Writing a children’s book is fun, but getting people actually to find it? That’s the Part nobody warns you about. You finish your story, you feel proud, you hold your book in your hands, and then suddenly you’re like,
“Okay, so how do I get this in front of real kids and real parents?”
And yeah, marketing for children’s books feels different. Kids don’t buy books, but parents, teachers, and librarians do. And all these groups look for other things. The complete procedure can feel confusing and overwhelming. You aren’t alone in this because every children’s author goes through the same “now what?” moment.
The good thing is you don’t need to do anything wild or expensive. You don’t need a big team or a big budget. You just need a few simple things that actually work in real life. Stuff that helps people notice your book without making you feel like you suddenly have to become some marketing expert.
And that’s what this blog is. Just the basic, real stuff every children’s book needs to get a little shine. So, let’s get started with the small details using simple steps.
Getting Into the Essential Marketing Stuff for Children’s Books
Before we jump into strategies, let’s think about it. Children’s books aren’t like other books. Here, the readers and the buyers aren’t the same people. So you need a tiny bit of a mindset shift before anything else.
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Know Who You’re Really Talking To
Here’s the funny thing about children’s books that you’re writing for kids, but you’re marketing to adults.
Parents, teachers, librarians, they’re the ones deciding what ends up in a kid’s hands. So you have two audiences at once.
This is where things like children’s book marketing services can help, because they already understand these different groups. But even without any professional service, you can still get the basics right.
Here’s how you can think about it:
- Kids care about fun characters, colours, and a story that feels alive.
- Parents care about values, safety, and learning.
- Teachers look for educational points.
- Librarians want quality and themes kids relate to.
You don’t need to please everyone perfectly. Just understand what each group looks for so your message doesn’t miss the mark.
| Who Buys the Book | What They Look For |
| Parents | Positive message, simple language |
| Teachers | Learning value, clear themes |
| Librarians | Quality writing, age fit |
| Kids | Fun characters, colours, excitement |
Once you get who you’re talking to, everything else gets easier.
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Build a Little Buzz Around Your Book
Kids’ books don’t sell by staying quiet. They grow when people talk about them, even a little bit.
And don’t worry, because buzz doesn’t mean big PR or a huge campaign. It can be tiny, homemade, and still work really well.
You can start by sharing small things. A cute character sketch, a page that made you smile. Or behind-the-scenes moment like “my cat sat on my drafts again.” People love that real stuff because it feels warm.
Try these simple things:
- Post your illustrations while you’re still working on them.
- Ask a friend’s kid (if comfortable) what they liked and share their funny comment.
- Make a short, messy video talking about why this book matters to you.
- Share a before and after of your writing or drawings.
| Type of Buzz | What You Can Share |
| Visual | Sketches, colours, characters |
| Personal | Why did you write the book |
| Fun/Small | Kids’ reactions, funny mistakes |
| Progress | Drafts, edits, early pages |
Little moments build trust, and trust is what makes families say, “Okay, let’s try this book.”
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Make Your Book Look and Feel Good
Kids notice things fast. Colours, shapes, faces, they pick up everything before even reading a single word. So the way your book looks matters just as much as the story inside. You don’t need to be some big illustrator or designer. Think about these simple things:
- Bright colours make kids curious.
- Clear and big fonts help them read comfortably.
- Friendly characters make them want to turn the page.
- Simple layouts keep them from getting lost.
And honestly, if you’re not sure, ask a kid because kids don’t lie. If they like something, you’ll know right away. If they don’t, you’ll know.
| Element | Why It Helps Kids |
| Bright colours | Grabs attention |
| Simple layouts | Easier to follow |
| Big fonts | Helps early readers |
| Fun characters | Makes the story engaging |
Just remember that kids love fun and comfort. If the book feels friendly, they’ll want more.
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Make Your Book Marketing Easy to Discover
It doesn’t matter how good your book is if people can’t find it. And honestly, the kids’ book world is crowded like, really crowded. You need to do a few small things to help your book show up where parents and teachers already look.
This is where book marketing companies UK sometimes step in, because they know the platforms and the tricks.
For example:
- Make sure your book title and description are super clear. No complicated words.
- Share fun little pieces of your story on social media. Even a small clip of an illustration helps.
- Talk about the book in a simple, friendly way. People love honesty more than a “perfect pitch.”
Where People Usually Find New Children’s Books
| Place | Why It Matters |
| Social Media | Parents scroll A LOT |
| School circles | Teachers share book ideas |
| Libraries | Kids discover new stories |
| Bookstores (online/offline) | Easy browsing for adults |
Make your book visible, even in small ways, and people will slowly start to notice it.
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Share Your Book in Places Where Kids Actually Are
Kids don’t discover books the way adults do. They’re not scrolling online or reading reviews. They’re in schools, libraries, play areas, story-time groups, and anywhere crayons and snacks exist.
So bring your book into their world. You don’t need a huge setup. Show up with your book, a smile, and a silly voice for storytelling. Kids love that stuff.
Here we have mentioned a few places:
- Local libraries (they love author visits)
- School reading days
- Book fairs
- Community centres
- Playgroups and small reading circles
Small in-person moments often do more than any online post. Kids connect fast, and when they love something, they tell everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a huge budget to market my book?
No, you don’t. Small steps work too. Even some small posts, sketches, or story readings help people notice your book.
- Do I need perfect illustrations or design?
Not perfect. Just friendly, colourful, easy to follow. Kids notice fun and comfort more than perfection.
- Is social media really useful for children’s books?
Yes, but small stuff works. Share a character sketch, a funny line, or a short page. People notice real, simple posts.
The Ending Notes
Marketing a children’s book doesn’t have to be fancy or stressful. You don’t need a giant budget or a big team. Mostly, it is about understanding who you are talking to, making your book easy to find, and sharing it so kids and adults can see it.
Even tiny steps help. A quick post, a short story reading, a peek at your illustrations, all these little things can make people notice your book. Sure, professional book marketing services can make it easier, but you can do a lot on your own, too.
The trick is to keep it simple and real. Kids like fun and being friendly. On the other hand, adults notice honesty. That’s what makes your book stick.
