Marketing and Distributing a Children's Book (2026)
The short answer
Reach children's books through three channels: Amazon KDP for reach, IngramSpark for bookstores, libraries and schools (on a 55% wholesale discount with returns enabled), and your own website for the best margin. Add school and library visits, advance readers before launch, and awards as credibility levers.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing
The Three Channels (KDP, IngramSpark, Your Site)
For IngramSpark, set a standard wholesale discount (55%) and enable returns, so the book can be ordered like a traditionally published title. KDP's Expanded Distribution pays lower royalties and uses Ingram's network, so many authors opt out and use IngramSpark directly.
- Amazon KDP: reach, with Amazon sales worldwide and colour print-on-demand.
- IngramSpark: the route to bookstores, libraries and schools.
- Your own website: the highest margin per copy.
Why Going Wide Beats KDP Select for Kids' Books
For picture books, stay wide. KDP Select exclusivity locks you out of IngramSpark, and that is the route to bookstores, libraries and schools.
School and Library Visits
Schools and libraries are the strongest word-of-mouth for young readers. Offer free storytime or author visits and bring a one-page sell sheet (cover, book line, age range, ISBN, how to order). One school visit can sell 20 to 50 books. Free colouring pages, discussion guides and activity sheets help teachers adopt the book and keep it circulating.
ARC Readers and Reviews Before Launch
Line up 20 to 30 advance readers two to three weeks before launch, and ask for honest reviews. Add a review-request line in the back of the book. NetGalley reaches librarians, teachers and professional reviewers, and trade review journals give advance trade reviews. You cannot require or incentivise reviews: follow Amazon's review guidelines.
Children's Review Sites and Awards
Submit to children's book award programmes and library reading lists, such as the ALA awards and reading lists, the UK School Library Association and the US Battle of the Books. Even a nomination increases library discovery. Pitching a local-author story to regional press is also effective early coverage.
Amazon Ads After Reviews
Complete Author Central (photo, bio, social links), fill all seven keyword fields, and choose the two most specific BISAC categories. Run small, targeted Amazon Ads only after the book has a few reviews: start at about $5 a day and pause keywords that do not convert.
A Simple Launch Plan
- Before launch: set up Author Central, line up 20 to 30 advance readers, and finish the listing (keywords, categories, description).
- At launch: a KDP listing usually goes live within 24 to 72 hours of publishing. Share short TikTok or Instagram Reels showing the illustrations and children's reactions.
- After launch: book school and library visits, then add small Amazon Ads once the first reviews are in.
Harmony Publishing offers full-service self-publishing for children's books. See the hub page and the packages page for what is offered and the price.
Publishing a children's book with Harmony
Harmony Publishing is a full-service self-publishing company. See how we work on children's books, then check the packages for what is included and the price.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I sell my children's book?
Use three channels: Amazon KDP for reach, IngramSpark for bookstores, libraries and schools, and your own website for the highest margin.
Is KDP Select worth it for a picture book?
For most picture books, no. KDP Select exclusivity locks you out of IngramSpark, which is the route to bookstores, libraries and schools.
How do I get my book into schools and libraries?
Distribute through IngramSpark with a standard 55% wholesale discount and returns enabled, and offer free storytime or author visits with a one-page sell sheet.
How do I get my first reviews?
Line up 20 to 30 advance readers two to three weeks before launch and ask for honest reviews. NetGalley and trade review journals reach professional reviewers. You cannot require or incentivise reviews.
Does Amazon advertising work for children's books?
Small, targeted Amazon Ads can help, but only after the book has a few reviews. Start at about $5 a day and pause keywords that do not convert.