Publishing Tips

Quick Summary (TL;DR) If you’re wondering how to publish a children’s book in 2026, the first thing to note is that the process involves eight key steps: research your market, write and edit your manuscript, plan your visuals, choose your publishing path (traditional, self-publishing, or author-first hybrid), handle production, design your book, distribute it, and […]

Publishing a children’s book in 2025 isn’t just about having a great story: it’s about understanding the landscape, making smart choices, and connecting with young readers in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a therapist with a story about emotional regulation, an educator with a tale about friendship, or any mission-driven professional with something important to share,

You’ve got a children’s book idea that could change young lives. Maybe you’re a therapist who wants to help kids understand big emotions, an educator with a story that makes learning fun, or a parent who’s created the perfect bedtime tale. The question isn’t whether your book deserves to exist, it absolutely does. The question

So you’ve written your book: congratulations! Whether it’s a children’s story that’s been brewing in your mind for years or a professional guide born from your expertise, you’re ready to share it with the world. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) seems like the perfect platform, right? Hold up. Before you hit that publish button, let’s

One of the first questions new authors ask me is: “So… how do I actually print my book?” Followed closely by: “Wait… do I have to pay for 500 copies upfront?” Short answer? Nope. Thanks to print-on-demand (POD) platforms like Amazon KDP, you can self-publish a children’s book without paying anything up front, or filling

Whether you’re a therapist wanting to create SEL books for kids, an educator developing social emotional learning books, or any mission-driven professional with a story that needs telling, the world of self-publishing can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing—you already have the expertise kids need to develop a meaningful story. You just need a roadmap

Let’s get one thing out of the way: You absolutely do not need to be an illustrator to make a picture book. But you do need a plan. Illustration isn’t just about making things pretty. It’s about pacing, page turns, emphasis, and clarity. Whether you’re hiring an artist or designing your own book: especially if

Once you’ve written and edited your manuscript, and mapped out a rough layout, you’ll probably hit this question: How am I going to get it illustrated? If your first instinct is “I can’t afford that,” you’re not alone. Illustration costs can vary wildly. Some quotes come in at $5,000 to $10,000+. And as much as

When you think of children’s book authors, your mind probably goes to the usual suspects: psychologists, social workers, educators, and therapists. These professionals work directly with kids and families, so it makes sense they’d have insights into what resonates with young readers. You’re absolutely right that these professionals make fantastic children’s book authors. In fact,

You might think children’s book authors must come from creative writing backgrounds or education. Think again. Some of the most impactful SEL books for kids are written by therapists, psychologists, social workers, medical professionals, financial planners, and other specialists who never imagined they’d become published authors. And here’s what’s really interesting: these professionals aren’t just