Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
Designing
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Editing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Plan Distribution Options for Your Self-Published Book
How to Plan Distribution Options for Your Self-Published Book
Overview: Planning how and where to distribute your book is an important step for any self-published author. With so many options available, from online platforms to brick-and-mortar bookstores, it’s essential to understand the various methods of distribution and decide which ones align with your goals. In this article, we’ll explore the different distribution options for self-published books and how you can start planning a distribution strategy that works for you.
Understanding Book Distribution Options
Self-published authors have a variety of distribution options to consider. Each option has its own benefits, audience reach, and requirements. Whether you want to sell exclusively through online platforms or target bookstores and libraries, understanding your options will help you make informed decisions.
1. Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo are popular platforms for self-published authors. These platforms offer a wide audience reach, making them a great option for new authors looking to maximize exposure.
- Benefits: Wide audience reach, ease of setup, and the ability to sell print and digital copies.
- Considerations: May require meeting specific formatting requirements and can involve competition with a large number of other titles.
Examples:
- Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): Offers both print and eBook distribution.
- Kobo Writing Life: Allows for eBook sales globally.
- Barnes & Noble Press: Distributes print and digital books.
2. Print-on-Demand (POD) Services
Print-on-demand services allow authors to print books as orders come in, reducing upfront costs and eliminating the need to store inventory. This option is ideal for authors who want to offer print copies without investing in bulk printing.
- Benefits: No need for inventory storage, reduces upfront costs, and easy integration with online retailers.
- Considerations: Higher per-unit costs compared to offset printing, and longer delivery times for readers.
Examples:
- IngramSpark: Offers print and eBook distribution with access to a wide network of retailers.
- Blurb: Specializes in high-quality printing for illustrated books, including picture books and graphic novels.
3. Independent and Chain Bookstores
Selling through bookstores requires working directly with store managers or using a distributor. Bookstores often require a wholesale discount and the ability to return unsold copies. This option can provide local exposure and credibility but may require more effort to manage relationships and logistics.
- Benefits: Increased visibility, credibility, and the ability to reach local or niche audiences.
- Considerations: Requires a wholesale discount, returnable copies, and may involve more complex logistics.
How to Approach:
Contact local independent bookstores directly to discuss carrying your book.
Use distributors like Ingram to access chain bookstores.
4. Libraries and Academic Institutions
Libraries and academic institutions can be a valuable market for self-published books, especially for non-fiction titles. Consider providing a digital copy or approaching local libraries to offer your book for their collection.
- Benefits: Increased credibility and access to a wider audience.
- Considerations: Requires knowledge of cataloging systems like the Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal, and may involve navigating library procurement processes.
How to Approach:
- Use platforms like OverDrive to distribute eBooks to libraries.
- Contact academic institutions directly if your book aligns with their curriculum or research needs.
5. Specialty Markets
Specialty markets include non-traditional channels like gift shops, museums, and specialty retailers. This option is ideal for books that have a unique angle or target a specific niche, such as cookbooks, travel guides, or art books.
- Benefits: Niche audience targeting, lower competition, and unique placement opportunities.
- Considerations: May require custom arrangements with each retailer and specialized marketing strategies.
How to Approach:
- Identify specialty retailers that align with your book’s theme or subject matter.
- Create a compelling pitch that highlights the book’s relevance to their audience.
Key Considerations When Planning Your Book Distribution Strategy
1. Define Your Goals and Audience
Start by defining your distribution goals. Do you want to maximize exposure, target a specific niche, or focus on local sales? Understanding your goals will help you choose the distribution options that best align with your objectives.
- Determine your distribution goals (e.g., wide exposure, local sales, niche targeting).
- Identify your target audience and consider where they are most likely to find your book.
2. Choose the Right Distribution Channels
Choose the distribution channels that best suit your book’s content, format, and target audience. Consider using multiple channels to diversify your reach and increase the chances of success.
- Select the distribution channels that align with your goals and audience.
- Consider a mix of online and offline options to maximize reach.
3. Consider Pricing and Profit Margins
Different distribution channels have different pricing models, fees, and profit margins. Take the time to understand the costs associated with each option and how they impact your overall pricing strategy.
- Analyze the costs and fees associated with each distribution channel.
- Set a pricing strategy that balances profitability and competitive pricing.
4. Create a Marketing and Promotion Plan
Distribution alone isn’t enough—marketing and promotion are key to driving sales. Develop a plan to market your book across various channels, including social media, book launch events, and partnerships with retailers or libraries.
- Develop a marketing plan that complements your distribution strategy.
- Consider promotions, events, and partnerships to increase visibility.
Final Notes:
Planning your book distribution options is a crucial part of the self-publishing process. By understanding the different channels available and selecting the ones that best suit your book’s needs and goals, you can create a distribution strategy that maximizes your book’s reach and success. Use this guide to explore your options, define your goals, and start building your distribution plan today.