Most of my clients are one-timers. This means they have an idea and take the steps to turn that idea into a children’s book. They’re not interested in more than one book. But I also have a number of children’s book series clients. They can envision their story covering more ground than one book. Most of these clients are professionals in the children’s health field. They include psychologists, therapists, pediatricians, and even dentists. They want to help children beyond their patients within their physical location. This doesn’t mean a series writer needs to be a professional in some field, I’m a children’s fiction writer and I have writing friends in the same category. Why I bring this up is that the one-time book writer doesn’t have their mind on what’s needed to sell their books. They’ll do the basics, such as an author website and light book marketing. But the series writers are knee-deep in what they need to do to sell their books, to reach a large audience. So how do you go about selling your children’s book series? Creating and marketing a children's book series can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some steps and strategies to consider: 1. Develop an Engaging Story and Characters: Create a captivating and age-appropriate storyline with relatable and believable characters that children can connect with. Ensure that the themes and messages of the series align with the target age group. 2. Consistency and Continuity: Plan the series to have a consistent theme or underlying message throughout. Maintain continuity in the characters' development and storyline across books to keep readers engaged and invested. 3. Editing, Formatting, and Design: You may have an engaging story but if it’s not professionally edited, it will detract from the message you want to send. And just as important, a poorly edited, formatted, and designed book will decrease the chances that a reader will bother moving onto the next books in the series. Readers, even young readers, don’t want to be cheated of a professionally produced book. 3. Book Cover Design: Book covers help sell books. Invest in professional book cover design that is visually appealing and representative of the story and characters. Eye-catching covers can attract attention and increase interest in the series. 4. Quality Illustrations (if applicable): If your children's book series includes illustrations, make sure they are of high quality and complement the text well. Children are drawn to visually appealing books. A lot can go wrong with illustrations, so check them carefully as the illustrator creates them and after they’re in the interior print-ready file. 5. Publishing Options: Decide whether you want to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing. Traditional publishing may offer wider distribution and marketing support, although many publishers are cutting back on marketing support. Self-publishing provides more control over the process and more money from sales. The drawback is you will pay for everything from editing, formatting, design, illustrations, covers, and so on. If you’re not sure of the self-publishing process, check out Writers on the Move Press for information. 6. Promotion and Marketing Strategies: -Target Audience: Identify your target audience, which may include parents, teachers, librarians, and, most importantly, children within a specific age range. -Online Presence: Build an author website and create social media profiles to connect with readers and promote your books. It’s important to keep in mind that social media marketing doesn’t have the power it used to. The networks only share your posts to a fraction of your connections, so be sure to take advantage of other strategies. -Book Launch: Organize a book launch event (online or offline) to generate initial buzz and reviews. -Book Reviews: Send review copies to relevant blogs, websites, and book reviewers specializing in children's literature. You can also ask peers, family, friends, and others to read and review your book. The more reviews the better. -Schools and Libraries: Offer author visits or readings at schools and libraries to introduce your series to potential readers and educators. This is a great way to broaden your visibility and boost sales. -Book Festivals and Events: Participate in book fairs, festivals, and events focused on children's literature to showcase your series to a wider audience. According to children’s series writer Linda Wilson, this is a key strategy that helps her sell her books. -Book Trailers: Create short, engaging book trailers to promote your series on social media platforms and your website. Keep in mind that book trailers is another marketing strategy that isn’t as strong as it used to be. The key is to keep them SHORT – maybe 15 seconds. -Parent and Teacher Resources: Provide free resources, such as discussion guides, coloring books, or activity sheets, that parents and teachers can use to enhance the reading experience. -Collaborations: Partner with other authors, illustrators, or brands to cross-promote each other's work. 7. Testimonials: Positive reviews and testimonials from parents, teachers, and influential figures in the children's literature community can significantly boost the credibility of your series. 8. Book Series Bundles and Discounts: Offer discounted bundles for the entire series or special promotions to encourage readers to collect all the books. 9. Engaging Online Content: Create engaging online content related to your series, such as interactive games, quizzes, or printable coloring pages, to keep readers entertained and coming back for more. You can put this content in blog posts, along with your process, and share them to your social media accounts and writing groups within those social networks. 10. Feedback and Adaptation: Listen to feedback from readers, parents, and educators. Use this feedback to improve future books in the series and adapt your marketing strategies. Remember that marketing a children's book series requires patience and persistence. Building a loyal reader base takes time, but with dedication and creativity, your series can gain popularity and become a beloved part of children's literature.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable. Other help I offer: FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN COURSE A guided self-study course and mentoring program. HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book. WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS Self-publishing help for children’s authors. You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
