How to Write, Market and Sell Children's Books, A Comprehensive Guide: Just About Everything You Should Know & Consider

by Kathleen J. Shields

When I first tiptoed into the book publishing industry I was as green as a four-leaf clover.

I discovered writers’ workshops charge hopeful authors hundreds of dollars with the promise of turning their book into a bestseller but they are so generic it doesn’t really help. I also learned that the information provided does not contain the details necessary for children’s books to find success.

This is not a get-rich-quick-scheme. There are no secrets to book publishing. This is an in-depth roadmap to what lies ahead if you decide to take this journey. All of this will take talent, time, hard work and desire.

Inside you will How to write for children utilizing proper vocabulary and grammar. Determine if your story is for a picture book, early reader or chapter book.Choosing between traditional publishing, vanity, hybrid or self-publishing.Learn the stages of editing with Tips & Tricks for the pre-editing process. How to find illustrators, format your interior and design a great book cover.The pre-marketing and post-marketing process and how marketing never ends.How and where to get book reviews and use those reviews to build momentum.How to pick popular keyword phrases to ensure your book is discoverable.Marketing direct to the public, powerful strategies and suggestions.How to visit schools, bookstores and attend other public events. The Dark Side of Publishing, what other authors won’t tell you or prepare you for.Writing a book can be Hard. Marketing can be even Harder.

“I hope you gain valuable insight and enough inspiration throughout these pages to meet your goal of becoming a successful children’s book author.” Kathleen J. Shields is a multiple award-winning author with more than 40 published books.

461 pages, ebook

First published June 27, 2024

About the author

Kathleen J. Shields is an award-winning, multi-genre author best known for The Hamilton Troll Adventures, which earned First Place Best Educational Children’s Series from the Texas Association of Authors. Her childhood creation The First Unibear, written at age ten, has won six awards and counting. She also received global recognition for The First Unicorn and her Christian fiction trilogy, The Painting.
While awaiting illustrations, Kathleen writes chapter books for tweens and general audiences, blending education with engaging stories to inspire a lifelong love of reading—and possibly writing. She openly shares her decades of knowledge with fellow writers, always eager to help others grow in their craft.
Kathleen also runs Kathleen’s Graphics, offering web and graphic design services, custom book covers, interior formatting, book trailers, press releases, and more. She freelances for printing companies and publishers and thrives on learning new skills through creative challenges.
In addition, she writes an inspirational blog about her experiences as an author, entrepreneur, and Christian, offering thoughtful, uplifting insights meant to spark reflection and gather future readers.

Reviews

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a new author first enters the publishing world, they quickly realize that many writing workshops offer vague, costly advice and are especially unhelpful for aspiring children’s book authors. This guide provides a realistic, detailed roadmap for writing, publishing, and marketing children’s books, covering everything from choosing the right format and finding illustrators to building long-term marketing strategies. With a focus on hard work over hype, it also reveals the often-overlooked challenges of the industry to help writers prepare for every stage of the journey.

This book took me a while to get through. The author is very thorough in detailing the route that worked for her as a children’s book author. Every aspect of the writing and publishing process are explained.

This does mean that at times it all feels overwhelming and I had to put it down. There is a lot of information to take in. I would recommend that any reader should jump to the chapters they are most interested in (such as chapters about picture books, etc) and not read from front to back. There’s also a strange advertisement in the middle of the book about the author’s publishing service and everything she offers.

I appreciated the author’s thoroughness and attention to detail. I would recommend this to any new author looking for a little help to find their way.

I received a free copy from the author and all opinions are (belatedly) my own.

[Romuald Dzemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterclass on writing children's books

How to Write, Market, and Sell Children's Books by Kathleen J. Shields is a treasure trove for aspiring children's authors. It is an incredibly comprehensive and insightful book that covers everything from the basics of writing for children to the intricacies of publishing and marketing. Shields' authority on the subject shines through in her writing, and her extensive background as an award-winning author with nearly forty published titles is evident in the depth of her knowledge and expertise. She covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of age-appropriate language and themes to the challenges of traditional versus self-publishing, and offers practical advice and actionable tips about the writing craft.

This book focuses on the marketing side of authorship. Shields provides a wealth of information on constructing a brand, building a platform, and effectively utilizing social media to reach target audiences. She also discusses the essential role of critique groups and editors and the importance of working with illustrators and navigating the printing process. What I found most compelling about this book was its engaging tone and uplifting message. Shields' writing is clear, concise, and upbeat. Her enthusiasm for storytelling and her passion for helping others bring their stories to life are infectious, and I felt inspired to dive back into my writing projects.

[Jhenivi Oserio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen J. Shields’ How to Write, Market and Sell Children’s Books is an essential resource for new and seasoned children’s authors. This comprehensive guide discusses the unique aspects of writing for young readers, covering everything from crafting engaging narratives to understanding the nature of the publishing landscape. Shields distinguishes children’s literature from other genres, highlighting the necessity of age-appropriate themes, language, and character development. With nearly forty published works to her name, Shields offers invaluable insights drawn from her extensive experience. She addresses crucial stages of the writing process, including idea generation and the importance of authentic storytelling. Her discussions on editing—covering various editor roles and the significance of critique groups—are particularly enlightening. Moreover, Shields emphasizes the often-overlooked marketing side of authorship, providing actionable branding strategies and effectively utilizing social media to connect with audiences. Her exploration of the evolving dynamics of traditional and self-publishing adds an extra layer of relevance.

[Farnham68 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is the most thorough book or reference material I’ve ever seen on writing and publishing a book. It doesn’t have to be a children’s book to get some of the authors keen insights insights on how the publishing industry works. She literally tells you what to do and how to do it and leaves no stone unturned. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book and feel like you didn’t know how to go about doing it, the author literally walks you right through then entire process, and short of writing it all for you, she takes the guess work out of what to do next. She even gives advice on how to capture your target audience. After reading this book I feel completely comfortable and capable of getting my book written and published if I had one to write! It almost made me want to stop and write one! Just because she made it seem that simple! If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, you’re going to love this one. Money well spent!

[Dan Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Soup to Nuts book about writing, marketing, and selling your book. While the writing portions are more geared towards early readers through young adults, the marking and selling sections will apply to most books. The book is broken down into multiple chapters and sections to allow readers to quickly find their desired focus area.

Full faith in advertising: I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program.

[Rakhi (New Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you could find a comprehensive guide that truly prepares you for the journey of writing, marketing, and selling children’s books?

That's exactly the book I found, How to Write, Market and Sell Children's Books, A Comprehensive Guide: Just About Everything You Should Know & Consider by Kathleen J. Shields

When I first picked up this book, I was intrigued. Unlike other resources that charge hefty fees for generic advice, this guide dives deep into the specifics of children's literature. I was impressed at the wealth of practical information and invaluable insights it offers.

This book covers everything from understanding the nuances of writing for different age groups to navigating the complex world of publishing options.


The highlight of this guide is its unique honest approach. It doesn’t promise quick riches or easy success; instead, it lays out a realistic roadmap that requires talent, time, and dedication.

I helpful lessons for the detailed sections on pre-editing tips, finding illustrators, and designing eye-catching covers. The marketing strategies were especially enlightening, highlighting the importance of continuous effort and creative promotion.


Are you looking to become a successful children’s book author? This book is a must-read for anyone serious about it. It’s filled with actionable advice, real-world examples, and motivational guidance.


Overall, start your rewarding journey today.

[Kathleen J. Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comprehensive collection of information specific to children's books.