How to Publicize a Children's Book

So you've written and published a great children's book, and you're ready to market it. The more people who see it, the more interest and sales you'll generate. If you have gone through a traditional publisher, they will go a certain distance to promote the book, and that's all. Any further publicity has to come from you. If you've self-published, every bit of the marketing is up to you. Follow these inexpensive steps to publicize your children's book.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Research skills
• Schools
• Libraries
• Independent bookstores
• Toy stores
• Senior Centers
• Reviews
• Recommended lists
• Contests
• Book fairs

1. 
    
   Marketing Spreadsheet

   MAKE A LIST
   
   Before you take one step outside or send one letter or email, sit down and make a list of all local libraries, schools (both public and private), and independent bookstores. Also list any toy stores that offer story time and list senior centers. Create a spreadsheet that lists the date, name of the organization, method of contact, response, and follow-up action.

2. EMAIL or MAIL CAMPAIGN
   
   Write a professional email and letter template that you can personalize for each organization. Introduce yourself as a local writer, and talk about your book briefly. Ask the procedure to be considered to volunteer for a story time.
   -If you are reading aloud in a school, you may want to take along several copies of your book to leave in the classroom. Don't plan on trying to sell books at this venue.
   -If you're reading aloud at a library, you may want to donate at least the copy you're reading. Check with the library regarding their policy of having books for sale.
   -If you are reading aloud in an independent bookstore, plan to have books to sign and sell. Most likely, the bookstore will require a fee or percentage of sales made. The same goes for toy stores.
   -If you are reading aloud in a senior center, take books to sell and sign. Most likely, senior citizens will be buying the books for their grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS and REVIEWS
   
   Submit your book to respected literary organizations such as the American Library Association Book List, and ask to be considered to be added to their recommended reading list.
   
   Submit your book to local newspapers or TV stations and ask to have it reviewed. You can also pay professional reviewers, but this is quite expensive.

4. CONTESTS
   
   Submit your book to appropriate contests to compete for prestigious children's book awards.

5. BOOK FAIRS
   
   Finally, make arrangements to set up a table or booth at book fairs in the area. This is a great way to network with other writers, illustrators, publishers, and distributors. It also gets you out into the community and helps to build your reputation. There's nothing like building interest in when your next book is coming out!

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to click on the links on this page to learn more.
• If this article has been helpful to you, feel free to link it to your blog or email it to friends.

Resources

• The Ram in the Spring and the Wolf in the Wood

[KaraDiablo]

on 12/2/2009 Wonderful article about getting the word out about your children's book.

[HighMtnDesert]

on 11/22/2009 Great advice. Thanks so much for sharing

[respectfully]

on 11/3/2009 Excellent information on how to publicize a children's book. 5* recommend

[godfather25]

on 10/9/2009 Excellent article on publicizing a children's book.

[ourlastchance]

on 10/6/2009 Great article on publicizing a childrens book. It would be a lot of fun to write a childrens book and now I know how to publicize it. Thanks! 5* and recommend