Children's Book Marketing Made Easy

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

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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 legitimate
How to identify fake reviewer and influencer accounts
Practical ways to protect yourself and your publishing business from scams

Watch 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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book 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.

11: How to Realistically Make $500 a Month Selling Children's Books

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh breaks down how self-published children's book authors can realistically make an extra $500 per month selling their books.

Many children's book authors assume they need to go viral, build a massive social media following, or spend thousands on ads to generate meaningful income. In this episode, Harleigh shares several practical methods she has personally used to generate book sales, as well as a simple system to help you create consistent traffic and sales over time.

If you're looking for realistic ways to grow your children's book income without relying on luck or viral content, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn

How to realistically make an extra $500 per month selling children's books
Why you don't need to go viral or run ads to generate book sales
How to leverage community relationships to generate repeat sales
Why consistency matters more than chasing quick wins

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://youtu.be/tH5GpFxqJy8?si=eb0ZIWruk0xettIk

Author Event Supplies:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/authorharleighrose/list/6GHDCGIX72XJ?ref_=aipsflist

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book 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.

10: You NEED This if You Want to Sell More Amazon KDP Children's Books

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:07:23 -0500

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, you’ll learn practical strategies to help you grow your audience, increase book sales, and build a profitable self-publishing business.

Harleigh shares the one asset she wishes she had started building much earlier in her publishing journey. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t require ads, and most authors overlook it for far too long. Yet it has the potential to create more consistent sales, stronger launches, and a direct connection with your audience that no social media platform can take away.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode provides clear, actionable steps you can begin implementing right away!

What You’ll Learn

The overlooked asset that can make marketing your children's books much easier
Why relying entirely on social media can be risky for authors
How to create a more sustainable system for growing your audience
How to build something that continues working for you even when you're not actively marketing

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://youtu.be/M7gY5ZWYVsI?si=ZTq2EYCvHigEvCVi

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book 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.

9: 4 Steps to Take After Writing Your Children’s Book Manuscript

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Tue, 26 May 2026 07:14:47 -0500

Harleigh walks through the four important steps to take after writing your children’s book manuscript before jumping into publishing. She shares how to gather feedback through beta readers, why editing matters, how to create a simple storyboard for your book, and how to find the right illustrator for your project.
If you've written your manuscript and are wondering, “Okay… now what?” this episode gives you a clear roadmap for your next steps!

What You’ll Learn

What to do immediately after finishing your children’s book manuscript
How to find and use beta readers to improve your story before investing money
How to find an editor and what role they play in preparing your book for publishing
Where to find children's book illustrators and how to compare options

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://youtu.be/BqQxBmxqfbw?si=QUYku4bhVgDb-Bv5

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book 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!

8: Do You Need ISBNs to Publish a Children's Book?

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 18 May 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

Harleigh breaks down one of the most confusing parts of self-publishing children’s books: ISBNs. She explains what ISBNs actually are, when you do and don’t need them, the differences between Amazon KDP’s free ISBNs and purchasing your own, and how your publishing goals affect which option is best for you. She also shares the pros and cons of platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, how ISBNs work for different versions of your book, and what she personally chose to do for her own publishing business.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode provides clear, actionable steps you can begin implementing right away!

What You’ll Learn

What an ISBN actually is and why it matters for self-publishing children’s books
When you do and don’t need an ISBN for Amazon KDP or IngramSpark
The difference between using free ISBNs vs. buying your own
The pros and cons of Amazon KDP’s free ISBN system
How ISBNs affect wholesale distribution, bookstores, and expanded distribution
How to decide which ISBN route makes the most sense for your goals and budget

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://youtu.be/jAZ5sk2ksJ4?si=8HYIvK0Za0TJOM5v

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book 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!

7: Children’s Book Marketing is Broken (Here’s What ACTUALLY Works)

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh breaks down why traditional children’s book marketing, especially relying on ads, is broken for most self-published children's book authors and what actually works instead. She shares how to build a sustainable author platform using organic marketing strategies such as social media, email marketing, free resources, and content creation to drive long-term growth and consistent book sales.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode provides clear, actionable steps you can begin implementing right away!

What You’ll Learn

How to market your children’s book effectively using simple, organic strategies instead of relying on ads
Why ads often don’t work for self-published children’s book authors (and what to do instead)
How to build an author platform that makes selling future books easier
Social media strategies to grow your audience and stay consistent with your content
How to use free resources (like printables) as lead magnets to grow your email list
How to create an ecosystem that turns traffic into subscribers and book buyers
Simple ways to drive consistent traffic to your books through blogs, YouTube, and organic content

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://youtu.be/LXhMtjriljg?si=VHdMFmClrH6I7FBm

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and leaving a review. Thank you!

6: 35 Organic Marketing Tips to Sell More Children’s Books

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Harleigh shares 35 different ways you can market and sell your children’s books without using ads, covering everything from social media and email marketing to in-person events, bookstores, and community partnerships. This episode is designed to give you a wide range of ideas so you can find what works best for you and start building momentum with your book sales.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode provides clear, actionable steps you can begin implementing right away!

What You’ll Learn

How to market your children’s book effectively using 35 proven strategies across multiple platforms
Social media strategies to stay consistent, grow your audience, and promote your book organically
How to use lead magnets and email marketing to build an audience and drive long-term book sales
Ways to sell your books in person through farmers' markets, craft shows, and festivals
How to get your books into bookstores and host events like book signings and story times
Strategies to partner with schools, libraries, and community centers to expand your reach
Simple ways to drive consistent traffic to your books without relying on paid ads

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkBZ_6HGyb0&list=PLVasjHuqQLsZkguLvsuzaiZbn7RKlq-gk&index=6

Download the Accompanying PDF
https://harleigh-manske.ck.page/d0227675ec

Work With Harleigh + 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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and leaving a review. Thank you!

5: 4 Things I’ve Learned After 4 Years of Self-Publishing Children’s Books

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, you’ll learn the four biggest lessons Harleigh has learned after four years of self-publishing children’s books and turning this into a full-time business.

She shares the real, behind-the-scenes truths that most people don’t talk about, from why long-term organic marketing matters more than quick wins, to how to handle disappointment, stay consistent, and keep showing up even when it feels like nothing is working. This episode is a mix of strategy and mindset shifts that will help you build a sustainable children’s book business over time.

Whether you're just getting started or already on your journey, this episode will help you refocus, stay motivated, and keep moving forward.

What You’ll Learn:

Why focusing on long-term, organic marketing (instead of ads) can help you build a sustainable children’s book business
How free resources like printables and email lists can drive long-term traffic and growth
The reality of disappointment in self-publishing and how to keep going anyway
Why consistency matters more than “going viral” when growing your audience
How repetition in your content actually strengthens your marketing (even if you feel like a broken record)
Why you’re not too late to publish your book, start your platform, or grow your audience

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqdpkipwQC8&t=163s

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and leaving a review. Thank you!

4: Sell Your First 100 Children’s Books WITHOUT Ads

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Episode Summary

Harleigh breaks down exactly how she sold her first 100 children’s books without using ads, and the simple, organic marketing strategies that actually worked when paid ads didn’t. You’ll learn how to leverage in-person events, your personal network, and email marketing to start generating real sales and momentum.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode provides clear, actionable steps you can begin implementing right away!

What You’ll Learn

How to market your children’s book effectively using simple, organic strategies instead of relying on paid ads
How to sell your books in person through craft shows, festivals, and farmers’ markets to generate immediate sales
How to leverage your friends, family, and coworkers to build early momentum and word-of-mouth sales
Strategies to grow your audience and email list using lead magnets like free printables for kids
How to drive consistent traffic to your books through email marketing and ongoing audience nurturing
Simple ways to increase your Amazon KDP sales without ads by staying top of mind with your audience

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC_f_tzYH9E&list=PLVasjHuqQLsZkguLvsuzaiZbn7RKlq-gk&index=5

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book 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!

3: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Children’s Books [Start Here]

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:08:42 -0500

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh walks you through a complete beginner’s guide to marketing your children’s book from the ground up.

If you’ve written or published your book and are now wondering how to actually sell it, this episode breaks down a simple, step-by-step strategy to help you build a strong marketing foundation without relying on ads.

You’ll learn how to make sure your book is marketable, where to start with social media, why building an email list matters, and how to create consistent momentum so your book continues to grow over time.

What You’ll Learn

The step-by-step foundation for marketing your children’s book
How to make sure your children's book is marketable before promoting it
Why you should start with one social media platform (and which one to choose)
How to start building an email list and create a simple lead magnet
Easy content ideas to promote your children's book consistently
Why your personal network is one of your most powerful marketing tools
How to build long-term momentum instead of relying on a one-time promotion

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQbT9WjJ2LQ&feature=youtu.be

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and leaving a review!

2: How Much Does It Really Cost to Self-Publish a Children’s Book on Amazon KDP?

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:08:24 -0500

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh breaks down the real cost of self-publishing a children’s book on Amazon KDP—based on her own experience publishing her first children's book.

She walks you through every expense she paid, what she would do differently, and what you actually need (and don’t need) to invest in when getting started. She also shares how long it took her to recoup her investment and what ultimately helped her turn this into a full-time business.

If you’re thinking about self-publishing or want a realistic look at what to expect, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

What You’ll Learn

The real cost breakdown of self-publishing a children’s book on Amazon KDP
Which expenses are optional vs. necessary when getting started
How to save money by doing more yourself (and what’s worth investing in)
Common scams and mistakes to avoid when publishing your book
How long it realistically takes to make back your initial investment
What actually helps turn one book into a full-time business

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BAslBm7Zpo&feature=youtu.be

Work With Me + Programs

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and leaving it a review!

1: 3 Ways to Easily Double Your Children's Book Sales

Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Marketing & Self-Publishing Coach — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:07:58 -0500

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh breaks down three simple and effective ways you can start increasing your children’s book sales right away without relying on ads.

If your book isn’t selling as much as you hoped, this episode will help you shift your focus to what actually works—building an audience, creating consistent traffic, and using the right strategies to get your book in front of more readers.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale your sales, these are practical steps you can begin implementing immediately.

What You’ll Learn

The three most effective ways to start increasing your children’s book sales
Why most Children's Book Authors struggle with sales (and what to do differently)
How to use simple, organic strategies to get more eyes on your book
Ways to create consistent traffic instead of relying on a one-time promotion
How to build momentum so your children's book continues to sell over time

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WtDl9mhQqw&list=PLVasjHuqQLsZkguLvsuzaiZbn7RKlq-gk&index=2

Work With Me + Programs

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 Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast and leaving a review!