Children's Book Marketing Made Easy

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach

The Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy Podcast helps self-published children’s book authors grow their audience, increase book sales, and build a profitable publishing business using simple, organic strategies. Hosted by full-time award-winning Author and Illustrator Harleigh Manske, each episode shares actionable tips for Amazon KDP, email list growth, and consistent traffic—adapted from high-value YouTube content for learning on the go.

  1. 1d ago

    19: 3 Low-Cost Tools to Grow Your Children's Book Publishing Business

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh shares the three low-cost tools she personally uses to publish, market, and grow her children's book publishing business without wasting money on unnecessary software. Many self-published children's book authors feel pressured to purchase dozens of expensive subscriptions, but the truth is, you only need a few reliable tools to build a successful publishing business.  In this episode, Harleigh explains why Canva, Publisher Rocket, and MailerLite have become essential parts of her workflow, how each tool helps at different stages of the publishing process, and why they're worth the investment. If you're looking to simplify your publishing toolkit while saving time and money, this episode will help you choose the tools that actually move the needle! What You’ll Learn  Which software subscriptions are worth paying for—and which ones you can skip How to save money while building a professional children's book publishing business The tool to help you find better keywords and categories to improve your Amazon visibility and book rankings Watch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/T84ld7l2ngY?si=PmmJBaiC-JrHFYiR Links Mentioned Canva:https://www.canva.com/ Publisher Rocket:https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/buy-rocket?aff=471 MailerLite:https://www.mailerlite.com/?linkId=lp_170762&sourceId=i6zzdno3xb3d&tenantId=mailerlite How to Format a Children's Book in Canva (YouTube):https://youtu.be/PFQnBIednTs?si=d8ZCaR05x8C2aGXa How to Create a Free Author Website in Canva (Playlist):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT71nkqG4uo&list=PLVasjHuqQLsaXCSqtNBZXFQZxxoOc_vXM&index=2 Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  2. Jul 27

    18: Here's Why Your Amazon KDP Children's Book Isn't Selling

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh breaks down the five biggest reasons why children's books fail to make sales on Amazon and, more importantly, how to fix them. Many self-published authors assume Amazon is the problem when their books aren't selling, but often it's a handful of small issues that are preventing readers from clicking the "Buy Now" button. In this episode, Harleigh walks through the most common mistakes she sees during coaching calls, from weak book covers and unclear book topics to poor Amazon descriptions, a lack of reviews, and ineffective marketing. If your children's book isn't getting the sales you hoped for, this episode will help you identify what's holding it back and the practical steps you can take to improve your results.  What You’ll Learn  The five biggest reasons children's books don't sell on Amazon The importance of marketing your book outside of Amazon Beginner-friendly ways to drive more traffic to your book listing Small changes that can make a big difference in your Amazon KDP salesWatch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/6YBMeWZfRSU?si=hpa62g3l_LnZ0wiR Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  3. Jul 20

    17: How to Build Launch Momentum for Your Amazon KDP Children's Book

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh shares how to build excitement and momentum before your children's book is published so you can launch with more visibility, reviews, and sales from day one! One of the biggest mistakes new children's book authors make is waiting until their book is live to start marketing it. In this episode, Harleigh walks through the exact pre-launch strategy she teaches her coaching clients, including choosing the right social media platform, creating consistent content, growing a book launch team, and building an engaged community before your book ever goes live. If you want your next book launch to feel organized instead of overwhelming, this episode will help you create a simple marketing plan you can start implementing today.  What You’ll Learn  Why you should start marketing your children's book before it's published How to choose the best social media platform for your book launch Simple content ideas to build excitement before launch day Why building a book launch team can help increase early sales and reviewsWatch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/Y1GVHuwo7rE?si=dvvZL-YMn8BZZTiz Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  4. Jul 13

    16: Market a Brand New Amazon KDP Children’s Book With $0

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh shares exactly what she would do if she had a brand-new children's book on Amazon KDP and a $0 marketing budget. Many authors think they need paid ads, a massive social media following, or complicated marketing funnels to sell books. In this episode, Harleigh breaks down a simple, beginner-friendly marketing strategy that focuses on optimizing your Amazon listing, choosing the right social media platform, creating content that attracts readers, and leveraging your local community to generate book sales.  If you're looking for practical ways to market your children's book without spending money on ads, this episode will give you a clear action plan to follow! What You’ll Learn  The first three social media posts every children's book author should create Why Instagram Stories can be a powerful tool for daily book promotion A 30-day marketing plan you can repeat without spending money on ads Why consistency beats paid advertising for most self-published children's book authorsWatch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0FrCThz1D8 Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  5. Jul 6

    15: Using AI Illustrations for an Amazon KDP Children's Book? (Here's What to Watch Out For)

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh tackles one of the most controversial topics in the children's book industry today: AI illustrations. With AI tools becoming more accessible than ever, many aspiring children's book authors are wondering whether they should use AI to illustrate their books. In this episode, Harleigh shares what can happen when authors choose to use AI-generated illustrations, the potential consequences that many people don't talk about, and several alternative options that can help bring your story to life without spending thousands of dollars on illustrations. Drawing from real-world experiences, coaching client stories, and her own perspective as a professional illustrator, she helps you make an informed decision about what's best for your publishing goals.  What You’ll Learn  What can happen if you use AI illustrations in a children's book  The potential impact AI illustrations can have on book sales, reviews, school visits, and bookstore opportunities Common reactions authors may experience when publishing AI-illustrated books Alternative illustration options if hiring a full illustrator isn't in your budgetWatch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/5V4l57jUSeE?si=ndqvGqNRXHMZSIST Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  6. Jun 29

    14: Create a Children's Book BRAND to Sell More Books

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh shares why building a children's book brand can be one of the most powerful ways to increase book sales, grow a loyal audience, and create a long-term publishing business. Many self-published authors focus on publishing one book at a time, but the most successful children's book creators often build something bigger than a single title. In this episode, Harleigh explains how recurring characters, consistent themes, recognizable artwork, and serving the same audience can help readers connect with your books and keep coming back for more. She also shares examples from her own Doppy brand and other successful children's book series to show how a strong brand can make marketing and selling future books much easier.  What You’ll Learn  Why building a children's book brand can help you sell more books  The difference between publishing individual books and creating a recognizable brand Why consistent themes and messaging help strengthen your children's book author brand How serving the same target audience can help your business grow faster Watch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0liRK8XA4U&t=1s Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  7. Jun 22

    13: Get Your Amazon KDP Children’s Books Ready for Wholesale

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh breaks down how to get your Amazon KDP children's books ready for wholesale and into bookstores, gift shops, boutiques, and other retail locations. Many self-published children's book authors assume wholesale is only for traditionally published authors or that they need a distributor to get their books into stores. In this episode, Harleigh shares two different wholesale paths you can take depending on your publishing goals: a print-on-demand approach using IngramSpark and an inventory-based approach using Shopify and Faire. She walks through the pros and cons of each method so you can decide which option is the best fit for your children's book business. What You’ll Learn The two different paths to getting your children's books wholesale-ready The pros and cons of print-on-demand wholesale versus carrying inventory Why Shopify can be a valuable tool for children's book authors How to prepare your business for wholesale opportunitiesWatch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:Amazon KDP to Bookstores: https://youtu.be/HftJC7XFrko?si=GAsUQbyQM5cQIXBKOffset Printed Children's Books to Stores: https://youtu.be/fvlsCH3UMo0?si=avlPpM8a-N1Pee8Y Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!

  8. Jun 15

    12: Scams Every Children’s Book Author Needs to Watch Out For

    In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh shares some of the most common scams targeting self-published children's book authors today. Self-publishing has created incredible opportunities for children's book authors, but unfortunately, it has also created plenty of opportunities for scammers! Drawing from her own experiences and conversations with coaching clients, she explains the red flags to watch for so you can protect your time, money, and publishing business.  What You’ll Learn Warning signs that an illustrator may not be legitimateHow to identify fake reviewer and influencer accountsPractical ways to protect yourself and your publishing business from scamsWatch the Original YouTube Video If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:https://youtu.be/BpqwhZqUTns?si=btnCraNWY27mwtCj Videos/ Resources Mentioned:How to Spot Illustrators Using AI: https://youtu.be/MjPXdgvVmew?si=wZsjKmPqTTYHbup_ Free Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP Course: https://www.skool.com/author-growth-academy/classroom/7b128725?md=4e7d49151fe24c8c97785bf787297460 Work With Me + Resources Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:[60 Minute Zoom Call][40 Minute Zoom Call]Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business: Author Growth RoadmapGet Free Traffic + Book Sales:Free Traffic Formula Mini Course Free Resources for Children's Book Authors Children's Book Marketing GuideInstagram Content PlannerBook Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates Connect If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and sharing it with another children’s book author.

About

The Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy Podcast helps self-published children’s book authors grow their audience, increase book sales, and build a profitable publishing business using simple, organic strategies. Hosted by full-time award-winning Author and Illustrator Harleigh Manske, each episode shares actionable tips for Amazon KDP, email list growth, and consistent traffic—adapted from high-value YouTube content for learning on the go.