Marketing Your Children's Book Part I "Creating a Press Kit"

Many children's writers have said that writing and publishing a book is very much like giving birth. Hopefully, this is a situation you find yourself or will soon find yourself in. Now that you have your "baby", how will you introduce it to the world. Yes, the publisher will help to a certain extent, but like sending out a birth announcement, writers must introduce and promote their new creation to the world.

Where and how does one start this process of promoting their book? A good starting point is to create a press kit. Your press kit should include information about your book in a professional manner. Like a good "hook" in your writing, this press kit should immediately grab the attention of an editor or bookstore consultant.

A good press kit presents you and your work in the best light. It includes all your information in a professional folder or presention of some type. Some good pointers for a great press kit include:

Use plain, neutral paper and a basic font, such as Times New Roman or Courier. The print should be 12-14 point type and your information is always double-spaced.

Your biography should be where you put your best foot forward. The biography is your opportunity to toot your own horn, (if you do not do it, no one else will!) Your bio should be informative, but succinct (40-50 words). Also include your writing history and experiences, an interesting personal anecdote is also a good element.

Always include your professional writing resume. Include published work, professional organization memberships, workshops or presentations you have presented or coordinated. Include any awards you may have been nominated for or received.

A current photo is usually required. These can be made inexpensively these days. Be sure to use a digital camera so the image can be emailed if necessary.

Always include a variety of clips. Include your publisher's author schedule. A book jacket of your published work.

Always put your press kit on your website. (You do have a website, right?) You will need to create a list of people to whom you will send your press kit, such as, bookstore owners, librarians, schools etc. Always follow-up with a phone call to insure that they received your kit and assess interest.

The time and expense you invest in your press kit will be well worth the effort. Making yourself look good on paper is a skill you must master.

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