decisions | Full control in your hands |
| Time to Publish | 1-2 years | Weeks to months |
| Upfront Costs | Minimal for author | Costs for editing, illustration, etc. |
| Royalties | 5-15% | 35-70% |
| Marketing | Publisher may assist | You handle marketing or outsource |
Many authors love the independence of children’s book self publishing, especially when they have trusted professionals for editing, illustration, and marketing.
Why Book Illustration in the UK Matters for Your Children’s Book
Illustrations are make-or-break for children’s books. A great story paired with poor artwork? Hard pass. Average story with gorgeous illustrations? Still sells.
That’s why working with experienced book illustration in the UK professionals makes all the difference. They understand what appeals to British readers and ensure your book looks market-ready.
Editing & Ebook Editing Services: Your Secret to Professionalism
Even if you self-publish, your book should feel like it came from a major publisher. That’s only possible with professional book editing services.
Planning a digital release? Don’t forget ebook editing services. They optimize your book for Kindles, tablets, and other e-readers—so it looks clean, crisp, and professional.
How to Market Your Children’s Book Like a Pro
The sad truth? Even the best books go unnoticed without proper marketing. But with the right strategy, your book can reach thousands.
Effective Marketing Tactics:
✔ Run Amazon Ads
✔ Get reviews from bloggers and book influencers
✔ Promote on social media platforms
✔ Collaborate with book marketing experts in the UK
✔ Reach out to schools and libraries
✔ Build an author website
Final Thoughts: Publishing a Children’s Book Is Totally Doable
You’ve got the story. You’ve got the passion. Now you’ve got the roadmap.
Whether you go with children’s book self publishing, try traditional routes, or explore how to publish a children’s book for free, the key is preparation and professionalism.
Remember to lean on experts for editing, illustration, ebook editing, and marketing to ensure your book stands out in a competitive market.
Your story deserves to be shared. Let’s make it happen.