Writing children’s books seems like an idyllic career. You get to make up fun stories, work with whimsical illustrations, and spark kids’ imaginations. But can you actually make a living as a children’s book author?
As a professional children’s book printing manufacturer, I took a data-driven look at the children’s book industry to find out. What I discovered may surprise you.
Why Children’s Book Authors Struggle Financially
Children’s book authors face an uphill battle when it comes to earning significant income. Some key challenges include:
Extremely Competitive Industry
Over 5,000 new children’s books are published every year by traditional publishers alone. And that’s not even including the flood of self-published titles. This immense amount of competition makes it difficult for unknown authors to break through the noise.
Low Advances
Most traditional book deals come with an advance payment. But standard advances for unknown children’s book authors range from just $1,000 to $10,000. Spread out over years of work writing the book, that’s not much money.
Small Royalty Payments
Once you “earn out” your advance, children’s book authors typically only earn around 5-10% royalty on each sale. With cheap ebook pricing, that’s not much per copy.
Few Breakout Hits
Only a tiny fraction of children’s books become hugely successful series like Harry Potter, Captain Underpants or Dog Man. Most titles sell modestly at best.
So based on these challenges, it seems like children’s book writing is destined to be a money-losing hobby rather than a profitable career.
But here’s the good news…
You CAN Make Money Writing Children’s Books
The children’s book market may be competitive, but it IS possible to make a full-time living as an author:
45% of YA Authors Earn Over $20k Per Year
According to a recent survey by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 45% of YA authors and 35% of middle grade writers earn more than $20k from writing books.
Picture Book Authors Can Earn a Healthy Income
While the earning percentages were lower for picture book creators (just 15% make over $20k), authors like Mo Willems, Felicia Bond, and P.D. Eastman have created massively popular and profitable picture book series.
Supplement Income with Speaking/Teaching
Successful children’s book authors can make money doing school visits, speaking at conferences, and teaching workshops related to writing and publishing, which provides an income stream beyond just book sales.
Top Authors Make Over $200k/Year
The top 1% of children’s authors earn over $200k annually from their writing. R.L. Stine, for example, has sold over 400 million children’s books to date.
So while runaway success is rare, there IS real money to be made writing children’s literature if you can produce books that resonate with young readers.
Which brings us to…
3 Keys to Making a Living Writing Children’s Books
Based on my analysis, here are three essential ingredients for earning significant income as a children’s author:
1. Write Amazing, Original Stories
First and foremost, you need to write superb stories that capture children’s imaginations. While strong writing alone won’t guarantee financial success, it is the crucial foundation. Study the market, focus on crafting page-turners packed with voice, and get feedback from editors, beta readers and critique partners.
2. Publish Prolifically
Almost all full-time children’s authors are prolific, putting out multiple books per year. Each new release is a chance to attract more loyal fans (and earn more royalties). Build an audience by publishing frequently and sticking with popular series.
3. Promote Tirelessly
In today’s crowded book market, you need to vigorously promote your work via social media, school visits, conference presentations and more. Successful children’s authors spend a significant amount of time and effort on marketing to drive book sales.
Admittedly, achieving financial success writing children’s literature is an uphill climb. But by focusing on these three areas – dazzling writing, prolific output an relentless promotion – you can defy the odds stack the deck in your favor.
Start Your Children’s Book Writing Career in 2024
As we move into 2024, now is an exciting time jump headfirst into writing unforgettable children’s stories full-time.
Watch for Key Book Market Trends
Keep an eye out for emerging trends in stories and characters that resonate with young readers. For example, diverse characters and representations of marginalized groups are becoming increasingly popular. Books with an activist or environmental angle also perform well.
Choose the Right Publishing Path
Consider both traditional publishing (for wider distribution) as well self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP (for higher royalty rates and creative control). Most successful kid’s authors utilize both paths.
Develop Multi-Format Strategies
In addition to print and ebooks, consider creating children’s book apps, audio books, online games/activities related to your stories. Multi-format releases maximize opportunities to attract readers.
So while writing children’s stories means navigating a highly competitive industry with financial challenges, passion and perseverance can absolutely translate into a full-time income.
I hope by revealing the data-driven reality – along with tips from thriving authors – this post helps you make an empowered decision if pursuing a money-making children’s writing career makes sense for you!