How To Publish Children's Book On Amazon KDP

Introduction.

Publishing a children’s book can feel like an overwhelming goal, especially if it’s your first time dipping into self-publishing.

But Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has made it easier than ever for authors to bring their ideas to life and share them with a wide audience.

Publishing through Amazon KDP comes with a unique set of advantages. You don’t need a traditional publishing deal, you don’t need to pay upfront, and you retain control over your work. Plus, you can reach millions of Amazon customers right from the start!

But self-publishing also has its challenges—from designing an eye-catching cover to navigating the upload process, it requires careful attention to detail. So, in this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to publish a children’s book on Amazon KDP, step by step.

Let’s dive in!

Why Publish a Children’s Book on Amazon KDP?

Publishing on Amazon has grown exponentially, with millions of books sold every day. The children’s book market is especially appealing because parents, teachers, and libraries are constantly on the lookout for engaging stories.

And, given that children’s books are often revisited, they can become lasting staples in family libraries.

With Amazon KDP, authors can directly tap into this market and potentially see sales growth within days of their book going live.

How Do I Publish Children’s Book On Amazon KDP?

Let’s break down the process of publishing your book into simple steps.

1. Write and Illustrate Your Book

The foundation of any children’s book is a great story and illustrations that captivate young readers.

Story Development: Think about what message or experience you want to share. Books for younger kids should be simple, with one main lesson or theme, while books for older children can handle more complexity.
Illustrations: Children’s books rely heavily on visuals. You can either illustrate it yourself or hire an illustrator. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork have affordable freelance illustrators, many of whom specialize in children’s book illustrations. Alternatively, Canva offers templates and tools for making simple, vibrant illustrations.

2. Format Your Book

Amazon KDP has specific guidelines for children’s book formats. You can choose between Kindle eBook and Paperback, with each format requiring a different setup.

Kindle eBooks: The most flexible option, though formatting is key. Kindle eBooks can be read on any device, and KDP offers tools to make this easier.
Paperback Books: Children’s paperbacks on Amazon are popular. For these, pay attention to page size and print quality—Amazon provides recommended dimensions, often 8.5″ x 8.5″ or 8.5″ x 11″ for picture books.

Formatting tools like KDP’s Kindle Create or Adobe InDesign make it easier to layout text and illustrations. Amazon’s specifications page is also helpful for double-checking dimensions and bleed requirements.

3. Design an Eye-Catching Cover

The cover is what attracts readers (and parents!). Amazon allows you to upload your own cover or use its Cover Creator tool. But hiring a professional cover designer is worth considering, especially for a children’s book, as the cover needs to be vibrant and engaging.

4. Set Your Book’s Price and Royalties

With Amazon KDP, you have control over the price and royalty rate. Amazon gives you the choice of 35% or 70% royalty options for eBooks (depending on the price range and distribution). For paperbacks, the royalties are calculated after subtracting printing costs, which vary based on page count and color.

Pros and Cons of Publishing on Amazon KDP

Every publishing platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect with Amazon KDP:

Pros:

Ease of Access: Amazon KDP allows you to self-publish without gatekeepers.
Global Reach: Your book can be instantly available worldwide.
Cost-Efficient: No upfront costs and only minimal fees for printing paperbacks.
Creative Control: You decide the look, layout, and content of your book.
Royalties: Earn up to 70% royalties on each sale.

Cons:

Competitive Market: Thousands of children’s books are published every year, so visibility can be challenging.
Marketing: Amazon doesn’t offer much help with marketing. Successful promotion falls on the author.
Limited Bookstore Presence: KDP books aren’t automatically stocked in physical bookstores, so you’ll rely mainly on online sales.

FAQ on Publishing a Children’s Book with Amazon KDP

1. How much does it cost to publish on Amazon KDP?

There are no upfront costs for publishing on KDP. However, you might invest in illustrations, a cover designer, or advertising. For print books, Amazon deducts printing costs from your royalties.

2. Can I publish a paperback and eBook version on Amazon?

Yes, you can publish both versions. Just follow KDP’s guidelines for each format.

3. Can I choose the price for my book?

Absolutely! Amazon KDP lets you set your price, although certain royalty rates depend on the price range you choose.

4. Do I need an ISBN for my book?

Amazon KDP provides a free ISBN for paperback books if you don’t have your own. eBooks on Amazon don’t require an ISBN.

5. How long does it take for my book to go live?

It usually takes around 24-48 hours for your book to be reviewed and published on Amazon after submission.

6. Do I retain rights to my book?

Yes, you retain all rights to your work when you publish through KDP.

Conclusion

Publishing a children’s book on Amazon KDP can be a rewarding journey. While there’s a learning curve and some challenges—especially with formatting and promotion—the platform makes it possible to get your story out into the world quickly.

Plus, KDP’s tools and guides simplify much of the technical side, so you can focus on storytelling and creating a captivating book for young readers.

So, if you’re ready to take the leap, Amazon KDP might just be the perfect platform to bring your story to life.

Are you excited to publish your children’s book, or are you still weighing your options?