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When you come up with a children’s book, you immediately begin to think about how to publish it. Where can you get started? What do you need to do first? You want it to happen like yesterday, right?
We get it. However, if you start looking a traditional publishing methods, you’ll find that it can take YEARS before you ever see your book in print. We don’t want you to have to wait that long to publish a children’s book, though. So here’s how you can make it happen faster.
How to publish a children’s book in a year or less.
Children’s book publishing has changed a lot in the past decade, especially with the speed and accessibility of the internet. Which is great news for authors, because now you no longer have to wait to publish your children’s story. Now, you can see it in print in less than a year.
How can you make that happen?
Alternative ways to publish a children’s book besides using a traditional publisher.
Most authors are familiar with traditional publishing. (The use of using a publisher to help you make your book.) It’s been around since the existence of books after all! But it this super competitive market, it’s making it harder and harder for authors to get a publishing contract is less than 5 years. Something some authors don’t want to wait for.
Which is why we’re glad you have options.
1 – You can publish your book yourself.
Self-publishing has soared in popularity over the past decade and it’s never been easier. If you have print-files ready, you can upload them to a service like Amazon KDP today and have a book within the week. It’s that fast.
However, for a lot of authors, it can be really intimidating to publish your own book. How can you make it happen and do it right without making a bunch of mistakes along the way?
Because of this fear, a lot of authors can quit without even trying. Which is why we’re glad there’s another option that can help make it a lot easier, especially for first-time authors.
2 – You can work with a publisher to help you.
Also known as hybrid publishers, authors can contract with one of these providers for help with their book. The great part about this option over self-publishing is you get guidance along the way, which helps eliminate the fear of trying to learn everything yourself.
How do you find publishers to work with?
For a lot of authors, it’s not that they don’t want to work with a hybrid publisher, they just can’t find one. But hybrid publishing has increased in popularity over the past few years, which is great to help you find the best hybrid for you.
1 – Know what you’re looking for.
Hybrids range from vanity presses to full-service options. Meaning, you need to know what you’re looking for help with before you start to reach out to them.
Make sure to know:
- The assistance you require (Book design, print and distribution, etc.)
- Your timeline
- Your budget
This will help you as you’re reviewing their service options on their websites.
2 – Know they’ll be able to provide what you need.
Whenever you decide to publish a children’s book, you have to know what your goals are for getting that book published. Do you want to be an Amazon best-seller? Do you want it to be available in schools? Or do you simply want to get it printed so you can share it with your family?
What your goals are doesn’t matter. Knowing if your publisher can make them happen does. Be sure to know what your goals are before reaching out to publishers so you can ask questions about whether they can assist with your goals.
That’s it! The fastest way to publish a book this year is to self-publish it or work with a hybrid publisher. If you’re interested in working with one, apply to work with us! We have self-publishing and hybrid publishing services to help you no matter what your goals are.
Publish your children’s book faster this year!
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