How to Publish a Children’s Book: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

What will you learn?

Having completed an engaging children’s book, your next step is to bring your story to young readers worldwide. However, the process of transforming a manuscript into a published book involves several distinct pathways. If you’re still polishing your manuscript, read our how to write a book guide and learn essential steps before publishing.

There are different ways to publish it, and we’ll explain them all simply. You can work with big publishers or small publishers, or do it yourself. 

We’ll show you how to make your book the best it can be before publishing. Need help creating an eye-catching cover? Explore our children’s book cover design services. This guide makes everything easy to understand. This guide aims to facilitate the journey of your story to its young audience.

How to Publish Your Children’s Book: The 3 Main Ways

Upon completing your children’s book, the next crucial decision involves selecting a publishing pathway. There are three primary avenues, each operating distinctively. Let’s explore these options in clear terms.

1. Traditional Publishing (Large Publishing Houses)

This is how most famous children’s books get published. Here’s how it works:

1. First, you need a literary agent (a special helper who knows publishers).
2. Your agent sends your book to big publishers like Scholastic or Penguin.
3. If a publisher likes it, they pay you money upfront (called an “advance”).
4. They handle everything: finding an artist, printing the books, and getting them into stores.
5. The good part? You don’t have to do much work after writing.
6. The hard part? The process can take a long time, often involving many rejections before your work is accepted.

2. Independent Publishing (Smaller Presses)

“Indie” means independent. These are smaller book companies.

1. You don’t always need an agent to work with them.
2. They’ll help publish your book but might not pay as much as big publishers.
3. Some let you help choose the illustrator; others pick for you.
4. It’s often faster than traditional publishing.
5. This path is suitable for unique works that may not align with the broader market strategies of large publishers.

3. Self-Publishing (The Author-Driven Approach)

This means you become the publisher!

1. You get to make all the decisions (which is fun but a lot of work).
2. You find and pay the artist, editor, and book designer.
3. You decide where to sell it (usually Amazon or your own website).
4. You keep all the money you earn (but have to spend money first).
5. Great for people who want full control or want to publish quickly.

Which One Should You Choose?

1. Traditional Publishing: Best if you want expert help and can wait (takes 1-3 years).
2. Independent Publishing: A middle option with some support but faster than traditional.
3. Self-Publishing: Full control and the fastest path, but you handle all the work.

Remember, there’s no “best” way. Many authors try different methods for different books! The important thing is getting your wonderful story into children’s hands.

How to Publish a Children’s Book: Simple Steps

Congratulations on completing your children’s book! This guide will systematically walk you through each publishing step, providing clear and straightforward instructions.

Step 1: Figure Out Exactly Who Your Book Is For

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many authors forget this! If you need help brainstorming character names, try our Character Name Generator to make your story memorable. Children’s books are not the same for every age. A book for a 3-year-old will have simple words, big pictures, and a short story. 

But a book for a 10-year-old will have more words, a bigger story, and fewer pictures. It’s important to think about who you’re writing for and make sure your book fits their age and interests.

Here’s how children’s books are categorized by age:

1. Board Books (0-3 years): These have thick, durable pages (because babies love to chew on them!), very few words, and lots of bright pictures. Think “Goodnight Moon,” but even simpler.
2. Picture Books (2-5 years): These are what most people imagine: beautiful illustrations on every page with short, simple stories. They’re usually under 1,000 words. Classics like “Where the Wild Things Are” fall here.
3. Early Readers (6-8 years): For kids just starting to read on their own. They have short chapters, bigger fonts, and some pictures like “Frog and Toad” books.
4. Chapter Books (7-9 years): More text, fewer pictures. These are bridge books between picture books and full novels. Think “Magic Tree House” series.
5. Middle Grade (8-12 years): Full novels, but for kids. “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” started here. Usually 30,000-50,000 words.
6. Young Adult (12-18 years): Longer, more complex themes. “Hunger Games” and “Twilight” are YA.

How to Research Your Market?

Visit a bookstore and conduct an in-depth observation of the children’s section. This hands-on approach is highly recommended.

1. What topics are popular right now (dinosaurs, space, friendship stories?)
2. How many pages do current books have
3. What art styles do you see most often
4. How much text is on each page

This process is not about imitation; rather, it’s about understanding market trends and successful elements. Also, learn how to design book cover art for a professional look that appeals to your target readers. For instance, if dominant picture books in your category consistently feature under 500 words, aligning with this standard is advisable.

Step 2: Polish Your Manuscript Until It Shines

Your first draft is just the beginning. Even famous authors revise their work dozens of times. Want to ensure your title stands out? Use our Book Title Generator to find a marketable name for your children’s book. Here’s how to make yours the best it can be:

Self-Editing First

1. Read it aloud. Your ears will catch awkward phrasing that your eyes will miss.
2. Check the rhythm. Kids’ books often have a musical quality, even if they don’t rhyme.
3. Cut unnecessary words. Every single word should earn its place.

Getting Feedback

1. Share with your target age group (with parental permission). Watch their reactions; kids won’t fake interest!
2. Join a children’s writing group (SCBWI is the gold standard).
3. Swap critiques with other children’s authors.

Hiring a Professional Editor

Yes, this costs money, but it’s worth it. There are different types of editors:

1. Developmental editors: They help with the big picture of your story, like making sure the plot makes sense and that everything flows well. They’ll help you improve the main ideas of your book.
2. Copy editors: These editors focus on fixing the little things, like making sure your grammar is correct and the sentences sound smooth.
3. Proofreaders: They are the last step! Proofreaders look for small mistakes, like typos or missing punctuation, to make sure your book is perfect before it’s published.

For a picture book, editing might cost 200−500. For longer books, 500−2000. It’s an investment, but your book will be so much better for it.

Step 3: Choose Your Publishing Path

Choose your publishing path carefully. If you go the self-publishing route, check our guide on formatting a book in Google Docs to prepare your manuscript for print and eBook. There are two main roads to publication, and you need to pick one before going further:

Traditional Publishing (The Classic Route)

How it works: You submit to publishers (usually through an agent), and they choose your book, handle all the publishing work, and pay you.

Pros

1. No upfront costs: You don’t have to pay money to get your book published. The publisher takes care of the costs.
2. Professional editing, design, and distribution: The publisher will help make your book look great, fix mistakes, and get it into stores.
3. Prestige: Being published by a big company can make your book more respected, and it might be easier to get your book into bookstores and libraries.

Cons

1. Very competitive: There are a lot of writers trying to get their books published, so you might face many rejections before you succeed.
2. Slow: It can take a long time, sometimes more than 2 years, from when your book is accepted to when it actually shows up on shelves.
3. Less creative control: The publisher may want to make changes to your book, so you might have less say in how it turns out.

Self-Publishing (The DIY Route)

How it works: You handle everything yourself (or hire help) and publish directly through platforms like Amazon KDP.

Pros

1. Faster: You can publish your book in just a few weeks instead of waiting for a long time.
2. Full creative control: You get to decide everything about your book—like the cover, the story, and how it’s presented.
3. Higher royalties per book: You get to keep more money from each book you sell because you’re in charge.

Cons

1. All costs are yours: You have to pay for everything yourself, like editing, artwork, and marketing your book.
2. Harder to get into physical stores: It’s more difficult to get your book on the shelves of bookstores because you don’t have a big publisher backing you.
3. Less prestige in some circles: Some people might not see self-published books as important or respected as books from big publishers.

Step 4: Find a Literary Agent (For Traditional Publishing)

If you choose traditional publishing, you’ll almost always need a literary agent. Literary agents function as crucial intermediaries, entrusted by publishers to vet submissions and ensure professional standards.

How to Find the Right Agent

1. Research agents who represent children’s books don’t waste time querying agents who only handle adult fiction.
2. Look at recent deals and check Publishers Marketplace to see which agents are actively selling books like yours.
3. Follow submission guidelines EXACTLY if they ask for 10 pages; don’t send 11.

Writing a Query Letter

This is your sales pitch. Keep it to one page and include the following:

1. A hook: A short, catchy sentence or two that makes people want to read your book. It should grab their attention right away.
2. A summary: A brief description of your book that explains the story without giving away the ending. It should make readers curious to know more.
3. Why you’re the right person to write this book: Tell the reader why you’re the best person to tell this story, whether it’s because of your experience, passion, or unique perspective.
4. The word count and age category: Include how long your book is (in words) and the age group it’s meant for, like kids, teens, or adults. This helps publishers know who your book is for.

Example

When a lonely dragon accidentally sets his only book on fire, he embarks on a hilarious journey to replace it, only to discover the real treasure is the friends he made along the way. This 650-word picture book combines the heart of The Invisible String with the humor of Dragons Love Tacos.

Step 5: Hire an Illustrator (For Self-Publishing)

If you’re self-publishing a picture book, illustrations are just as important as the words. Need top-quality art? Explore our book illustration services to make your story visually stunning.

Finding an Illustrator

1. Freelance platforms: Book Cover Hub, Reedsy, Upwork, Fiverr
2. Art schools: Talented students often charge less
3. Children’s book fairs: Meet illustrators in person

What to Discuss

1. Style: Cartoonish? Watercolor? Digital? Look at other books for reference.
2. Budget: 500 – 5,000+, depending on experience and number of illustrations.
3. Timeline: Picture books usually take 3-6 months to illustrate.
4. Contract: Always get one! Specify payment terms, revisions, and who owns the rights.

Working Together

1. 1. Storyboard first, and plan what each page will look like.
   2. Provide constructive feedback. For instance, phrasing like ‘Could we explore a friendlier expression for the dragon?’ is more effective than dismissive remarks.
   3. Save high-resolution files. You’ll need these for printing.

Step 6: Format and Publish Your Book

For Traditional Publishing

Your publisher handles this; just relax!

For Self-Publishing

Formatting

1. Picture books need careful layout so text doesn’t get cut off.
2. Use templates from KDP or hire a designer (100−300).

Cover Design

1. Cover Design: This is your #1 marketing tool! Explore our children’s book cover design services or request a free book cover review before finalizing your design.

Choose Platforms

1. Amazon KDP: Best for beginners (free to upload, prints books as they’re ordered).
2. IngramSpark: Wider distribution (libraries, bookstores), but costs $49 per title.

Set a Price

Children’s books usually sell for 10−18. Check similar books to see what’s standard.

Step 7: Market Your Book Like a Pro

Marketing your book is just as important as writing it, even more so! Don’t miss our guide on 10 effective free book marketing strategies. Without readers, your amazing story won’t reach the kids who’ll love it. Here’s how to get your book noticed, step by step:

Before Launch: Build Excitement

1. Build Buzz on Social Media

Start teasing your book 3-6 months before launch. Share behind-the-scenes peeks, sketches from your illustrator, snippets of your writing process, or fun facts about your story. Post consistently (1-2 times a week) and engage with parents, teachers, and book bloggers who follow kids’ book trends.

2. Get Early Reviews

Reviews = social proof. Send free digital or print copies to:

1. Book bloggers: Online reviewers who can be identified via searches for ‘children’s book reviewers’ playing a vital role in amplifying book awareness.
2. Librarians & teachers: Key influencers in children’s reading choices, engaging with whom can significantly expand your book’s reach.
3. Parenting influencers: Social media personalities (e.g., on Instagram or TikTok) who disseminate book recommendations for children, thereby facilitating promotion to their followers.

Ask them to post honest reviews before launch day so your book already has ratings when it goes live.

3. Plan a Launch Event

Even if it’s just a virtual Zoom reading, make it fun! Invite friends, family, and local schools. Read your book aloud, do a Q&A, and offer a limited-time discount for attendees if you can. Team up with a local bookstore for an in-person signing.

After Launch: Keep the Momentum Going

After your book is launched, keep the momentum going with these strategies:

1. Social Media Strategy: Post engaging content 2-3 times a week. Share short videos of you reading your book (perfect for TikTok/Reels), fan art, or kids’ reactions (ask parents for photos!). Also, post fun “Did you know?” facts about your book’s theme, like “Dragons in mythology…” Use hashtags like #KidsBookstagram, #PictureBook, and #ChildrensAuthor to make it easier for parents to find you.
2. School & Library Visits: Email local schools and offer free 20-minute readings, in person or virtual. Afterward, sell signed copies. Teachers love supporting authors! Donate copies to libraries so kids can borrow them, and if they love them, parents will buy their own. Some libraries even host “Meet the Author” events.
3. Paid Ads (If You Have a Budget): If you have a budget, Facebook/Instagram ads work well for parents of kids aged 3-10. Start with $5/day and test different images (book cover vs. kids reading it). Amazon ads can also boost visibility and help you target keywords like “bedtime stories” or “funny picture books.”
4. Long-Term Strategy: Write more books! A new book helps sell older ones, especially if you write a series.
5. Collaborate with Others: Guest post on parenting blogs and partner with kid-friendly brands for giveaways.

Be patient and persistent. Marketing takes time, but keep engaging, and your book will find its audience.

Final Tip:

Final Thoughts

Publishing takes patience, but seeing kids enjoy your book makes it all worthwhile. For professional support, browse our book cover portfolio or hire our custom book cover design services to make your book stand out in the market.

Whether you choose traditional, indie, or self-publishing, each path has its perks. Remember, every famous author started right where you are now. Keep believing in your story, take it step by step, and soon, you’ll be sharing your book with young readers everywhere!

Frequently asked questions

Have book cover design questions? We’ve got the answers. Email us for personalized support

Is it better to self-publish a children’s book or get a publisher?

Both options have their pros and cons. If you choose to self-publish, you’ll have full control over the story, design, and profits. However, you’ll also be responsible for everything, including editing, marketing, and paying for illustrations. On the other hand, working with a publisher means you’ll have a team to help you, and they’ll cover most of the costs. But you might have less control, and it can take a long time to get accepted. It really depends on your goals and how much time and money you’re willing to invest.

Is getting a children’s book published hard?

Yes, it can be challenging. Publishers receive thousands of book ideas, and only a small number get chosen. You need a strong story, great writing, and sometimes even an agent to help you connect with publishers. But if your book stands out and you’re determined, it’s definitely possible.

What types of children’s books are in demand?

In 2025, books that show diversity, talk about the environment or offer interactive experiences are very popular. Kids also enjoy graphic novels, fantasy adventures, and stories about animals. Books with humor or social justice themes are growing in popularity, too. Middle-grade books and book series are also selling well.

How much does it cost to illustrate a 32-page children’s book?

Most children’s picture books have 32 pages, with about 14 full illustrations. On average, it costs around $1,800 to get all the pictures done, especially if they include detailed backgrounds. The price may change depending on the artist’s experience and the style you want.