World of Children’s Book Publishing: My Journey to Finding the Right Path
As a pediatric psychologist with 39 years of experience—including six years dedicated exclusively to children’s mental health—I’ve spent decades coaching parents through developmental challenges. But nothing prepared me for the moment I became the struggling parent: when my 3½-year-old son Aaron was diagnosed with leukemia, and we faced the unimaginable task of getting him to swallow 20-40 medications daily.
Like countless caregivers, I initially met tears, gagging, and resistance—until I applied the same behavioral strategies I’d taught thousands of families. Within two hours, Aaron mastered pill-swallowing. Within days, he was gulping multiples at once. That journey, which saved my son’s life (and now sees him thriving as a healthy father himself), became the heartbeat of Noah Takes His Medicine: a dual-purpose book pairing science-backed coaching techniques for parents with a humorous, child-friendly story to ease medication struggles.
But writing it was only half the battle. Like you, I soon faced the daunting question: How do I get this lifeline into the hands of families who need it? Over the past year, I’ve navigated the maze of children’s book publishers, evaluated children’s book publishing companies, and dissected how to self-publish a children’s book. Today, I’ll share hard-won insights to help you choose your path—whether through traditional channels or the self-publishing wilderness.
Noah takes his medicine
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Which Route Is Right for You?
When I first started researching how to get a children’s book published, I assumed traditional publishing was the “gold standard.” Submitting to children’s book publishers like Penguin Random House or Scholastic felt like the dream—landing an agent, securing a deal, and letting a team handle the rest. But after months of rejections (a rite of passage, I learned), I realized the industry is fiercely competitive. Many publishers prioritize established authors or celebrity names, leaving newcomers like me in a tough spot.
That’s when I pivoted to researching children’s book publishing companies that cater to indie authors or hybrid models. While some offered promising opportunities, the costs and creative compromises made me hesitate. Which brings me to Plan B: how to self-publish a children’s book.
The Self-Publishing Route: Print-on-Demand and Quality Considerations
Self-publishing isn’t just a fallback—it’s a legitimate, empowering path. But as I discovered, how to get a children’s book published through this method hinges on choosing the right print-on-demand (POD) service. High-quality color reproduction is non-negotiable for children’s books, so I dove into Reddit threads and forums to compare options. Here’s what stood out:
- Pros: User-friendly, global distribution, and no upfront costs. Perfect for beginners.
- Cons: Print quality can be inconsistent, especially for vibrant illustrations. Plus, your book must be listed publicly on Amazon.
- Pros: Slightly better color accuracy and paper quality. Great for reaching brick-and-mortar stores.
- Cons: Steeper learning curve and frustrating customer service.
- Pros: Premium print quality—ideal for special editions or family keepsakes.
- Cons: Higher per-unit costs, making them less practical for large-scale sales.
For me, Amazon KDP became the starting point due to its accessibility, but I’d use IngramSpark for a “premium” edition down the line.
Key Lessons for Aspiring Children’s Book Authors
Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing, here’s what I wish I’d known earlier:
- Polish Your Manuscript Relentlessly: Publishers and readers alike prioritize storytelling. Hire an editor familiar with children’s book publishers’ standards.
- Invest in Professional Illustrations: Even the best story falls flat without engaging visuals. Budget for this—it’s worth it.
- Research Distribution Early: If you self-publish, understand each POD platform’s reach. Amazon KDP dominates online sales, but IngramSpark opens doors to libraries and indie bookstores.
- Market Like Your Career Depends on It: Social media, local readings, and school visits are essential. No publisher (traditional or indie) will do all the legwork for you.
Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
The question of how to get a children’s book published doesn’t have a single right answer. Traditional publishing offers prestige but demands patience; self-publishing offers creative control but requires hustle. For me, blending both paths—using POD services to test the market while querying agents—has kept my momentum alive.
If you’re just starting out, remember: Your story matters. Whether it reaches readers through children’s book publishing companies or your own grit, the joy of holding your book in your hands (or seeing a child’s face light up while reading it) makes every hurdle worth it.
Have questions about how to self-publish a children’s book or want to share your own journey? Drop a comment below—let’s chat!
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on navigating the wild, wonderful world of children’s books!
