Where to Self-Publish a Children’s Book: Self-publishing a children’s book is an exciting venture, but choosing the right platform can make a big difference in quality, reach, and profit margins. Here’s a comparison of the top platforms to help you decide.
Amazon KDP: The Go-To for Softcover Books
Overview
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a leading platform for self-publishers, especially for softcover books. With direct access to Amazon’s massive marketplace, your book can reach millions of potential readers globally.
Pros
- No upfront costs: You can start publishing for free.
- Wide audience reach: Amazon’s platform is unparalleled in visibility.
- Ease of use: Amazon’s tools simplify the process of uploading and formatting.
Cons
- Limited customization: Hardcovers and formatting options are basic compared to competitors.
- Printing costs: Higher than some other platforms, which can reduce your profit margins.
Royalty Details
Amazon offers a 60% royalty on paperbacks, minus printing costs. This makes it ideal for high-volume sales but less lucrative per copy compared to other platforms.
“Every story begins with a single page, but where you choose to publish determines how far your book can travel and how many lives it can touch.”
– Unknown
Lulu: Ideal for Hardcover and Customization
Overview
Lulu is known for its versatility and high-quality printing, particularly for hardcovers. If you value customization and a professional finish, Lulu might be the right choice.
Pros
- Extensive customization: From paper types to binding styles, Lulu excels in offering creative flexibility.
- Direct sales profit: Selling directly through Lulu’s platform can yield higher profit margins.
Cons
- Higher production costs: This can lead to a higher retail price for your book.
- Distribution fees: Additional fees apply for expanded retail options.
Royalty Details
Lulu’s pricing structure allows authors to set their own prices. Direct sales through Lulu offer the most profit, while retail sales may incur fees that lower margins.
IngramSpark: For Professional Distribution
Overview
IngramSpark is designed for authors looking to distribute their books globally through bookstores and libraries. It’s a favorite among professional self-publishers.
Pros
- Global distribution: Your book can reach bookstores and libraries worldwide.
- Professional-quality printing: Both softcover and hardcover options are available with premium finishes.
Cons
- Upfront costs: Setup fees and catalog listing charges can add up.
- Wholesale discounts: Retailers usually require a 55% discount, reducing your revenue per sale.
Royalty Details
IngramSpark allows authors to set their own wholesale discount. Higher discounts improve distribution potential but lower your per-book revenue.
Blurb: Great for Visual Books
Overview
Blurb is an excellent choice for children’s books with rich illustrations, offering high-quality color printing and design tools.
Pros
- High-quality printing: Ideal for visual and photo-heavy books.
- Design flexibility: Blurb integrates with Adobe InDesign for advanced layouts.
Cons
- Higher printing costs: This may require higher retail prices.
- Limited marketplace: Smaller audience compared to Amazon.
Royalty Details
Blurb’s pricing model is flexible, but high production costs can cut into profits.
Where Do You Earn the Most?
- Amazon KDP: Best for maximizing sales volume with softcovers.
- Lulu: Ideal for high-profit margins on direct sales of hardcovers.
- IngramSpark: Suited for wide distribution but with reduced royalties due to wholesale discounts.
- Blurb: Great for visual books with niche audiences but less profitable for large-scale distribution.
Conclusion to: Where to Self-Publish a Children’s Book
Choosing where to self-publish a children’s book depends on your priorities. For softcover books, Amazon KDP offers the best reach, while Lulu and IngramSpark provide premium options for hardcovers and professional distribution. Blurb stands out for books requiring superior visual quality. Evaluate each platform based on your book’s format, target audience, and profit goals to find the best fit for your publishing journey.
