5 Ways to Market a Children's Book Online, from Scott Harpole

Guest Post by Scott Harpole

Here's the thing. I am in the process of learning how to market a children's book online! Hopefully I will arrive at some point and be able to say that I figured most of it out. At this time, I just have a few bumps and bruises and a couple of successes that I think might be helpful to someone else

#1 Belief! 

I truly believe that my children's bedtime story, Sleepy Beach, is the best story on the planet. The illustrations are incredible (I didn't create those!) and the story's concept is amazing. I am not saying that to be self-serving (not that I mind entirely!) but to illustrate the most important point. If you don't believe in your story, then don't expect anyone else to.

How can you ask for reviews, submit info to blogs, pay for ads, etc. if you really don't think that much of your story? I know that creatives, like you and I, can get bogged down in making the story perfect. I'm not trying to get you to perfectionize (yes, I made that up) your story, but you must have a powerful belief that your story is worth buying, buy the time you are finished with it.

#2 Set A Goal. 

This one thing I did and I only did this one thing. I researched all of the Bedtime and Dreaming books in that section of the Amazon children's' books and realized that if I could get 100 positive reviews then my book could be ranked in the top 10 of that section and possible in the top 100 of the next section up, the Literature section. 

So for about 40 days or so, I did everything in my power to get those 100 reviews.

I texted everyone on my phone, I reached out to everyone on Facebook I reached to everyone I knew on Twitter and 100's of people I did not know. I refused to start any other part of the process until I at least reached that goal of 100.

#3 Ask If You Can Ask. 

There is a wonderful method to getting people to help. I've learned this the wrong way in a different business, by just shooting out a massive amount of emails and assuming that people will respond. They don't. 

Here's the exact wording I used with people that knew me: 

"I don't know if you've heard about it, but I have a new children's bedtime story called Sleepy Beach. I am trying to get 100 Amazon reviews. Can I send you a free copy of the ebook in exchange for a review?" 

Here's what I sent to people that didn't know me: 

"Hey, I'm a Dad with a new children's bedtime story and I'm trying to get 100 Amazon reviews. Can I send you a free copy in exchange for a review?" 

These were individual messages and text. The general kind of message or posting doesn't work.

I actually asked over 2,000 people for reviews and I got about 120 reviews from them. 

A large amount of people told them that they would and either forgot or couldn't figure it out. It may have been a bad sign when an elderly lady from church asked me "What is the Amazon Review?", in response to my Facebook message. I also had 10 of my 5 star reviews removed by Amazon! Evidently, if anyone states that they are your friend or if they know you, (in the review) then Amazon may remove that review. I fought with them about this, only via email of course, but to no avail.

Since my book has been exposed to a wider audience, that doesn't know me, I have recently gotten some bad reviews. My first 1 and 2 star reviews were given because the book opened backwards on their Kindle. Again, Amazon refused to remove those reviews. My favorite bad review literally says "I love children's books. This is not a well written book. I will not be reading it to the children in my life. I would recommend that the author think about editing it to make it a true story." Ha! I laughed so hard when I read that. I kind of feel like I have really arrived, when I see a review like that one.

#4 Paying For Ads Can Be Worth It: 

I've carefully read and re-read Let's Get Digital and Let's Get Visible by David Gaughran. He's a master at this and I have a ton to learn from him about marketing a book. He encourages his readers to use Book Bub and I followed that advice. It took quite awhile before I was ready, but I paid them $60 to let the world know when my book would be free. Amazon allows you to have 5 days that are free when you sign up with Kindle Direct Publishing. My first day, I had over 11,000 free downloads and a total of nearly 15,000 by the time the 5 days were finished. I can definitely say that it was worth the exposure and blogs (like this great one!) picked up on the special and helped spread the news.

My plan is to get lots of people to sample the ebook and then buy the actually book. Hopefully.

#5 Selling The Book Myself Is The Best Choice: 

I have come to realize the truth that I can undersell Amazon (don't tell them) and still make more money. They take 55% of the profits of my sales. That's crazy, I know. But I have used the notoriety and the positive reviews to get the attention of people. So I can sell my book for $10, and personally sign it, and make more dollars than if it is purchased on Amazon for $15. I do have a few of those here and ready to ship, if you'd like one!

I am still in the pursuit of finding out how to get my book in front of millions of the right kinds of eyeballs. I'd love to hear your ideas. Send me a note at scott (at) mydadsbedtimestories (dot) com.

Sweet Dreams!
Scott Harpole
My Dad's Bedtime Stories

Authors: Resources for Formatting Books for Kindle

"How do I publish my book as an eBook?"
"How do I get my book into Amazon Kindle?"

These are two questions I've been asked, and I figure publishing an answer here might be helpful to you!

First, know that I have an illustrator, Carol Stevens, who takes care of all the formatting of our books (currently 10 children's picture books, in both eBook and softcover form). She preps the books for Kindle, which uses .mobi files, and for CreateSpace (for the softcover books). Yes, I know I am lucky.

That being said, Amazon wants authors to list books with them. So they've published a free eBook called Building Your Book for Kindle. This book explains how to format your book successfully as an eBook on Amazon. I hope it's helpful to you.

Another free eBook you might be interested in is, Publish on Amazon Kindle with Kindle Direct Publishing.

If you have a Mac, then Building Your Book for Kindle for Mac might be helpful.

If you want to build your eBook for Kindle in Microsoft Word, then these articles from Amazon can help.

Kindle Format 8 offers great features for children's picture book authors. Suggestions and guidelines from Amazon are here.

And...most importantly for authors of children's pictures books, there is a book written specifically for Formatting of Children's books and Comics for the Kindle. It costs 99 cents with that link. BUT, I was able to find a free downloadable file for the book on this community forum.


Best writing wishes,

~Valerie Harmon

Children's eBook review: Boe the Great by Joel Feldman

Illustrations: 5 Stars 
Cover: 5 Stars
Storyline: 5 Stars
Total: 5 Stars

It's very rare for one person to successfully both write and illustrate. Most of us, me included, must team up to create a children's picture book. Most unusually, with Boe the Great, Joel Feldman has single-handedly created a children's picture eBook that not only has a fun storyline and great illustrations, but a galloping read-aloud rhythm and steady rhyme. 

Storyline: Boe is so small, he's kicked out of the army by the  Barbarian Chief, who says, "Only warriors are allowed here!" Where can a little guy like Boe find a place to be of use? He attempts all kinds of work, and finally discovers a hidden talent for...You'll have to read the book to find out!

Adult point of view: I enjoyed the theme of "finding your place." We all must search to find out our talents and life mission, and it is beneficial for children to see that figuring out what we're good at takes work. 

Child's point of view: Boe is funny. I like it when he figures out what he's good at, but it's funny when he keeps trying things he is bad at and he wants to just stay in bed. 

Illustrations: The best illustrations add to a story, and these cartoonish medieval-set pictures add humor, setting, and color to the story. I enjoyed the illustration of Boe lying in the snow unable to pick up the hammer, Wise Grandpa, and the wide Barbarian Chief, among almost all the other pages. 

A firm five stars for both storyline and pictures.

Want to see some of the illustrations yourself? Here is a book trailer for Boe the Great:

 

Who is Joel Feldman?

Joel Feldman, born 1984, lives in Jerusalem, Israel. 

After Graduating from Bezalel Academy of Arts (2010), Joel started to work as an Animator, Illustrator and Concept artist. On the endless search for a dream job, Joel illustrated several children's books for famous authors. 

The love for illustrations and writing since early age, led to creating his own books. 










If you'd like to learn more about Joel Feldman, click here for his website, and here for his Twitter feed.

~Valerie Harmon
Children's Picture Book Reviewer, Author and Editor

Free Book and Free Book APP: The Chipmunk Who Wanted To Be A Bear, by Valerie Harmon and Carol Stevens

My fifth book in the WantsToBe children's picture eBook series, The Chipmunk Who Wanted To Be A Bear, is FREE from November 3 until midnight November 6.

Pick up your free copy here!

Rated 5 Stars and has hit #1 Best Seller in Category!

This is the fifth fully-illustrated children's book in the Wants To Be series

Book Summary: Chipmunk is so afraid of things that he hates to leave his tree house! When he notices a grizzly bear who doesn't seem scared of anything, Chipmunk gets an idea that shows him to be braver than he thinks. This is not a typical "Be content with who you are" book, but rather "Working hard toward a goal changes you into something more." Which is why in the end (don't spoil the surprise for your child!) after working hard to become a grizzly bear, and conquering his fears in the process, Chipmunk turns into CHIZZLY!  This is a metaphorical example of how we all change after accomplishing hard things.

FREE animated book app version for iPad is available now in the App Store℠. Try it out!

Tapping or swiping the stars within the app can drop an acorn on Bear's nose, catch Chipmunk riding on a fish, or send a hawk soaring in the sky, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including a laughing raccoon, gurgling stream or even a grumbling bear. This app teaches children to work hard toward a goal, no matter what, with 61 animations, 28 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration.

Free iPad App version of the book!

Free Book: The Snake Who Wanted To Be A Horse, by Valerie Harmon and Carol Stevens

My first book in the WantsToBe children's picture eBook series, The Snake Who Wanted To Be  A Horse, is FREE from October 30 until midnight November 2.

Pick up your free copy here!

Has hit #1 Best Seller in Category and rated 4.6 STARS with over 40 reviews!

This is the first fully-illustrated children's book in the Wants To Be series.

Book Summary: Snake has a tender belly. When he sees Horse galloping by, he decides his solution is to become a horse. This idea sends him on a quest of difficulty and a surprising new friendship. This is not a typical "Be content with who you are" book, but rather "Working hard toward a goal changes you into something more." Which is why in the end (don't spoil the surprise for your child!) Snake turns into a SNORSE! This is a metaphorical example of how we all change after accomplishing hard things.

Animated app version for iPad is available now in the App Store℠. 

Tapping or swiping the stars within this app can tie Snake's tongue in a knot, send a herd of horses galloping, stick on bandages, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including galloping hooves, horses neighing or even snakes laughing. The Snake Wants To Be A Horse app teaches children to work hard toward a goal no matter what, with 71 animations, 35 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration.

Free Book: The Peacock Who Wanted To Be A Pig, by Valerie Harmon and Carol Stevens

My fourth book in the WantsToBe children's picture eBook series, The Peacock Who Wanted To Be A Pig, is FREE from October 26 until midnight October 29.

Pick up your free copy here!

Rated 5 STARS and has hit #1 Best Seller in Category!

Book Summary: Peacock's tail is so heavy his back hurts. When he see's Pig's tiny curly tail he decides becoming a pig will solve his problems. This idea sends him wading through mud, falling into slop, and a surprising new friendship. This is not a typical "Be content with who you are" book, but rather "Working hard toward a goal changes you into something more." Which is why in the end (don't spoil the surprise for your child!) Peacock turns into a PEAGLET! A metaphorical example of how we all change after accomplishing hard things.

An animated book app version for iPad is available now in the App Store℠  

Tapping or swiping the stars within the app can launch Peacock into a mudhole, help him swallow an apple core, balance on a ball, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sound effects, including cows mooing or even Pig slurping from a trough. This app teaches children to work hard toward a goal no matter what, with 68 animations, 35 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration.

Free Books: The Crab Who Wanted To Be a Dolphin and The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog

My seventh book in the WantsToBe children's picture eBook series, The Crab Who Wanted To Be A Dolphin, AND my third  book, The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog are FREE from October 23 until midnight October 26.

Pick up your free copy here!

Book Summary: Everyone annoys Crab! Lonely and friendless (because she's cranky), she decides she needs to become a dolphin to solve her problems. Struggling on this quest, she discovers that finding friends requires changes on the inside, not the outside. As she experiences gratitude, and the friendship that follows, she unexpectedly transforms into a mixture of her old self and a new self. Not only an educational story encouraging gratitude, this tale is also a metaphor for how we all transform after accomplishing difficult things. 

This title will be available soon as an animated app for iPad (in the App Store℠) and as a full-color softcover book. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick up your free copy of The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog here!

Rated 5 STARS and has hit #1 Best Seller in Category!

This is the third fully-illustrated children's book in the Wants To Be series.

Book Summary: Alligator's sharp-toothed smiles scares away all the other animals, and he feels so lonely. Since dogs are friends with everyone, he decides that he needs to become a dog. This decision sends him on a quest of difficulty and a surprising new friendship. This is not a typical "Be content with who you are" book, but rather "Working hard toward a goal changes you into something more." Which is why, in the end (don't spoil the surprise for your child!) Alligator turns into a ALLIDOG. This is pure imaginative fun, but is also a metaphorical example of how we all change after accomplishing hard things.

An animated book app version for iPad is available now in the App Store℠.

Free Book: The Elephant Who Wanted To Be A Bee, by Valerie Harmon and Carol Stevens

My second book in the WantsToBe children's picture eBook series, The Elephant Who Wanted To Be A Bee, is FREE from October 19 until midnight October 22.

Pick up your free copy here!

Rated 4.6 STARS and has hit #1 Best Seller in Category!

Book Summary: Elephant is allergic to the flowers she loves to eat. What can she do? She decides becoming a bee will solve her allergies. This decision sends her on a quest of difficulty and a surprising new friendship. This is not a typical "Be content with who you are" book, but rather "Working hard toward a goal changes you into something more." Which is why, in the end (don't spoil the surprise for your child!) Elephant turns into an ELLABEE. This is pure imaginative fun, but is also a metaphorical example of how we all change after accomplishing hard things.

An animated book app version for iPad is available now in the App Store℠.

Tapping or swiping the stars within the app can start a hive of bees swarming, cause a zebra to rear, send a meerkat scampering away, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sound effect, including a trumpeting elephant, a tree crashing to the ground or even a barking meerkat. This app teaches children to work hard toward a goal no matter what, with 73 animations, 36 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration.

Free Book: The T-Rex Who Wanted To Be A Long Neck, by Valerie Harmon and illustrated by Carol Stevens

My sixth book in the WantsToBe children's picture eBook series, The T-Rex Who Wanted To Be A Long Neck, is FREE from October 16 until midnight October 18.

Pick up your free copy here!

Rated 5 stars and has hit #1 Best Seller in Category!

Book Summary: T-Rex is ashamed of his terrible temper and when he sees a peaceful herd of long neck dinosaurs, he decides he needs to be a long neck too. Struggling on this quest, he discovers that keeping his temper requires changes on the inside, not the outside. As he figures out how to control his temper, he unexpectedly transforms into a mixture of his old self (Tyrannosaurus Rex) and a new self (a long neck Diplodicus). Not only an educational story about overcoming anger, this tale is also a metaphor for how we all transform after accomplishing difficult things.

Animated app version for iPad is available now in the App Store℠.

Tapping or swiping the stars within the app can knock down a tree with T-Rex's tail, send a pterodactyl soaring in the sky, hatch a baby dinosaur egg, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including a volcano erupting, T-Rex roaring or even the boom from Long Neck whipping his tail. Like the book, this app teaches children to work hard toward a goal, no matter what, with 70 animations, 35 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration.

Books Turned Into Apps

We have been working for months on turning our Kindle books into animated apps for iPad using InDesign instead of actual coding. And it worked! Not only have our beta testers expressed words like "Wow!" "Awesome" and "I don't want to say anything I just want to play with it," we also just got all six approved by the App Store℠! This is the image we used to announce it on Facebook today:

I know. Six apps at once? Why?

We wanted to put two up at once so that people who like one can have another one handy (it's a philosophy based on my own book app buying--when my children find a favorite book app and we read and play with it over and over, I reach a point where I want another one immediately to keep me sane--I mean to keep bedtime from going stale).

Plus we wanted one app to be free so people can make sure they like our story and style before paying money for it.  

But this two app plan was foiled because I work more slowly on the dramatized narration and choosing sound effects and music than my illustrator, Carol Stevens, works at animating our books. She found it animating the characters so fun that she just kept working on the next one. And the next one. She calls herself obsessed, but I call her amazing! Finally, she'd animated all six books right around the time I finished recording all the narrations and picking out and buying part of the sound effects and music. With her projects done for the moment, Stevens picked up the slack and finished the sound effects and music, as well as setting my narration to music! I love partnering with Stevens!

So here we are with SIX apps! And we're working on the seventh book and app at the same time. Yep, we are having some crazy fun (and you can see why I'm behind in my book reviewing, sorry! More to come soon!).

Here is a link to the FREE app, The Chipmunk Wants To Be A Bear.

Isn't it a cute icon? Stevens is so talented!

The Chipmunk Wants To Be A Bear app teaches children to work hard toward a goal no matter what, with 61 animations, 28 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration. Add to your cart and teach children that accomplishing difficult things changes us into something more, and perseverance is worth it!

App Details: Tapping or swiping the stars can drop an acorn on Bear’s nose, catch Chipmunk riding on a fish, or send a hawk soaring in the sky, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including a laughing raccoon, gurgling stream or even a grumbling bear.

The other five apps sell for $2.99, just like the Kindle book version, and we even have our newest book, The T-Rex Who Wanted To Be A Long Neck (which was published just a month ago), in app form--with steam coming out of the angry T-Rex nose and a volcano that explodes in the background. Lovely stuff!!

The T-Rex Wants To Be A Long Neck

App Details: 70 animations, 35 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration. Tapping or swiping the stars can knock down a tree with T-Rex's tail, send a pterodactyl soaring in the sky, hatch a baby dinosaur egg, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including a volcano erupting, T-Rex roaring or even the boom from Long Neck whipping his tail.

The Alligator Wants To Be A Dog

App Details: 63 animations, 34 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration. Tapping or swiping the stars can throw Alligator out of the back of a truck, start a frog leaping, send a rabbit hopping, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including a noisy swamp, croaking frog or even a hissing alligator.

The Peacock Wants To Be A Pig

App Details: 68 animations, 35 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration. Tapping or swiping the stars can launch Peacock into a mudhole, help him swallow an apple core, balance on a ball, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including cows mooing or even Pig slurping from a trough.

The Elephant Wants To Be A Bee

App Details: 73 animations, 36 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration. Tapping or swiping the stars can start a hive of bees swarming, cause a zebra to rear, send a meerkat scampering away, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including a trumpeting elephant, a tree crashing to the ground or even a barking meerkat.

The Snake Wants To Be A Horse

App Details: 71 animations, 35 sound effects, music, and dramatized narration. Tapping or swiping the stars can tie Snake's tongue in a knot, send a herd of horses galloping, put band aids on Snake, and much more. The icons on the left release a variety of sounds effects, including galloping hooves, horses neighing or even snakes laughing.

If you enjoyed these apps, would you let us know? We'd love to hear your response and we'd appreciate your reviews in the Store. 

Thanks!!

~Valerie Harmon

Author Interview: Lynda Carter and her Cedric the Shark series

This Author Interview is with Kay Carter who wrote and illustrated two books in the Cedric series: Cedric the Shark Gets A Toothache, and Cedric the Shark Has His First Day At School.

Valerie Harmon interviews Kay Carter:

Valerie:   What is the toughest part of being an author?

Kay: Too many ideas and not enough time.

Valerie:   What is your favorite book ever?

Kay: Very difficult question - probably Love In The Time Of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez or We Of The Never-Never by Jeannie Gunn.

Valerie:   Which book would you love to take a weekend vacation inside of?

Kay: The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat by Oliver Sacks

  

Valerie:   What inspired your book cover for Cedric the Shark Has His First Day at School? 

Kay: Children love colour and silly ideas. The idea of riding to school in a seashell, pulled by a seahorse and driven by an octopus tickled me. 

Valerie:  Are you working on anything new?

Kay: All the time. I am in the middle of another Cedric experience (coming very soon) and am attempting my first romance novel.

Valerie:  Anything you want to say to people reading this post?

Kay:  If you have a hankering to write (I believe we all have an unwritten novel within us) do not feel afraid to put pen to paper and express yourself. Amazon Kindle is the ideal platform to test your ability and I still believe today that your cover and title are probably the major items that help sell your book so take some time and choose carefully.  

Click here for the Facebook page for Cedric's books.

Thank you Kay and dear readers. Happy reading and writing,

~Valerie Harmon

(Disclaimer: Valerie Harmon received a free copy of the these books in exchange for a fair and honest review)

Children's Book Review: Hello Bella

Today's Children's Picture e-Book Review is Hello Bella, written by Nicole Foster and illustrated by Erik Skinner, for Ages 3-9.

My Ratings: 
Overall: 4.0 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Illustrations: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars

Bella is a curious dog who goes on a walk and hears greetings in different foreign languages as she tries to eat the foreign foods (she has to wait to eat until she gets home).

This is a simple book with cute cartoonish illustrations. It's a basic introduction to the word "Hello" in Spanish, Italian and French. There's no pronunciation guide, so it's helpful if you already know how to say the words "Hola," [O-la] "Ciao," [chow] and "Bonjour," [Bon Jur].

My 8 year old read it to herself and she liked the Italian Pizzeria illustration best, but she didn't know how to pronounce Ciao--a great learning opportunity.

~Valerie Harmon, The Kindle Book Review

(Disclaimer: Valerie Harmon received a free copy of the this book in exchange for a fair and honest review)

Children's Book Review: Freddie Goes Fishing With Grandpa

Today's Children's Picture e-Book Review is Freddie Goes Fishing With Grandpa written by Dagbjort Asgeirsdottir and illustrated by Karl Johann Jonsson, for Ages 3-9.

My Ratings: 
Overall: 5.0 Stars
Cover: 5 Stars
Illustrations: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars

Freddie Goes Fishing With Grandpa is a book that has hit #1 Best Seller in Category on Amazon and it's about a little boy named Freddie who goes fishing in the cove with Grandpa in Iceland. When he accidentally falls in, Grandpa pulls him out and tells him a sea monster story to cheer him up.

The watercolor illustrations by Jonsson are full of color and details that reveal parts of traditional Icelandic culture as well as adding to the cozy story that makes me miss my own grandparents. I appreciate that Asgeirsdottir added a note at the beginning explaining that pet foxes are real, as is their tendency to hide things that are left out.

I highly recommend this children's picture e-book and can see it becoming a classic with my own children. I hope Asgeirsdottir adds a hardback version someday.

It's FREE today and tomorrow, you can download it here.

~Valerie Harmon, from the Kindle Book Review

(Disclaimer: Valerie Harmon received a free copy of the this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. She is not affiliated with Amazon or the author)

Our Third Best Seller!

Today the third book in our WantsToBe children's picture book series, The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog, hit the #1 Best Seller list (within its category on Amazon)! 

From This...

When we get to add the gold #1 Best Seller badge, well, it feels good. Real good. 

To This!

THANK YOU to all of you who enjoy our books and have sent Snorse, Ellabee and Allidog to #1 Best Seller status. It is a compliment of the highest order!!