Most of the book marketing advice that you'll find on The Savvy Book Marketer is applicable to all types of books, but sometimes it's helpful to zero in on specific tactics for certain kinds of books. Below are some tips and resources especially for the authors and publishers of children's and young adult books.
Although young adults often choose their own reading material, books for younger children are usually purchased by parents, grandparents and other friends and family. Teachers, home schoolers, librarians, youth program leaders and others who work with children also recommend or purchase books.
When seeking reviews for children's books, look for publications and websites geared toward parenting and childhood education, in addition to book review sites.
Virtual reader communities are a specialized type of social networking site where readers and authors network, and readers recommend books to others. Check out these two communities designed especially for children's books:
JacketFlap focuses on children's and young adult books
Big Universe is devoted to children's picture books.
Here are some other helpful book marketing resources for children's books:
Books and Articles
Class Act: Sell More Books Through School and Library Author Appearances, book by Barbara Techel
10 Trends in Children’s Books from 2010 - compiled by editors at Scholastic
How to Market Children's Books in School by Melissa Williams
Making School Assemblies Fun by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt
Better Book Readings for Kids by Fiona Ingram
Selling Books to Schools by Barbara Techel
Make the Grade in the Academic Market by Brian Jud
How to Sell Your Book to Libraries by Dana Lynn Smith
The Savvy Book Marketer's Guide to Selling Your Book to Libraries by Dana Lynn Smith
Articles about fiction marketing
Children's Book Websites
Take a look at the creative use of games, teacher's guides and more on these author websites:
Tree House in a Storm - Rachelle Burk's website
Iggy the Iguana - Melissa Williams' website
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab - Fiona Ingram's website
Other Resources for Children's Authors
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
The National Writing for Children Center
Resources for Children's Writers - terrific list of resources compiled by author Rachelle Burk
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