Can you really make six figures self-publishing children’s books?

Yes. Many authors have built six figure incomes through children’s books by combining strong storytelling, professional illustrations, smart publishing packages, and consistent marketing. Blueberry Illustrations helps authors achieve this.

What services do I need to succeed in self publishing?

You need high-quality illustrations, professional book design, editing, and publishing support. Blueberry Illustrations offers complete book publishing services tailored to children’s books.

Is self publishing a children’s book expensive?

Self publishing can be affordable if you choose the right publishing package. Blueberry Illustrations provides budget-friendly options for illustrations, design, and marketing.

How do I market a children’s book effectively?

Effective marketing includes using Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble, social media, school/library outreach, and book publicity services. Blueberry Illustrations also offers professional book publicity packages.

How to Make Six Figures Self-Publishing Children’s Books

How to Make Six Figures Self-Publishing Children's Books

Introduction: The Business of Storytelling

How to Make Six Figures Self-Publishing Children's Books: Every bestselling children’s author started with a single story. Whether it was a whimsical picture book, a bedtime story with bright illustrations, or a lesson wrapped inside an adventure, children’s books have always held a special place in literature. What makes them even more powerful is their evergreen demand. Every new generation of parents, teachers, and children needs fresh books — which means opportunities for authors are endless.

Today, self-publishing has opened the door for thousands of writers to earn not just a side income but also six figures annually from their creative work. With platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble Press, plus professional support from companies like Blueberry Illustrations, authors can publish, promote, and sell their books globally without relying on traditional publishing houses.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to make six figures self-publishing children’s books — from writing and illustrations to marketing, scaling, and building a brand. Along the way, we’ll show you why investing in the right book publishing service, book publishing packages, and self publishing book design is the key to long-term success.

Why Children’s Books Are the Best Entry Point for Self-Publishing

Children’s books consistently have high demand because parents, grandparents, teachers, and libraries are always searching for fresh stories to share with young readers, making this book genre one of the most reliable ways to start a self publication journey.
Picture books and early chapter books carry strong emotional value, as they are often given as gifts at birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or even as personalised gift valentines, making them keepsakes that stay in families for years.
Unlike novels where words dominate, children’s books rely heavily on book illustration, including styles of cartooning, whimsical art, or even portraits of dog characters, which makes them visually engaging and more memorable for readers.
The children’s book market is an evergreen niche because new generations of young readers are always being born, ensuring a constant audience and opportunities for authors exploring how to self publish a book on Amazon or through self publishing services.
Self publishing a children’s book can be more affordable compared to other genres, and with options like Amazon publishing, on demand publishing Amazon, or working with a children’s literature publisher, authors can keep costs manageable while still accessing professional book publishing services and book editing services.
Many bestsellers NYTimes started as children’s books, showing how powerful the right story, paired with quality book covers of children's books and professional illustrations, can be in reaching both young audiences and adults who purchase books about readers.
Children’s books offer a practical learning ground for new authors who want to understand how to book writing works, how i write book drafts, or even how to right book structures before moving on to more complex projects like how to publish a children’s novel or even exploring book publishing NYC opportunities.
Platforms like Kindle Unlimited, also known as what is unlimited Kindle, and programs from a self publishing company make it easier for first-time authors to publish book on Amazon or work with self publishing companies best known for affordable book publishing service packages.

The Six-Figure Mindset — Treating Self-Publishing Like a Business

Think in Series, Not Singles: If your goal is to reach a six-figure income, one book alone rarely gets you there. Focus on creating a series around your characters, themes, or story world. Readers who enjoy your first book are more likely to buy the next in the series, which is why bestsellers on the NYTimes list often appear as multi-book series. Series also give you more opportunities for branded book covers of children's books and cohesive marketing campaigns.
Invest in Quality: High-quality illustrations, book covers, and editorial design are crucial. Whether you are doing portraits of dogs, personalized gift valentines, or children's novels, the visual appeal impacts readers’ decisions. Hiring professional illustrators for hire or partnering with a children's literature publisher ensures that your book illustrations, whether cartooning styles or more traditional editorial illustration, stand out. This is especially important if you want your books to be considered by self publishing companies on Amazon or other on-demand publishing platforms.
Treat It Like a Startup: Budgeting is key. Think of self-publishing like launching a small business. Allocate funds for book editing services, book illustration, and self publishing book design. Factor in marketing costs if you want to maximize sales on Amazon Publishing or Kindle Unlimited. Understanding how much does self publishing a book cost or how much does it cost to publish a novel will help you plan realistically. This approach is similar to running any professional venture like a studio or small business—without a plan, even the best books about readers or the beekeeper book concepts may not reach their audience.
Leverage Book Publishing Services: Partner with expert self publishing services like Blueberry Illustrations or other reputable self publishing companies Amazon trusts. These services can handle everything from book illustration, editorial illustration, and designing book covers of children's books, to formatting and publishing your book on Amazon or Kindle. They can also guide you in creating a how-to booklet, a children's novel, or even a “more than word book” with complex visuals. Using professional book publishing services saves time, ensures quality, and helps you focus on how to book writing or how I write book processes while building your brand as an author.

Step 1 – Creating a Market-Ready Children’s Book

Understanding Your Audience

Toddlers (Ages 1–3): Books for this age group rely on bright, engaging illustrations and simple words. Think of interactive visuals and touch-and-feel pages. Parents often look for books that are educational yet entertaining, and including elements like dog portraits or personalized illustrations can make the book more appealing. This stage is perfect for experimenting with different styles of cartooning to capture a toddler’s attention.
Picture Books (Ages 3–7): Picture books are the sweet spot for self-publishing authors starting on Amazon. These books combine short, rhythmic sentences with moral lessons or playful stories that readers remember. A well-designed book cover of a children's book can make a huge difference in discoverability on Amazon or other on-demand publishing platforms. Investing in professional book illustration and book editing services ensures your book stands out among other titles.
Early Readers (Ages 5–9): These books are designed for kids transitioning from being read to, to reading independently. They feature simple chapters, larger fonts, and more detailed illustrations. Adding characters that children can relate to or pets like dog portraits enhances the story. Early readers are often purchased as part of book series, which helps build a loyal readership and increases potential for bestsellers on NYTimes lists or in Amazon Publishing.
Middle Grade (Ages 8–12): Middle grade books focus more on plot and character development than illustrations. They can still include occasional editorial illustration or small visuals to enhance the story. At this stage, children start appreciating complex storytelling, and parents or libraries are more likely to invest in books that combine strong narratives with high-quality book covers of children's books.

Storytelling Techniques That Sell

Use repetition and rhythm to make stories memorable: Simple, rhythmic language helps children recognize patterns and anticipate story flow, which increases engagement. This is critical when you self publish a book on Amazon or create a how-to booklet for other authors.
End with a lesson or moral: Parents, teachers, and librarians value stories that teach lessons, making your book more marketable. This principle works for books about readers, pets, or even personal growth themes in children's literature.
Keep language simple, engaging, and age-appropriate: Whether you are writing a children’s novel, creating a picture book, or doing a more than word book, your language must suit your audience. Clear, concise sentences make the story accessible while leaving room for creative illustrations, such as portraits of dogs or editorial illustrations, that add depth and appeal.

Step 2 – Professional Illustrations That Sell

Children’s books live and breathe through their illustrations. Even the best-written story can be overlooked if the visuals don’t capture attention. High-quality illustrations not only make your book appealing to children but also improve its chances of success on platforms like Amazon Publishing, Kindle, or other self-publishing companies. Investing in professional book illustration and editorial illustration ensures your book stands out in a crowded market.

Why Illustration Quality Matters: Kids respond to bold, colorful, and engaging visuals. Illustrations like whimsical cartoons, realistic portraits of dogs, or playful editorial illustrations can turn a simple story into a memorable experience. High-quality illustrations also influence how parents, teachers, and librarians perceive your book, increasing the likelihood of it becoming a bestseller or a popular gift item like pet grief cards or personalized gift valentines.
Freelancer vs. Illustration Agency: While freelance illustrators may offer lower rates, working with a professional illustration agency, such as Blueberry Illustrations, guarantees consistency, quality, and timely delivery. Agencies provide full book publishing services, including book editing services, book covers of children's books, and formatting for Amazon self-publishing. They are especially valuable if you plan to self-publish a book on Amazon, create on-demand publishing projects, or target Kindle Unlimited readers.
Custom Styles: Choosing the right illustration style is key to connecting with your audience. From whimsical cartoons to semi-realistic or editorial illustration, each style can define the tone of your book. For example, a how-to write a children's novel guide may require more instructional visuals, while a picture book for toddlers benefits from colorful, playful artwork. Consider your book genre and audience when selecting the illustration style, and remember that strong visuals paired with excellent book covers of children's books can significantly increase discoverability and sales.

Step 3 – Editing, Layout, and Book Design

Your manuscript may be shorter than a typical novel, but every word counts. Parents, teachers, and librarians are highly sensitive to quality, and even a minor typo or awkward sentence can impact the perception of your book. Professional editing, thoughtful layout, and cohesive interior design elevate your story, making it engaging and enjoyable for young readers while ensuring it meets industry standards for self-publishing.

Editing: Beyond correcting grammar and punctuation, professional editing ensures your story flows smoothly and keeps children engaged. It addresses readability, sentence structure, pacing, and age-appropriate language, making your book not only error-free but also captivating from start to finish.
Layout: The placement of text on illustrated pages is critical for readability and aesthetic appeal. Proper alignment, spacing, and integration with illustrations help maintain visual balance and guide young readers’ eyes naturally through the story. Thoughtful layout ensures that text and images complement each other instead of competing for attention.
Interior Design: Fonts, spacing, margins, and overall visual harmony define the look and feel of your book. Choosing the right font size, typeface, and spacing improves readability, while consistent margins and thoughtful use of white space make the book feel professional and polished. These details are often overlooked but are essential for a quality children’s book.

At Blueberry Illustrations, authors often opt for complete book publishing packages that cover editing, layout, and art book design. These comprehensive services ensure that every aspect of your book—from polished manuscript to visually appealing pages—is professionally crafted, giving your story the best chance to succeed in a competitive market.

Step 4 – Choosing the Right Publishing Platform

When you finish writing and illustrating your children’s book, the next big question is: “How do I get it into readers’ hands?” This is where publishing platforms come in. A publishing platform is an online service that helps you make your book available for sale—either as a physical copy, an ebook, or even an audiobook. Different platforms have different strengths, so knowing which one to choose is important for your book’s success.

Amazon KDP: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is part of Amazon, the largest online bookstore in the world. With KDP, your book can be sold globally—anyone with an Amazon account in dozens of countries can buy it. You can publish both print books and ebooks, and the setup is completely free, making it ideal for authors who want to self-publish a book without paying upfront. KDP also offers programs like Kindle Unlimited, where readers can borrow your ebook and you earn money per page read. In short, KDP gives you maximum visibility and the chance to reach a huge audience.
IngramSpark: IngramSpark is a publishing platform that focuses on libraries, schools, and independent bookstores. Unlike Amazon, which is primarily for online sales, IngramSpark connects you to traditional retailers who want to stock physical books. If your goal is to see your book on library shelves or in small bookstores, IngramSpark is the platform to choose. It requires a small setup fee, but it opens doors to places Amazon doesn’t reach.
Barnes & Noble Press: This platform lets you publish print books that can appear in Barnes & Noble stores and on their website. While it has a smaller audience than Amazon, it is trusted by parents and teachers, and having your book listed here adds credibility. It’s a great secondary platform for reaching readers who prefer traditional bookstore shopping.
ACX (Audiobooks): ACX is the platform used to create audiobooks that are sold on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Audiobooks are growing in popularity, and they let you reach readers who prefer listening instead of reading. They also provide an extra income stream, which means your book can earn money in multiple formats.

Choosing the right platform depends on your goals. If you want the widest audience, Amazon KDP is essential. If you want libraries and bookstores, IngramSpark is the best choice. And if you want to make audiobooks, ACX is the way to go. Many authors use a combination of these platforms to maximize their reach and income.

Step 5 – Pricing & Profit Strategy

Once you have decided where to publish your book, the next crucial step is figuring out the right price. Pricing is not just a number—it directly affects both how many people will buy your book and how much money you will earn from each sale. If your book is priced too high, parents, grandparents, or teachers may hesitate to purchase it, even if the story and illustrations are excellent. On the other hand, if the price is too low, your book might appear cheap or low-quality, and you could end up earning very little per sale. The goal is to find a balance that makes your book affordable for buyers while also giving you a fair profit.

Several factors influence the price of a children’s book. First, consider the production costs. Hardcovers, full-color prints, and large page counts are more expensive to produce than simple paperbacks. These costs need to be covered while still leaving room for a profit. Next, think about market expectations. Look at other children’s books in your genre and format and see what they sell for. Pricing your book within a similar range makes it feel reasonable to buyers and keeps it competitive.

Another important factor is your audience and the purpose of the book. Is it primarily a gift book, a school or library purchase, or an easily downloadable ebook? Gift-quality hardcover books can be priced a little higher because buyers expect to pay more for durability and presentation. Ebooks, on the other hand, are typically priced lower for accessibility and convenience.

Finally, consider your profit goals. Determine how much you want to earn per sale. For example, if a paperback costs $4 to print and you sell it for $10, your royalty might be around $3 to $5 depending on the platform. Understanding this helps you plan your pricing strategy so that each sale contributes meaningfully to your earnings, and it allows you to invest in future projects.

By carefully weighing these factors—production costs, market expectations, audience needs, and desired profit—you can set a price that makes your book appealing to buyers while also ensuring that your hard work and creativity are properly rewarded. A well-priced book not only encourages more purchases but also helps your story reach as many children as possible.

Paperback: $8.99–$12.99 is a good range. Paperbacks are the most common type of children’s book and are affordable enough for parents, schools, and gift-givers while still giving you a decent royalty per sale.
Hardcover: $14.99–$19.99 works well for gift-quality books. Hardcovers feel special and are often bought as presents for birthdays, holidays, or other occasions. Parents and grandparents are usually willing to pay a little more for a durable, high-quality book.
Ebooks: $2.99–$4.99 is affordable for digital readers. Ebooks are convenient, instantly downloadable, and reach a wider audience who prefer reading on tablets or Kindles.

Royalty averages tell you how much money you can earn per book sold:

$3–$5 per paperback sold
$1.50–$3 per ebook sold
$5–$7 per hardcover sold

Think of pricing as a balance between affordability and profit. By choosing the right price, you make your book accessible to buyers while ensuring that you earn enough money to continue creating books. Combining multiple formats—print, ebook, and audiobook—also allows your story to reach more readers and generate income from different sources.

Step 6 – Mastering Book Marketing & Publicity

Marketing your book is just as important as writing it. Even a beautifully illustrated children’s book won’t reach its audience without a strong marketing plan. Step 6 focuses on strategies that help you increase visibility, attract readers, and boost sales.

Amazon SEO

Optimizing your book for Amazon ensures that potential buyers can find it easily. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Optimize title, subtitle, and keywords: Your book’s title and subtitle should include relevant keywords that parents, teachers, and children search for. For example, if your book is about bedtime stories, words like “sleep,” “bedtime,” and “children’s story” could be incorporated naturally. Amazon uses these elements to match your book with search queries, so well-chosen keywords make your book more discoverable.
Choose low-competition categories: Instead of competing in overly saturated genres, select categories where your book can rank higher. Amazon allows multiple categories, so pick ones that are specific and relevant to your story, such as “Early Learning Picture Books” or “Bedtime & Dreams.” This increases your chances of appearing on bestseller lists within that niche.
Write keyword-rich descriptions: The book description is your sales pitch. Use engaging language, highlight the story and illustrations, and include keywords naturally. Focus on benefits for readers (e.g., teaches kindness, encourages imagination) while making the description compelling enough to convert browsers into buyers.

Paid Ads

Paid advertising is a fast way to reach targeted audiences and generate sales. Different platforms serve different purposes:

Amazon Ads: Amazon’s advertising system lets you target buyers based on keywords, interests, and purchasing behavior. Ads can appear in search results or on product pages, helping you reach people already looking for books like yours. This is especially effective for children’s books because parents often browse Amazon for educational and entertainment content for their kids.
Facebook Ads: Facebook (and Instagram) ads allow you to target very specific demographics, like parents, teachers, or caregivers. You can show engaging visuals of your book, highlight illustrations, and direct them to purchase. These platforms are great for storytelling-based ads that emotionally connect with your audience.
TikTok (BookTok): BookTok has become a viral hub for book recommendations. Short, creative videos showcasing your book’s illustrations, reading excerpts, or behind-the-scenes creation stories can capture the attention of young parents and educators. TikTok’s algorithm favors entertaining and shareable content, helping your book reach large audiences organically.

Publicity

Publicity builds credibility and trust for your book. Reviews, press coverage, and professional promotion can expand your reach far beyond paid advertising:

Book reviews on blogs and YouTube channels: Reviews provide social proof. Parents often check online opinions before buying children’s books. Contact bloggers, vloggers, and influencers who specialize in children’s literature for reviews. Positive reviews can increase visibility and boost sales.
Press releases and media mentions: Getting featured in newspapers, magazines, or online news platforms can introduce your book to a wider audience. A press release announcing your book launch, unique story, or charitable tie-ins can attract journalists and publications interested in human-interest stories.
Blueberry’s book publicity service: Professional services, like Blueberry’s, help authors reach the right audience efficiently. They provide tailored promotion strategies, manage media outreach, coordinate reviews, and leverage their network to maximize exposure. This service is especially useful for self-published authors who want expert support in building buzz and credibility for their book.

Step 7 – Building a Brand & Scaling

Creating a children’s book is only the first step in your journey as an author. To grow your readership, maximize sales, and establish a lasting presence, you need to think beyond a single book. Building a strong brand and scaling strategically can turn your passion into a sustainable business. This step will show you how to do that while subtly integrating key self-publishing strategies.

Author Website: Your website serves as the home base for your author brand. It’s where readers, parents, and educators can discover your books, explore additional content, and make purchases directly. Including a blog with articles like “how to publish children's story books” or “tips for self publishing a book free” helps improve your SEO and attracts organic traffic. Highlight your services, such as self publishing book design, personal book publishing, or affordable book publishing options, to show visitors that you can guide them through the publishing process. Ensure your site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and integrates a secure store for selling both books and related merchandise.
Email List: An email list is one of the most powerful tools to nurture your audience. Offer free resources such as coloring pages, worksheets, or activity sheets in exchange for sign-ups. Regular newsletters can feature updates on your latest releases, behind-the-scenes looks at your illustration process, or tips for parents. This keeps readers engaged and increases the likelihood of repeat sales. You can also use your email list to promote special offers for book publishing packages, gift book publishing, or new picture book releases.
Merchandising: Children’s book characters can extend your brand beyond the page. Think about creating merchandise such as plush toys, posters, puzzles, activity kits, or even custom hand-drawn portraits for fans. Merchandise not only provides an additional revenue stream but also strengthens loyalty among your readers. A child who loves your characters is more likely to engage with other products, attend virtual reading sessions, or explore your full collection of books. Promote these items on your website and social media channels, and consider linking them to themed self-publishing services like book publishing packages or personalized storybooks.
Series Strategy: If readers fall in love with one book, they often want to read more. Planning a series around the same characters or themes encourages ongoing engagement and repeat purchases. For children’s books, this strategy works exceptionally well because parents, teachers, and libraries often prefer collections for continuity and educational value. A series also allows for multiple marketing touchpoints—Amazon SEO optimization for each book, cross-promotion in newsletters, and themed merchandise campaigns. Over time, a well-executed series can establish you as a recognizable author in the children’s book market and boost your presence for terms like “publishing picture books” and “best book publicity service.”

How Many Books Do You Need to Make Six Figures?

Imagine each book you publish as a little coin. Every sale adds one coin to your pile. Your goal? Build a mountain of coins that equals $100,000.

Step 1: One coin per sale – With Amazon self publishing company or publish book on Amazon, each book earns roughly $3 per sale. Whether you’re creating book covers of children's books, the beekeeper book, or portraits of dog, each sale adds a coin to your pile.
Step 2: Count the coins – To reach $100,000, you need about 33,333 coins. That’s a lot if you think about it for one book—but you don’t have to do it alone.
Step 3: Multiply your books – Publishing multiple books makes the goal manageable. With 10 books, each only needs about 3,333 sales per year (≈278/month). With 20 books, each book needs just 1,667 sales per year (≈139/month). Using on demand publishing Amazon and self publishing services, each book steadily contributes to your coin mountain.
Step 4: Make your books shine – Invest in professional book illustration and book covers of children's books. Visuals—like dog portraits, pet grief cards, or more than word book projects—catch attention in children's literature publisher circles and online marketplaces.
Step 5: Keep stacking coins – Each new book adds another stream of coins. With freelance illustrator help, editorial illustration, or your own creative style, your pile grows faster. Even small, consistent sales across multiple titles make six figures achievable without needing a bestsellers NYTimes hit.

Think of your books as an army of coins. Each one may seem small on its own, but together, they build a mountain that can support your dream of a full-time income. Whether you’re learning how to write a children's novel, figuring out how to book writing, or exploring books about readers, publishing more books is the key to stacking your coins high.

Advanced Income Streams Beyond Amazon

While Amazon is a great starting point for selling books, there are many other ways to earn money and grow your publishing business. These methods can increase your profits and help your books reach a wider audience:

Direct Sales from Your Website: Selling your books directly to readers through your own website lets you set your own prices and earn higher profits. You also have full control over promotions, bundles, and special offers.
Schools and Libraries: Many schools and libraries buy books in bulk, often 100–500 copies at a time. Offering discounts or packages for these large orders can give you a steady source of income and get your book into the hands of many children at once.
Foreign Rights: You can license your book to publishers in other countries. They translate and sell your book in their language, and you earn royalties from these international sales. This expands your audience globally without extra work on your part.
Audiobooks and Kids’ Apps: Turning your story into an audiobook or a children’s app adds another way to earn money. Parents love audio storytelling for car rides or bedtime, and interactive apps make your story come alive on tablets and phones.
Activity Books and Merchandise: If your characters are popular, you can create activity books, coloring books, puzzles, toys, or other merchandise. These products use the same characters and theme, giving you additional streams of revenue beyond just the book.

By exploring these advanced income streams, you not only earn more money but also make your stories more visible and memorable to children and families around the world.

Final Thoughts – Turning Your Publishing Dream Into Reality

Self-publishing children’s books isn’t just a passion project—it’s a proven business model that can generate significant income. By creating the right story, investing in professional illustrations, and following a smart publishing plan, you can turn your creativity into a sustainable six-figure income stream. Whether you’re exploring books about readers, how to write a children’s novel, or learning how to book writing, every step brings you closer to success.

To make your journey easier and more effective, consider working with experts who understand both the creative and business sides of publishing. Blueberry Illustrations offers comprehensive book publishing services, from children’s book illustration and self publishing book design to affordable book publishing packages and book publicity services. With professional book covers of children's books, editorial illustration, and guidance for Amazon self publishing company, your book can stand out in the crowded market.

Whether your goal is to publish book on Amazon, use on demand publishing Amazon, or create portraits of dog and other engaging content for young readers, your story deserves to be seen. Your dream deserves to be published, and with the right strategy, it can also become a six-figure reality. Investing in self publishing services, personal book publishing, and publishing picture books ensures your work reaches the right audience and maximizes your earning potential.

Remember, every bestselling author started with one book. Take the first step today, focus on professional illustrations, high-quality book design, and effective marketing, and watch your publishing dreams come to life.

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