The Rewards and Challenges of Self-Publishing Children’s Books: Q&A with Four Authors

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The Rewards and Challenges of Self-Publishing Children’s Books: Q&A with Four Authors

As the traditional book publishing landscape becomes increasingly complex and competitive, more writers are considering independent paths. But given their audience, children’s book authors who self-publish face very different challenges from those who write for adults, especially in terms of design, production, and promotion.

Back in 2014, I asked literary agents Kevan Lyon and Kate McKean if children’s book authors should self-publish. In light of the many changes in book publishing since then, I thought I would continue the conversation, this time by speaking directly with writers who have published both traditionally and independently. Separately, I interviewed Zetta Elliott, who has released several books under her own imprint, including picture books; Brent Hartinger, who self-published a young adult series and a new adult series; Cheryl Klein, the author of a self-published a work of nonfiction; and Stephen Mooser, who released a middle grade book on his own.

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Shepherding a Self-Published Picture Book to Success: An Interview with Literary Agent Brenda Bowen

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Shepherding a Self-Published Picture Book to Success: An Interview with Literary Agent Brenda Bowen

Given the high costs of producing picture books and the challenges of distributing them, self-publishing hasn’t yet taken off for picture book writers as it has for writers of other categories. But this past fall, two self-published picture books made headlines for their transition from independent to traditional publishing.

First, Swedish author Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin received a seven-figure, two-book deal from Random House US and Penguin Random House UK for The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep. Then, Vermont-based writers and farm owners John and Jennifer Churchman received a six-figure, three-book deal from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) for their self-published book, Sweet Pea & Friends: The SheepOver.

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Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?

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Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?

Even though it’s become quite easy for writers to use Amazon KDP or other platforms to publish an e-book—and use print-on-demand technology to create a professional-looking print book—it’s still rare for literary fiction writers to self-publish.

I asked literary agents Vicky Bijur and Ayesha Pande if and when literary writers should consider this option, how it might affect their long-term careers, and what digital trends we might see in terms of marketing literary fiction.

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The Business of Self-Publishing Picture Books: Two Literary Agents Weigh in

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The Business of Self-Publishing Picture Books: Two Literary Agents Weigh in

Back in 1901, aspiring writer Beatrix Potter was frustrated with rejection letters from publishers, so she “privately published” 250 copies of her first book for distribution to friends and family. Within a year, The Tale of Peter Rabbit was picked up by Frederick Warne, one of the publishers that had originally turned it down. It is now one of the bestselling and most beloved children’s books of all time.

In Potter’s day, the phenomenon of self-publishing was rare and expensive, so much so that the first printing of The Tale of Peter Rabbit did not include color illustrations. Today, writers looking to self-publish have several platforms to choose from; Amazon’s KDP Kids, BookBaby, Blurb, and Lulu Jr. in particular are ideal for picture book writers.

I asked literary agents Erin Murphy and Susan Hawk their thoughts on self-publishing children’s books and what the future of the picture book might look like.

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Six Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Self-Publishing But Always Wanted to Traditionally Publish

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Six Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Self-Publishing But Always Wanted to Traditionally Publish

You’ve heard the stories: Self-publishing is the new wave. Unknown writers are self-publishing and hitting the jackpot. Well-known writers are doing the same. Finally, publishing has become a democracy in which the writer—not a gatekeeper at a traditional publishing house—has the power to green-light a book. And with all the different self-publishing platforms out there, it’s as easy as uploading a file and following the prompts.

But before you click on the “publish now” link, you might want to consider what self-publishing really entails. Unless you’re famous, have a built-in platform through your company, and/or have excellent social media marketing skills, finding readers beyond family, friends, and your writing community might be a challenge.

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