By Amanda Miller

Congratulations! You’ve completed your book—a remarkable achievement that deserves a celebration. But before you think about taking a well-deserved break, it’s crucial to pivot your focus to the marketing of your book.

In this ongoing blog series, we’ll provide genre-specific insights on effectively promoting your book through social media.

The children’s community is vibrant and full of passionate readers and writers. In this post, we’ve identified groups to join, relevant hashtags, and how to actively engage on each platform. Authentic participation is key; members will appreciate your contributions and view you as a genuine member of the community rather than just a promoter. Once you’ve built those connections, you can naturally introduce your book and share special offers with your new audience.

Check out the resources below, and don’t hesitate to share your favorites with us for future updates!

FACEBOOK
Facebook is invaluable for those marketing on a budget. You’ll want to start by creating a business page, different than a personal page, devoted to your children’s book. The difference between the two types of pages that Facebook offers is that a personal page is for connecting with family and friends, sharing personal updates, photos, and interacting on a personal level. Your business page is for promoting your business, your brand, and in this case, your writing or your published book.
Typically a personal page is not open for public viewing, while a business page is public. Outside of audience differences, there are also major functionality differences. When moving your author brand to a business page, you now have access to new functions such as advertising opportunities, creating events, monetization tools, and more.

After you open a business Facebook page, you have to get people to like your page— the hard part. There are numerous webinars, books, and blogs devoted to how to do this. Facebook has an easy step-by-step guide to help you out with this.

Keep in mind that Facebook has now become monetized, which means that while you can reach a small segment of your Facebook friends with any post, to reach a larger audience, you’ll have to pay small sums of money. Facebook calls this “boosting” your post. Once you post something on your page, Facebook will ask you if you’d like to “boost this post?” If you say “yes,” a box will pop up allowing you to decide how much you would like to spend and telling you how far your reach will go based on how much you spend. Once “boosted,” Facebook will send the item out to like-minded pages, where it will appear on those timelines. It’s a sure way to get your book on the feeds of people interested in your topic and to begin reaching out to those beyond your immediate circle.

One way you can start finding those people yourself is to join the Facebook groups that draw readers of your genre. Below are a few of our favorite Facebook groups for children’s books. Most groups allow authors to promote their work on the page (within reason):

Children’s Book Club (10,000 members) This is a private group for authors of children’s books, illustrators, and parents. All are welcome to post, ask questions or whatever, but all conversations must be for the kids and the books they read!

Independent Authors’ ebooks (10,000 members) Authors are free to share and discuss their books on this site. They are also encouraged to help other members by reviewing their books.

Promoting Children’s Books (20,000 members) This group is for children’s book authors. Promote your books as many times as you like.

New Childrens Books (22,700 members) This group is a place for new and published children’s authors to advertise their books and any offers, competitions that they are promoting too.

Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators (109,000 members) A networking group of children’s book authors and illustrators where they can promote their work and their books.

Children’s Book Writers USA (5,000 members) A networking group open to anyone interested in children’s books. Authors can share their books here.

Children’s Books by African American Authors and Illustrators (20,000 members) This is a site for African American authors and illustrators. For books representing African American characters. Members whose books fit this category can share their books here.

Children’s Book Promotions (14,700 members) Authors are encouraged to post their work here and to share the posts of others widely. All posts must be approved by the site administrator due to lots of spam, but don’t let that discourage you.

X (formerly known as Twitter)
With posts limited to 280 characters, you’ll have to be clever —and brief— in order to effectively use this medium. And don’t forget that you’ll use up several characters if you want to link to your website. Moral of story: Think small. (Note: If you are linking your post to another site, make sure to use a link-shortening service like bit.ly. Bit.ly takes a long url address and reduces it to only a few characters, freeing up valuable real estate on your limited character allowance.)

Remember to use hashtags. These can make a huge difference in how many people see your tweet. A hashtag is used to show what the post is about or related to, preceded by the pound sign (#books, #kidlit, etc.). Each hashtag has its own X “address” so people interested in children’s books, for example, might simply visit #childrensbooks and look at all of the posts with this hashtag. Using multiple relevant hashtags, while not going overboard, is paramount to a successful X presence. If you’re offering a Kindle deal for your book, be sure to add the hashtag #kindledeals, as many readers look there for inexpensive books.

Here are some relevant hashtags:

#ChildrensBooks
#PictureBook
#KidsBooks
#KidsLit
#Storytime
#KidsPictureBooks
#RaisingReaders
#BooksforChildren
#BedtimeStories
#BoardBooks
#ReadYourWorld
#IndieAuthors
#ChildrensBookWeek
#Kindle
#KindleDeals

Industry Accounts You Should Follow:

@KidLit411 – A well-known hub for children’s authors and illustrators, offering resources and networking opportunities.
@SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) – A must-follow for any children’s book author looking for community, conferences, and professional development.
@ChronicleKids – Follow the children’s division of Chronicle Books for industry trends and opportunities.
@Scholastic – A big player in children’s publishing; they frequently highlight children’s books and authors.
@KIDLITexchange – A community where educators, parents, and book lovers review children’s books. They often promote new books, which can help amplify your work.
@StoryMonsters – Helps authors promote their work, share stories, and connect with readers.

REDDIT
Reddit is an actionable community that is divided into convenient “subreddits,” prefaced by the letter “r.” This allows you to promote to a wide audience, such as r/books, or to a more specialized community, such as r/children’s book writerslit. Each page or “subreddit” is basically a chat space that focuses on a particular subject. Visitors can initiate a topic or simply respond to comments that others have posted. The more people who respond, the higher on the page that discussion goes. Here’s reddit’s description of itself.

Make sure to look at the right sidebar on every subreddit you visit, where you’ll find related subreddits as well as the page rules. Some pages allow self-promotion; some strictly forbid it, and others have special times or threads for self-promotion.

While Facebook undoubtedly reaches more people, it does not allow for this sort of specialization. We’re offering a few suggestions on the site here, but once you start poking around, you’ll find plenty more threads to get involved with.

 r/ChildrensBooks: This is more of a discussion forum, but if you are contributing valuable insights, you may be able to promote your book subtly or through community discussions.

 r/Parenting: A large community where parents discuss all aspects of parenting, including book recommendations. You can promote your book in the context of relevant discussions, such as reading tips for kids.

 r/kidsbooks: Similar to r/ChildrensBooks, this subreddit is for discussing kids’ books. You can offer value by sharing insights about writing for kids and mention your book when relevant.

 r/picturebooks: A subreddit dedicated to picture books. You can engage in discussions about writing and illustrating, and there’s an opportunity to promote your work.

r/teachers: This is a large community of educators who are often looking for book recommendations for their students. You can engage in discussions about children’s literacy or share your book when relevant to classroom topics.

r/homeschool: A subreddit for homeschooling parents who are always on the lookout for educational resources, including children’s books. Sharing your book in the context of helpful advice or discussions can lead to positive engagement.

r/IndieAuthors: This group is for independent authors to discuss publishing, marketing, and promotion. It offers opportunities to promote your book while learning from other indie authors’ experiences. The group mentions that you can share your experience and teach others what you’ve learned. “Nothing is too small to mention, as there will always be someone just starting out.”

GOODREADS
Another platform to consider when promoting online is Goodreads. Goodreads is a website owned by Amazon that allows individuals to freely search the extensive user-populated database of books, annotations, and reviews. Users can sign up and register books to generate library catalogs and reading lists. They can also create their own groups of book suggestions, surveys/polls, blogs, and discussions.

Below are some of our favorite children’s groups on Goodreads. READ THE RULES BEFORE POSTING! Authors who only post promotions and do not participate in discourse in the community will be ejected.

Children’s Books – A group dedicated to discussing and promoting children’s books. It has a large membership base, and you can participate in discussions or introduce your book.

Children’s Book Reviewers – This is a group where authors can reach out to the members to review their upcoming or published book.

Book Promotions – This is a group where any author of any genre can promote their book as many times as they want to their hearts content. Give it a go!

Educator Book Club – A great place to connect with teachers and parents who may be interested in using your book in their classrooms or recommending it to students.

Goodreads Giveaways
Be sure to check out Goodreads Giveaway feature for published authors. These giveaways are a powerful way for authors and publishers to promote their books and can be created easily from the Goodreads Giveaway page. All authors and publishers anywhere in the world can give away up to 100 print books per giveaway to audiences in the U.S. and Canada. Kindle Direct Publishing authors and publishers with ebooks available in the U.S. can give away up to 100 Kindle ebooks per giveaway.

The best part? Despite only 100 people winning free copies of your book, anyone who has signed up to be part of the giveaway will automatically have your book listed to their ‘Want to Read’ list. That means, when they are browsing their bookshelf for their next reads, your may be the one they choose. And for those who do win a free copy, Goodreads sends them a reminder to leave your book a review! This is a great way of getting in front of new readers and encouraging more book reviews.

Next stop: Instagram and Tik Tok!

INSTAGRAM
Children’s book authors should consider joining Instagram as it offers a visually-driven platform to showcase their writing, connect with a broader audience, and engage with a vibrant community of fellow authors, parents, and readers. By pairing eye-catching images with concise, impactful quotes or excerpts from their stories, authors can create shareable content that highlights their work and helps attract new followers. Instagram is especially valuable for children’s book authors because it allows them to creatively promote their books by sharing illustrations, cover reveals, and sneak peeks that capture the attention of both young readers and their parents.

One feature that children’s book authors can take advantage of is Instagram Reels. Reels are short, engaging videos—up to 90 seconds long—that allow users to create content with editing tools like music, filters, and effects. They are designed to be easily discoverable, appearing on the Explore page and in a dedicated section on users’ profiles. Reels can be an excellent way for authors to reach a broader audience.
Children’s book authors might consider creating Reels that feature snippets of their writing, book teasers, or readings of their work. For instance, you could showcase a character introduction, or record yourself discussing the inspiration behind your book or writing tips for aspiring children’s authors.

Instagram Stories are another feature children’s book authors should leverage more frequently. Stories are temporary posts that last for 24 hours but can draw significant attention to your profile. If you recently posted a video, book cover, or a writing update, sharing it to your Story can amplify its reach. Writers can use Stories to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their creative process, snippets from their books, character inspirations, or daily motivations. Engaging features like polls and quizzes can foster interaction with followers, while short readings or favorite quotes from children’s literature keep the content fresh. Regularly updating your Stories helps maintain audience interest and encourages followers to return, share, and boost your visibility.

Here are some accounts you may consider following to get inspired and connected with reviewers, influencers, and industry experts:

Book Reviewer Accounts:

@sofia_bibi_haq_
@readandsparkle
@sharing.the.shelf
@thelittlepageturners
@bibli_o_fly
@hanthinkbooks
@stacykleimann
@childrenslitlove

Children’s Book Publishing and Literary Agents Accounts:

@chroniclekidsbooks – Chronicle Books’ children’s division, which often posts book spotlights and creative content related to new releases.
@scholastic – A leading children’s book publisher that frequently shares new releases and behind-the-scenes looks at books that could be great for authors to comment on and engage with.
@harperkids – HarperCollins’ children’s division shares book recommendations, contests, and author features that can help you stay visible within the kidlit community.
@SCBWI – This is the account for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, supporting quality children’s books and the artists who make them.
Parenting Influencers:
@busytoddler – An account dedicated to engaging kids in fun, educational activities, often including books that parents can read to their toddlers.
@happilyeverelephants – A mom who loves children’s books and shares recommendations for parents and educators, often focused on meaningful, thought-provoking stories.

TIK TOK
Children’s writers can effectively utilize TikTok by creating short, engaging videos that showcase their work in a dynamic way, often using visuals and audio to enhance their message. By performing spoken word pieces, sharing children’s readings, or even creating videos that discuss their writing process and inspiration, children’s book writers can connect with a diverse audience and tap into TikTok’s algorithm for greater visibility.

Here are quick instructions on how to get started making your first Tik Tok Video:

1. To make a TikTok video on your phone, first, open the TikTok app and tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the screen. This will open the camera.
2. You can either record a video by pressing and holding the big red button or upload a video you’ve already taken by tapping “Upload” next to the red button.
3. If you’re recording, you can lift your finger from the red button when you want to stop.
4. Once you have your video, you can add music by tapping “Sounds,” add text by tapping “Text,” or use filters and effects if you’d like.
5. When you’re happy with the video, tap “Next,” write a short description, and then tap “Post” to share it.

If you are making a Tik Tok video for the first time, it is best to watch a quick Youtube video first then give it a go.

Once you’ve nailed down how to create a Tik Tok video, consistency in posting and using relevant hashtags can help children’s book writers grow their following and engage with the community. In addition, they should engage with comments and collaborate with other creators to further enhance their reach.

Posts that perform well on Tik Tok often have this one thing in common: The creator of the video will talk in “I” and “you” language as if they are talking directly to one person and not multiple people. Next time you make a video on TikTok or any social media platform, try to speak directly to your listener. Make them feel like you are having a direct conversation with them.
Hashtags to consider when posting on TikTok.

To get noticed by parents, teachers, and even librarians on TikTok, children’s book authors should use a combination of popular hashtags in the children’s literature community, parenting, education, and book-related tags. Here are some effective hashtags to include in TikTok posts:

(The hashtags mentioned earlier for X (Twitter) are applicable here. The list below is in addition to those hashtags)
#MomsofTikTok
#ParentingTips
#TeachersofTikTok
#EducationTikTok
#TeachersLounge
#EarlyLearning
#LearningThroughPlay
#BooksForTeachers
#TeacherResources
#ReadingWithKids
#ParentsOfTikTok
#BookTok
#ReadingForKids
#BookRecommendations
#Bookish
#BookTokCommunity
#BookReview
#BookLovers
#ReadToYourKids
#RaiseAReader
#TeachingKids
#LiteracyMatters
#KidsOfTikTok
#ParentingHacks
#FamilyTime
#KidsActivities
#BooksOfTikTok

Accounts you may consider following:

@kidlitpicks – A community-driven account where various influencers recommend children’s books. This is an excellent account to follow for inspiration and potential collaboration.
@thechildrensbookreview – An account by Bianca Schulze who’s mission is to grow readers with books and tips that will inspire.
@readtokids – An account that shares children’s book recommendations for newborn to school age kids
@Ilovebooks.rec – An account that offers collaborations and book reviews

BONUS SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS:
When creating a new profile, be sure to:
● Use your author name in your bio and in your username
● Use keywords in your bio such as “Poet” “Poetry Writer”
● Use a relevant hashtag in your bio (i.e. #poetry #poetrywriter #poetrycommunity)
● Add links to your author website, book, blog, upcoming events
● Update your bio with news. If you are coming out with a new book, you can mention, for example, “Book coming soon” or “Book Arriving this Fall”
● Try to keep all your usernames consistent across multiple platforms

As you embark on your social media journey as a new writer or author, remember that focus is key. Start by selecting 1-2 platforms where you feel most comfortable, and dedicate your time to learning and understanding their unique dynamics. Take the time to observe how others engage with their audiences, noting what resonates and what doesn’t. This will provide valuable insights as you begin crafting your own original content. Embrace experimentation, and don’t hesitate to refine your approach as you grow. By honing your skills on a couple of platforms, you’ll set a solid foundation for building your author brand and connecting with your readers authentically. Happy posting!

BlueInk Review is a fee-based book review service devoted to self-published titles exclusively. For more news and writing and marketing tips, sign up for our mailing list.

Amanda Miller is a self-publishing consultant with My Word Publishing who is passionate about guiding authors through the maze of self-publishing and helping them bring their written works to life. She is a writer of poetry and nonfiction essays. If you have a book in you, contact Amanda at [email protected]