Congratulations! You have published a children’s book. Now comes the next and most important step: Promotion. Children are loyal readers but difficult to initially engage. This article includes sites for promoting children’s and young adult books.
1) EzineArticles- This is a site where you can write articles about almost anything. Include the link to your book (purchase page) and your site in the author’s GIS box to drive traffic. E how and other similar sites can also be considered as a promotional tool.
2) Bookmarket- This is a page that advises you how to proceed with the promotion. John Kremer’s 1001 Ways to Promote Your Book is a great resource for all authors. Writer’s Digest The Children’s Writers and Illustrators Marketplace provides a list of publishers and some tips on writing books.
3) Reviews – Reviews are a great way to promote your book. Send requests to all blogs and sites, big or small, for giveaways, reviews, and interviews. It helps your book a lot.
4) Readings: Read your book at a local children’s library or donate one to a school. You can leave books in all
places where children go
5) Podcast and Trailer: A trailer promotes a book well. A podcast is the solution for all those children who are lazy to read.
6) Screenplay – Usually, screenwriting is considered completely different from a novel. The most famous books are turned into movies and radio shows. However, you can use this move to promote your book in the first place. The BBC and other broadcasters accept manuscripts. However, getting one accepted can be difficult. Many screenwriting contests are also open to hobbyist writers. Children like to watch television.
7) Testimonials- Testimonials from famous people can help your book.
8) Press Release – This is a great way to let kids know your book is out. This works best for books aimed at a larger audience. Advertise your book launch in a children’s magazine or newspaper. This can cost money. Another way could be to become a writer for a children’s magazine or do interviews to promote your book.
9) Flyers, posters, etc.- They cost money to print but can be effective especially when it comes to children.
10) Website Advertising – Advertising on websites that have featured content in your book or similar content will help drive sales. Advertising on television is the best way to get children’s attention, but it is very expensive and children may not like to see advertising for a book.
11) Be included in children’s book catalogues.
12) Awards – Website awards or literary awards can help boost book sales. Again, this is somewhat difficult as literary awards have strict selection criteria. Many librarians prefer to buy books that are award winners. This also gives the book more exposure.
13) Make friends with librarians: Many children get into the habit of reading the books available in their library. For children under the age of twelve, their school library is their gateway to the world of books. Make sure you have your books stocked at local school libraries and even public ones. Kids don’t have much spending power, but if they try one of your free books and like it, chances are they’ll buy more.
Usually I would recommend social media, but it’s useless if your books are aimed at children under the age of twelve. Promote on teacher websites and student websites. I recommend it for any week of reading or class book. Try to influence the people and schools around you as much as possible. The websites are not very helpful as far as children are concerned because most of their viewing on the internet is censored. That’s why I don’t recommend e-books either. The YA audience is more open to eBooks and is more influenced by the Internet. Also, while cost is very important, it is not a very important factor in children’s books compared to adult books.
All the best with marketing!
