Thinking of publishing children’s books? Whether it’s a quirky picture book or an early chapter series, getting your story into young readers’ hands is magical, and surprisingly complex.
From illustrations to format choices, publishing children’s books comes with unique challenges and creative decisions. But don’t worry. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what you’ll need, and how to get your book out into the world—your way.
What Makes Children’s Books Different?
Publishing a children’s book isn’t just about writing fewer words. You’re also thinking about visual storytelling, educational value, age-appropriate language, and—if we’re being honest—impressing the grown-ups who actually buy the books.
Marketing children’s books is not easy. Depending on your target age range, your process (and publishing costs) may vary:
- Picture Books (Ages 0–6): These are highly illustrated, usually 24–32 pages, and word counts range from 100 to 800 words. You’ll need a great illustrator, strong pacing, and a simple but emotionally resonant story.
- Early Readers (Ages 6–8): These bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books. Expect short sentences, repetition, and simple plots with illustrations sprinkled throughout.
- Chapter Books & Middle Grade (Ages 7–12): These feature longer narratives, fewer illustrations, and characters that grow over time. Chapter books typically fall around 10,000–20,000 words; middle-grade books can go up to 50,000.
Your Publishing Options
Just like with adult books, you can publish children’s books through traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, or self-publishing. Each comes with different trade-offs in control, cost, and reach.
Self-Publishing: Creative Freedom & Direct Reach
Self-publishing lets you maintain full control over your story, illustrations, and marketing. But it does mean wearing multiple hats or hiring others to help.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Finding and paying your own illustrator
- Choosing trim sizes, paper types, and formats (paperback, hardcover, eBook)
- Uploading your files to platforms like KDP or IngramSpark
- Managing your marketing and sales
Traditional Publishing: Competitive but Respected
Going the traditional route means submitting to agents or publishers who specialize in children’s books. If accepted, they handle the production, distribution, and marketing—but the process can take years, and your creative input may be limited.
Hybrid Publishing: The Middle Ground
Hybrid publishers help you publish professionally (often with editing, illustration, and marketing help) in exchange for an upfront investment. Choose carefully—many specialize in children’s books and can guide you through the age-appropriate expectations.
Not sure how self-publishing compares to hybrid models? Read this breakdown on hybrid publishing.
Finding the Right Illustrator
Unless you’re an illustrator yourself, you’ll need a professional who understands the children’s book market. The illustrations don’t just support the text—they tell the story.
Tips:
- Look for illustrators with experience in children’s publishing
- Request a sample spread before signing a contract
- Match the style to your story’s tone and age group
Some hybrid publishers or author services teams offer illustrator pairings as part of their packages—just be sure to review their portfolio first.
Print Considerations for Kids’ Books
- Trim Size: Picture books often come in square or landscape layouts. Early readers are smaller, easier to hold.
- Paper Type: Go for thicker, high-quality paper for illustrated books.
- Color Printing: Be aware that full-color printing (especially in bulk) is more expensive, which may affect your pricing strategy.
Interested in writing your own story? Winterwolf Press can help you in publishing your memoir in this article.
Marketing Children’s Books
Unlike adult genres, you’re often not marketing to the reader—you’re marketing to parents, teachers, librarians, and booksellers.
Ways to promote:
- Book readings at local schools or libraries
- Collaborations with parenting bloggers and bookstagrammers
- Listing your book with wholesalers like Ingram for library distribution
- Offering signed copies or educational resources through your author site
Final Thoughts
Publishing children’s books is a joyful and rewarding path, but it’s not always simple. From age-specific formats to illustration partnerships and marketing strategies, there’s a lot to learn—but plenty of support out there.
Whether you’re writing bedtime stories, early chapter adventures, or whimsical tales with talking animals, you’re building something that could stick with a child for life. That’s a pretty incredible legacy.
And if you’re looking for a team that understands both the creative magic and the technical stuff? Winterwolf Press offers publishing options and support for authors who want to publish professional, heart-filled children’s books—without going it alone. From editing and layout to illustrations and marketing, we can help bring your story to life.
Curious about working with us? Visit our publishing services page or reach out to learn more.
