How to Succeed in Self-Publishing Children’s Books Online?

The self-publishing market is booming with children’s books leading the way. Popular platforms like Amazon KDP have made self-publishing children’s books easier for independent authors and small publishers.

As per the industry projections, the self-publishing service market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 4.73%, 38.71 billion by 2031. The figures are fancy, but writing a good children’s book story doesn’t guarantee your market success. You require the right marketing tools and strategies to grow your publishing business online.

Partner with seasoned eCommerce developers like us and start your journey to become a successful publisher. This blog provides five actionable strategies to grow your publishing business online — big or small.

Let’s dive in.

Challenges in Self-Publishing Children’s Books Business

Self-publishing books is riddled with obstacles. Here are the common challenges children’s book publishers and independent authors often face. 

1. Intense Competition

Thousands of children’s books are published every day. Standing out is difficult without a compelling story, unique themes, and effective digital marketing strategies.

2. Expensive Illustrations 

Illustrations are essential for children’s books, but they come at a heavy price tag. Self-publishing a children’s book with illustrations​ can cost extra, from $500 to $5000. Add to that editing ($300–$1,500), formatting ($100–$500), and marketing ($200–$1,000). The overall expense could go beyond reach for new authors and small-scale publishers.

3. Lack of Marketing Expertise

Most children’s book publishers aren’t marketers. They don’t know how to market books online on social media, via SEO, or paid ads. Poor marketing leads to low digital visibility and limited book sales.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Book publishing companies must comply with copyright laws and create child-appropriate content. Neglecting these can lead to costly legal disputes.

5. Alternative Digital Options

Many readers are switching to digital options. Don’t just stick hard copies. Introduce digital formats, audiobooks, or personalized storybooks to meet changing customer preferences.  

Self-Publish Children’s Books with 5 Strategies

Self-publishing children’s books is a great opportunity. However, independent authors must implement these five actionable strategies to achieve market success.

1. Leverage Print-on-Demand Services

You don’t need a traditional book publisher to reach your readers anymore. Print-on-demand services let you publish books quickly, affordably, and hassle-free.

Here’s how to do it:  

• Consider Platforms: Create books with popular services like Kindle Direct Publishing,  IngramSpark, and Blurb.
• Integrate Seamlessly: Connect print-on-demand tools like Printful to your online store for automatic printing and shipping.
• Include Multiple Formats: Provide diverse readers with paperback, hardcover, and digital options. 
• Simplify Order Management: Handle orders, inventory, and fulfillment from one easy-to-use dashboard.

2. Create Book Subscription Models

Subscription models ensure recurring revenue and customer loyalty. Introduce age-specific book subscription plans to expand your market reach.

Here’s how to do it:  

• Set Up a Subscription Tool: Use WooCommerce Subscriptions, Shopify apps, or custom-built systems for recurring billing.
• Personalize Plans: Offer themed subscriptions for holidays, birthdays, or other age-based milestones. 
• Automate Operations: Enable automatic renewals, notifications, and print-on-demand fulfillment.
• Add Customer Loyalty Features: Build a rewards program where subscribers earn points for referrals, renewals, and repeat purchases.
• Test for Scalability: Optimize for seamless checkout and mobile responsiveness to handle growth.

3. Expand & Invest in Digital Formats

Globally, there will be over 1.2 billion eBook readers by 2027 and 1.8 bn audiobook listeners by 2029. Diversify and tap into the booming market.   Digital formats help independent authors grow their fanbase and earn extra.

Here’s how to do it: 

• Add eBooks: Complement physical copies with eBooks to reach tech-savvy readers.
• Offer Audiobooks: Expand your market and let people listen to your books on the go. 
• Create Order Bundles: Combine digital and physical versions and attract a bigger market.

4. Self-Publishing Children’s Books with Marketing Strategy

Publishing a book is just the start—getting it into readers’ hands is what matters. A strong marketing plan helps turn your books into bestsellers.  

Here is how to do it: 

• Use Targeted Ads: Run ads on Google and Facebook to reach parents and gift buyers.
• Start Email Campaigns: Promote your book with tailored email outreach campaigns.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with parenting bloggers and educators to make your book popular online.
• Track Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics to optimize campaigns for better conversions and performance. 

5. Integrate Personalized Storybook Tool

Wonderbly has sold over 8 million children’s personalized storybooks, reinforcing the power of customization. Add a personalized storybook tool to your website to drive repeat purchases and generate revenue. 

Here’s how to do it: 

• Enable Custom Features: Let shoppers personalize their experience using names, characters, and dedications in their books.
• Build a Personalized Store: Create a personalized storybook store for an intuitive user experience.
• Test and Launch: Ensure seamless functionality, mobile compatibility, and smooth checkout flows.

Benefits of Self-Publishing Children’s Books Online

1. Creative Freedom

Retain control over your content, illustrations, and pricing without interference from traditional book publishers.

2. Higher Royalties

Earn up to 70% in royalties on platforms like Amazon KDP, compared to 10-15% with traditional book publishers.

3. Faster Time-to-Market

Self-publishing children’s books enables you to roll out in weeks instead of months or years.

4. Scalability

Expand your reach globally using online book publishing platforms like Amazon KDP with minimal investment. 

5. Enhanced User Engagement

Use tools like WordPress book preview software and let your customers create unique stories, driving effective user engagement to generate revenue. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Self-Publishing Children’s Books Online? 

Self-publishing is a lucrative opportunity for independent authors. While there are market challenges, we have shared 5 proven ways to monetize your children’s book website or eCommerce store. 

Implement these proven strategies and watch your book publishing business thrive online.  If you are looking for custom solutions to build or grow your book publishing business, our Shopify development company can help. 

Contact us and start your journey to earn success in publishing your books.