Childrens book marketing is a remarkable milestone, but the real challenge comes after the launch—getting your story into the hands of eager young readers. Unlike adult fiction, where authors market primarily to readers themselves, children’s book marketing requires reaching two audiences:

• Children (the readers) – who are drawn in by illustrations, characters, and engaging storytelling.

• Parents, teachers, and librarians (the buyers) – who make the purchasing decisions based on quality, educational value, and trust.

This dual audience makes marketing children’s books unique, requiring a balance of creativity, professionalism, and strategy. To help, here are the Top 10 marketing strategies every children’s book author should know.

1. Build a Professional Author Website

Your website is the hub of your online presence. It serves as your digital business card and provides a reliable space where parents, teachers, and readers can learn more about you and your books.

What Your Website Should Include

• A book page with descriptions, purchase links, and reviews

• An engaging author bio with photos or a personal story

• A blog featuring reading tips, activities, or parenting advice

• Free downloadable resources such as coloring pages, worksheets, or activity packs

A polished website communicates credibility and makes it easier for schools, libraries, and parents to trust your brand.

2. Grow an Engaged Email Newsletter

Email is one of the most effective tools for staying connected with your audience. Unlike social media, where algorithms decide visibility, email goes directly to your readers’ inboxes.

Tips for Building a List

• Offer a freebie like printable coloring sheets or a storytime guide in exchange for sign-ups.

• Send consistent newsletters with updates, giveaways, or sneak peeks of illustrations.

• Share valuable content such as teaching resources or literacy tips, ensuring your emails are useful—not just promotional.

A growing list of engaged subscribers becomes a long-term asset for promoting current and future books.

3. Use Social Media Strategically

While children aren’t active book buyers online, their parents, teachers, and caregivers are. Social media is an excellent platform to showcase your personality and connect with your target audience.

Best Platforms for Authors

• Instagram – Share illustrations, book photos, and behind-the-scenes stories.

• Pinterest – Post activity sheets and literacy resources parents can save.

• Facebook Groups – Engage with communities of parents, teachers, and librarians.

• TikTok (BookTok) – A growing hub for book discovery, including children’s titles.

Consistency is more important than frequency. Share meaningful content—such as read-aloud videos, writing insights, or parenting tips—that establishes you as a trusted voice in children’s literature.

4. Create Interactive Marketing Materials

Children’s books are naturally interactive, so your marketing should be too. Parents and teachers appreciate books that extend learning beyond the pages.

Examples of Interactive Materials

• Printable coloring pages featuring characters from your story

• Activity sheets, puzzles, or games related to your book’s themes

• A short, animated book trailer to spark excitement online

Interactive content encourages sharing and makes your book more appealing in educational and home settings.

5. Leverage Reviews and Endorsements

Parents and educators often rely on reviews before purchasing children’s books. Gathering positive feedback builds credibility and helps increase visibility on platforms like Amazon.

How to Get Reviews

• Send Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to parenting bloggers, book reviewers, and educators.

• Encourage satisfied readers to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

• Request endorsements from professionals such as teachers, librarians, or child development experts.

The more authentic reviews you have, the more trust your book earns.

6. Partner With Schools and Libraries

Schools and libraries are key partners for children’s authors because they connect you directly with your target audience.

Ways to Collaborate

• Offer author visits, both in-person and virtual. These events are highly valued by educators.

• Create curriculum guides that tie your book to educational standards, making it easier for teachers to adopt.

• Host storytime events at libraries to engage children and parents directly.

Building strong relationships with schools and libraries not only boosts sales but also establishes your reputation in the education community.

7. Sell on the Right Platforms

Making your book widely available is essential for visibility. Different platforms serve different purposes, so consider a combination of them.

Key Options

• Amazon KDP – Dominates the online children’s book market.

• Barnes & Noble Press – Expands distribution beyond Amazon.

• IngramSpark – Ensures your book is available to libraries and independent bookstores.

• Local Bookstores – Ideal for community events and signings.

Diversifying your sales channels increases the chances of reaching your ideal buyers.

8. Run Paid Ads

Organic reach has its limits. Paid advertising can boost your visibility significantly when used strategically.

Best Ad Platforms

• Amazon Ads – Appear in searches when parents shop for children’s books.

• Facebook and Instagram Ads – Target parents, teachers, and librarians by age, interests, and demographics.

• Google Ads – Place your book in front of those searching for “best books for kids” or similar queries.

Even a modest budget can yield meaningful results if ads are targeted correctly.

9. Write a Series or Collection

Children love familiar characters and recurring adventures. Writing a series helps build a loyal fan base and encourages repeat purchases.

Benefits of a Series

• Builds brand recognition

• Encourages long-term reader loyalty

• Opens opportunities for merchandise, spin-offs, or companion materials

A series transforms a single book into a long-term publishing career.

10. Attend Events and Book Fairs

In-person marketing creates personal connections that online strategies can’t replace.

Best Opportunities

• Local book fairs and festivals

• School literacy events with workshops or readings

• Library storytime sessions with interactive storytelling

Meeting parents, teachers, and children face-to-face leaves lasting impressions and helps you build a strong community presence.

Conclusion

Childrens book marketing requires both creativity and strategy. Unlike other genres, children’s books must appeal to kids while convincing parents, teachers, and librarians that the book is valuable.

By following these Top 10 strategies—building a website, starting a newsletter, using social media, creating interactive materials, seeking reviews, partnering with schools, selling on multiple platforms, running ads, writing a series, and attending events—you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Remember, you’re not just selling books. You’re nurturing imagination and inspiring a love of reading that can last a lifetime.