Marketing children’s books as an indie author is often misunderstood. Many self-published authors don’t realize how different it is from marketing adult fiction until they’re deep in the process. From school visits and live events to email lists and social media, the learning curve can be steep, time-consuming, and discouraging.
This is the third and final interview in my series with author S.P. Brown, author of Gifts in Brown Paper Packages (2021) and The Gifts Journey middle-grade series, which includes Kyrie’s School Blues (2022) and Kyrie’s Difficult Decision (2024).
In this conversation, S.P. Brown shares what she’s learned while marketing her books as an indie author—what worked, what didn’t, and why she ultimately had to realign her business goals with the realities of her life. If you’re a children’s author—or considering self-publishing—this interview offers honest insight, practical wisdom, and hard-earned lessons.
You can read the other interviews in this series here:
- Writing for Young Readers: Interview with Author S.P. Brown (Part I)
- Working with an Editor: Interview with Author S.P. Brown (Part II)
When Should Authors Start Marketing a Book?
1. When did you begin marketing your first book? Did that change with your children’s books?
I began marketing my first book, a novel, approximately six weeks prior to its release. Given the mid-January release date, I capitalized on the commercial marketing trend of Black Friday and launched a promotion the day after Thanksgiving.
With the purchase of the ebook ($1.99 or free for Amazon Prime members), buyers had the opportunity to order discounted, signed copies with free shipping in January. I used social media to spread this messaging.
This strategy proved effective, generating enough ebook orders to drive early sales and earn “Amazon Best Seller” status in multiple categories. It also created local buzz around the book’s release.
I chose not to publish my children’s book series using the same strategy.
Do Authors Understand Book Marketing Strategies?
2. Were you familiar with the different marketing techniques authors use to market their books?
Beyond social media campaigns, I was not aware of the various marketing techniques authors use to promote their books.
Best Marketing Resources for Self-Published Authors
3. Did you take any marketing classes, attend webinars, listen to podcasts, or read marketing books? If so, did any stand out? Why?
I hired an independent publishing consultant who managed the self-publishing process for my first book. This included marketing advice and support aimed at reaching Amazon Best Seller status within the first week of publication.
I followed that formula, which included viewing marketing webinars produced by her company, as well as distributing emails and social media blasts across my networks.
I also worked with a publicist who wrote and issued a press release and secured several interviews with online outlets.
How to Market Children’s Books in Schools
4. How do you currently market your Kyrie books?
My strongest traction with The Gifts Journey children’s chapter book series has been through school systems, primarily the NYC Department of Education (DOE).
As a certified Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) vendor, I’ve had multiple opportunities to participate in events that connect vendors with school principals and decision-makers.
Are School Visits an Effective Book Marketing Strategy?
5. Is this successful?
Yes—school-based marketing has been effective.
Approximately 2,200 NYC public school students have read Kyrie’s School Blues since Spring 2023 and have met me through associated programming, including author visits, young writers’ workshops, and resilience workshops.
What Would You Do Differently When Marketing a Book?
6. If you were beginning again, would you change your marketing plan? Why?
In retrospect, I would hire a publicist specifically experienced with children’s audiences and develop a more robust, wide-reaching marketing strategy.
My initial focus was primarily on school systems. I did not focus enough on alternative audiences, such as parents, which limited the series’ reach.
Should Authors Adapt Their Marketing Strategy?
7. Do you modify your marketing plan? Why?
Changing a marketing plan—or any plan—should always be an option based on what you learn from experience.
What Authors Need to Know About Book Marketing
8. Is there anything about marketing that authors need to know?
Authors should understand that marketing is essential for getting people to notice and buy their books.
“Authoring” goes beyond writing. Authors must promote their work, understand their audiences, and identify multiple ways to reach readers—through social media, advertising, events, and more.
Final Thoughts on Marketing Children’s Books
This concludes the three-part interview series with S.P. Brown, who offered an honest and practical perspective on writing, editing, and marketing as an indie children’s author. Her experiences underscore a broader truth: publishing is not a linear process, and success often depends on an author’s ability to adapt, reassess priorities, and move forward with clarity and intention.
If you’re a children’s author working through revision or thinking ahead to publishing, you can learn more about my editing services or contact me to discuss your project.