Why self-publish your children's book?

A few reasons to self-publish your children's book:

Kids really enjoy reading books and have quite an appetite for them. As a result, the children’s book industry continues to grow every year.

The children’s book industry is highly competitive, and publishers are experiencing huge “slush piles” of author queries to get through. Only a small percentage of manuscripts will get published.

It is possible for self published children’s books to be successful. After selling 10,000 copies of Time Stops For No Mouse in 2000, the author Michael Hoeye sold the book and sequel rights to Putnam for b$1.8 million.

Publishers are looking for children’s books with mass market appeal. If you happen to have a highly narrow and targeted subject, you will receive resistance from the mass market publishers.

When you self-publish, you have complete control over all aspects of the book. You have the final say about the illustrations, editing, and cover design. You also retain all rights to your book. This is not the case if you get traditionally published. The publisher will have the final say over every aspect of the book. (This is because they are footing the money for the whole production.)

You also have the potential to make more money self-publishing than being published. In a traditional arrangement, you are paid by royalties (generally about 7-9%) on each book sold, based on the retail price of the book. Sometimes the author ends up sharing the royalties with the illustrator. For example, your could make $1.50 per book if your book is being sold for $19.95. On the flipside, if you self publish, you could potentially earn 100% of the profits.

Before you self-publish, your time would be well spent if you educate yourself on the industry and the risks and rewards of both. Then, make an educated decision based on the facts. Do whatever is best for you.