Congratulations! He has published a children’s book. Now comes the next and most important step: promotion. Children are loyal readers but difficult to interest at first. This article includes sites for the promotion of books for children and young people.
1) EzineArticles – This is a site where you can write articles on just about everything. Include the link to your book (purchase page) and your site in the author’s GIS box to drive traffic. E how and other similar sites can also be considered a promotional tool.
2) Book Market – This is a page that advises you on how to promote. John Kremer’s 1001 Ways to Promote Your Book is a great resource for all authors. Writer’s Digest’s Marketplace for Children’s Writers and Illustrators offers a list of publishers and some tips on how to write books.
3) Reviews – Reviews are a great way to promote your book. Submit requests to all blogs and sites, large or small, for giveaways, reviews, and interviews. It helps your book a lot.
4) Readings: Read your book at a local children’s library or donate one to a school. You can leave books at all
places children go.
5) Podcast and trailer: A trailer promotes a book well. A podcast is the solution for all those children who are too lazy to read.
6) Screenplay- Usually, screenwriting is considered completely different from a novel. Most of the famous books are turned into movies and radio shows. However, you can use this move to promote your book in the first place. The BBC and other stations accept manuscripts. However, getting one to be accepted can be difficult. Many screenwriting contests are open to amateur writers as well. Children like to watch television.
7) Testimonials: Testimonials from famous people can help your book.
8) Press Release – This is a great way to let kids know that your book is available. This works best for books aimed at a larger audience. Advertise your book launch in a children’s magazine or newspaper. This can cost money. Another way could be to become a writer for a children’s magazine or do interviews to promote your book.
9) Flyers, posters, etc: They cost money to print, but can be effective, especially when it comes to children.
10) Website Advertising: Advertising on websites that have content included in your book or similar content will help drive sales. Television advertising is the best way to get children’s attention, but it is very expensive and children may not like to see an advertisement for books.
11) Be included in children’s book catalogs.
12) Awards: Website awards or literary awards can help drive book sales. This is again somewhat difficult, as literary awards have strict selection criteria. Many librarians prefer to buy award-winning books. This also gives the book more exposure.
13) Befriend Librarians: Many children get into the habit of reading the books available in their library. For children under the age of twelve, the school library is the door to the world of books. Be sure to store your books in local school libraries and even public ones. Kids don’t have much spending power, but if they try one of your free books and like it, chances are they will buy others.
Usually I would recommend social media, but it’s useless if your books are aimed at children under the age of twelve. Promote on teacher websites and student websites. Recommend it for any reading class or reading weeks. Try to influence the people and schools around you as much as possible. Websites are not very useful when it comes to children because most of what they see on the Internet is censored. That is why I do not recommend e-books either. YA’s audience is more open to e-books and is more influenced by the Internet. Also, although cost is very important, it is not a very important factor in children’s books compared to adult books.
All the best with marketing!