

As we researched site after site, this pattern held true with only a few exceptions: children's book authors have character based websites and promotions. Children tend to ask for books based on topics and characters. "I want to read dinosaurs" or "I want to read Angelina Ballerina" have both been uttered by any number of children around the world.
Common Children's Book Website Content:
- All pages include images of the characters and used colors and backgrounds that are in line with the book artwork, setting, and color palette.
- There is information about the author. Older books like Madeline and Eloise include a more exhaustive history of the book series, artists, and author(s).
- Most sites had a tab especially for child focused activities and extra content. For example, the Paddington Bear site includes a "Make & Do" tab that has links to craft projects and printable bookmarks and postcards. The Princess Cupcake Jones website has a "Print & Play" page that includes downloads for games, puzzles, and crayon friendly images.
- All of the sites included a contact page for inquiries.
- Most sites included a means to sign up for a newsletter or fan club.

Points to Ponder:
- As a children's book author, are you currently engaged in character focused marketing?
- For all authors: How are you engaging your audience with extra content?
Our dear friend, Gary, is an author of children's books. In his 7 Book Signing Tips for Children's Author post, he provides great insights from his personal experiences. The first two tips are below this text. Check out the link to see all seven tips.
- No cursive. I was born in 1958, so handwriting was a big thing in school. We learned to write beautiful cursive script, and that’s what our generation uses for formal occasions. Today’s children, however, are often not taught cursive. Schools in our area have dropped it, and many others around the country as well. If you handwrite a clever little note to the children, odds are they won’t be able to read it. This doesn’t apply to the signature itself, but…
Use a clearer signature. When I’m signing a check or a legal document, my signature is a scrawl. If you didn’t already know my name, you’d never be able to decipher the signature. As grownups, we get this. An illegible scribble is the standard for signatures. Little kids don’t necessarily get it. If the family is plopping down $11.95 for a copy of my book, I figure the least I can do is make it readable. I know kids who don’t read cursive won’t be able to read a signature, but the letters are close enough to identify if you know what you’re looking for. Speaking of which…
I really appreciate this post. I wrote a children's book in the early 1980's, published through a university press. The illustrations were just as important as the text. I've thought of returning to children's books again, but the publishing aspects of it (and marketing) have seemed daunting. This helps me see it in a different light.
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ReplyDeleteI used to write a children book, and I always use animal characters. Having an animal character in your story remains some of the most popular and enduring in children's fiction. Animal characters demonstrate the full range of human characteristics.
ReplyDeleteJessica of College Research Paper adviser
I remember myselft at the young age, I loved illustrations in books even more that text! So yes, I agree that it is very important.
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Winnie the Pooh is #1 - Thanks for your article
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Thanks for Winnie!)
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