Publishing your own children’s book is a dream for many writers and illustrators—and with Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), it’s easier than ever to bring your story to life and share it with readers worldwide. Whether you’re a writer, illustrator, or both, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to publish a children’s book on Amazon KDP—without needing a publisher or a huge budget.
1: Write a Compelling Story
A great children’s book begins with a strong story. Consider the age group you’re writing for (e.g., toddlers, early readers, or middle-grade kids), and keep your language and plot age-appropriate. Aim for:
- Simple language with clear messages
- Engaging characters that kids can relate to
- A moral or theme that teaches something valuable
2: Illustrate Your Book (or Hire an Illustrator)
Children’s books rely heavily on visuals. If you’re an illustrator, create bright, expressive artwork. If not, you can hire an illustrator from platforms like:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Behance
Make sure your illustrations match the tone and age group of your story. Use a consistent art style throughout the book.
3: Format the Book for KDP
Amazon KDP supports both paperback and Kindle eBook formats. For a children’s picture book, the paperback version usually works best.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Trim size (popular: 8.5 x 8.5 inches for square books)
- Bleed settings (especially for full-page illustrations)
- High-resolution PDF file (300 DPI)
- Front and back cover (designed as a full wrap)
Tools like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or Book Bolt can help with layout and formatting.
4: Create a KDP Account
Go to https://kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account, or create a new one.
After logging in, click “Create” and choose Paperback (or eBook if you want both formats).
5: Upload Your Book Details
You’ll be prompted to enter:
- Book Title & Subtitle
- Author name
- Book Description
- Keywords and Categories (for better visibility)
- Age Range & Grade Level
Choose categories like Children’s Books > Animals, or Children’s Books > Emotions depending on your story.
6: Upload Manuscript & Cover
KDP will ask you to upload:
- Interior file (PDF)
- Cover file (PDF or JPEG with correct dimensions)
You can use KDP’s free previewer tool to check for any formatting issues before publishing.
7: Set Your Price and Royalties
Choose your marketplace (e.g., Amazon.com), set your book price, and select your royalty rate:
- 60% royalty for paperback (minus printing costs)
- 70% or 35% for eBook, depending on pricing
Tip: Most children’s paperbacks are priced between $6.99 and $12.99.
8: Hit Publish and Promote!
Once everything is uploaded, click “Publish Your Paperback.” It takes around 72 hours for your book to appear on Amazon.
Now it’s time to promote your book!
- Share on social media
- Create an author website
- Offer free copies for reviews
- Run Amazon ads or giveaways
