Choosing Your Path to Becoming a Children's Book Author

Episode Overview

Welcome to Episode 50 of Adventures in the Heart of Children’s Book Authors! This is a special celebration episode where we’re taking a step back to reflect on everything we’ve learned from 50 incredible conversations with children’s book authors and industry professionals.

The heart of this episode centers on one fundamental truth: most children’s book authors aren’t chasing fame or fortune—they’re chasing the joy of holding their published book in their hands and sharing it with children.

Key Topics Discussed

The Real Goal of Children’s Book Authors
- Authors want to experience the accomplishment of seeing their book in print
- The dream is to read their stories to kids, grandkids, and children in schools and libraries
- Almost universally, authors have multiple books waiting in their hearts to be released

Understanding Your Publishing Options

Hybrid or Independant Publishing Route:
- Uses Hybrid-publishing services and platforms
- Companies mentioned include Miriam Laundry Publishing, Greenleaf Publishing, Yorkshire Publishing, Book Fox Press, and Blue Balloon Books
- These hybrid and Independant publishers handle much of the uncertainty and technical work
- You’ll get a beautiful, professionally produced book
- However, you typically won’t earn back your investment (average children’s books sell 100-500 copies over their lifetime)

Self-Publishing Route:
- You become the publisher of your own books
- Requires assembling your own “publishing dream team”
- More control and potentially lower costs than hybrid publishers
- You need to sell only one-third to one-half fewer books to break even compared to traditional self-publishing

Building Your Publishing Dream Team

If you choose the indie route, you’ll want to assemble a team that includes:
- Editor – to refine your manuscript
- Illustrator – to bring your story to life visually
- Cover Designer – for front and back cover design
- Book Formatter – to create files for distribution to Amazon, IngramSparks, and other platforms
- Website Designer – to establish your author presence online

Pro Tip: A good book formatter can help you navigate the technical side and is typically one of the more affordable team members.

Critical Logistics for Self-Published Authors

ISBNs:
- In the United States, you need to purchase ISBNs (relatively easy but be cautious about bulk buying and overordering)
- In Canada, ISBNs are free and the process is straightforward

Additional Design Assets:
- Consider hiring a graphic artist for book plates and activity sheets
- Often, your cover designer can help with these extras

Key Insights & Quotes

“The one key takeaway I’ve taken from talking to all my children’s book author guests is that their main goal is to have a published children’s book in their hands.”

“Almost 100% of children’s book authors are not in it for fame and fortune. The average children’s book sells between 100 and 500 copies over its lifetime.”

“With a little effort you can assemble your own children’s book publishing team and become your own book publisher and save yourself thousands of dollars in development and publishing costs.”****

The Self-Publishing Advantage

By assembling your own dream team, you can:
- Save thousands of dollars compared to hybrid publishers
- Redirect those savings toward distribution, marketing, and sales
- Maintain more control over your book and publishing timeline
- Build relationships with professionals who understand your vision

But here’s the honest truth: You’re not guaranteed to earn back your investment as an self-publised author—but you’ll only need to sell significantly fewer copies to break even compared to traditional self-publishing routes.

About Earned Media

The episode also explores an important concept for authors: earned media.

Earned media is marketing by third parties that isn’t paid for. It’s the result of your book brand, public relations efforts, and customer experience.

This podcast is a third-party entity that helps introduce children’s book authors to readers and pulls back the curtain so potential readers can get to know you. When you appear as a guest, you receive:
- A recorded podcast interview (content asset)
- Your book cover featured as episode art
- Instant book and brand recognition
- No guest fees required

The challenge: Many authors don’t fully leverage this earned media opportunity. The podcast host is now creating an earned media recap sheet to help guests maximize the value of their appearance.

A Milestone Moment

This 50th episode represents significant growth for the podcast:
- Awarded as Best Children’s Literature Podcast by Millions Podcast
- Ranks among the top children’s book author podcasts when you search Apple Podcasts
- Far exceeded the minimum 10 episodes recommended to build podcast traction

The Bottom Line: Which Path Is Right for You?

Choose Self-Publishing if:
- The logistics of self-publishing feel overwhelming
- You want to focus your energy on marketing, events, and sales
- You have a strong retail bookstore network
- You possess genuine sales and marketing skills
- You simply want a beautiful published book without the business side

Choose Self-Publishing if:
- You’re willing to invest time in assembling a team
- You want more control over the process
- You’re interested in maximizing your financial efficiency
- You see potential for multiple books in your future

The most important thing? Choose the path that keeps you moving toward your goal: holding your published children’s book in your hands.

What’s Coming Next

The podcast will continue to feature:
- Self-published, independent, hybird and traditional children’s book authors sharing their journeys
- Representatives from publishing companies explaining their services
- Members of the publishing dream team (editors, illustrators, formatters, designers) as guests
- Content to help aspiring authors make informed decisions about their publishing path

Call to Action

Are you an aspiring children’s book author with a published book? The podcast welcomes you to reach out and consider joining as a guest. It’s a valuable opportunity for earned media and connecting with children’s book readers and fellow authors.

Are you a children’s book reader? Keep exploring the podcast to discover your next favorite author and story.

No matter where you are in your journey, remember: Your dream of becoming a published children’s book author is achievable. The path might look different for everyone, but the destination—that moment of holding your book in your hands—is absolutely within reach.

Listen to the full episode to hear more insights from 50 episodes of author conversations, and stay tuned for future episodes featuring publishing dream team members who can help bring your children’s book to life.