Publishing a book written by a child on Amazon is no longer just a dream for young, imaginative writers. With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), children today can proudly see their creative stories turned into real, purchasable books—both in print and digital formats.
If you’re a parent, guardian, or teacher wondering how to help a child publish their book, this guide will walk you through every step. From preparing the manuscript to setting up the KDP account and marketing the book, this article provides everything you need to know.
Why Publishing a Child’s Book on Amazon Matters
Helping a child publish their book isn’t only about getting it listed on Amazon. It’s about fostering creativity, teaching responsibility, encouraging entrepreneurship, and building lifelong confidence.
Publishing their story gives young writers:
✅ A sense of achievement
✅ An understanding of the publishing process
✅ A creative outlet that builds valuable communication skills
✅ The opportunity to share their ideas with a global audience
Amazon KDP is the ideal choice because it’s free, globally accessible, and beginner-friendly—even for those publishing on behalf of a young author.
Can a Child Publish a Book on Amazon?
Children under 18 can’t legally enter into publishing contracts or manage royalties. Therefore, a parent or guardian must create and manage the Amazon KDP account, hold the publishing rights, and receive royalty payments on behalf of the child.
However, the child will still retain authorship credit and copyright. You can publish the book under their real name or a pen name for privacy.
Step-by-Step Process to Publish a Book Written by a Child on Amazon
Step 1: Finalize and Edit the Manuscript
Even young authors need their work polished. Review the story for clarity, grammar, and structure. Parents can assist or hire professional editors specializing in children’s literature.
Tips for Success:
- Read the story aloud to catch flow issues.
- Ensure age-appropriate vocabulary.
- Confirm that the storyline fits your intended audience.
Step 2: Illustrate the Book
Children’s books often rely on engaging visuals. You have several options:
- Scan and digitize your child’s hand-drawn illustrations.
- Use digital tools like Canva for Kids or Procreate.
- Hire a freelance illustrator from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Ensure all artwork is either original or properly licensed to avoid copyright infringements.
Step 3: Format the Book Correctly
Amazon KDP requires specific formatting for both print and eBook editions.
For Print:
- Trim sizes: Common children’s book sizes include 8.5×8.5 inches or 6×9 inches.
- File type: PDF for print books.
For eBook:
- File type: EPUB or Kindle Create-compatible files.
- Ensure text flows well on various screen sizes.
Amazon provides free templates and resources to help with formatting.
Step 4: Design an Eye-Catching Cover
Your book’s cover is your first impression. For children’s books, it should be colorful, fun, and visually aligned with the story’s tone.
Tools to Use:
- Canva Pro
- Book Bolt
- KDP’s Cover Creator tool
- Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator
Ensure you follow Amazon’s specifications for cover size and resolution (at least 300 dpi).
Step 5: Set Up Your Amazon KDP Account
Since children cannot own an Amazon KDP account, parents must handle this part. Go to kdp.amazon.com and create an account.
What You’ll Need:
- Your legal name and address
- Bank account for royalties
- Tax information (W-9, W-8BEN depending on your location)
Once set up, you can manage the publishing, pricing, and royalty settings on behalf of your child.
Step 6: Optimize Metadata for SEO Success
Metadata helps people find your child’s book on Amazon and Google. This includes your title, subtitle, keywords, and book description.
How to Optimize for Better Visibility:
✅ Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles (Example: “Ella’s Magical Adventures: A Bedtime Story for Kids 4-8”)
✅ Write a clear, benefits-driven description explaining who the book is for and what it’s about.
✅ Select the appropriate categories (Children’s Books, Picture Books, Bedtime Stories, etc.)
✅ Input strategic keywords parents and teachers might search for, like:
- bedtime stories for kids
- educational books for children
- inspirational books for young readers
Optimizing your metadata improves visibility on Amazon search and even search engines like Google and Bing.
Step 7: Upload and Publish the Book
Once your files are ready:
- Log in to KDP.
- Click “Create New Title.”
- Fill out the book details (metadata, age range, etc.).
- Upload your manuscript and cover.
- Preview with KDP’s Preview Tool.
- Confirm rights and territories (Worldwide if desired).
- Set your pricing (paperbacks typically $7.99-$12.99; eBooks $2.99-$5.99).
- Submit for Amazon’s review (approval usually takes 24-72 hours).
Step 8: Promote Your Child’s Published Book
Publishing is only the beginning—promoting the book ensures it reaches readers.
Promotion Strategies:
- Share on family social media networks.
- Join parenting groups and education forums.
- Reach out to local libraries, schools, and bookstores.
- Submit to local newspapers or parenting blogs.
- Leverage Amazon Author Central to create an author profile.
- Encourage family and friends to leave reviews on Amazon.
Tip: Focus on English-speaking markets like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Tailor language (US vs. UK English) where necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping editing or proofreading.
❌ Using copyrighted artwork without permission.
❌ Neglecting SEO for your title, keywords, and categories.
❌ Not testing the eBook format on multiple devices.
How to Legally Protect Your Child’s Work
Even though children are authors, parents manage legalities:
- Copyright belongs to the author upon creation. Consider registering it formally.
- Publishing contracts and royalties go through the parent’s account.
- Using a pen name is acceptable for privacy.
Benefits of Publishing a Child’s Book on Amazon
✔️ Builds confidence and pride
✔️ Introduces the basics of entrepreneurship
✔️ Provides a learning experience in digital literacy
✔️ Enables global reach without upfront costs
✔️ Teaches perseverance and professionalism
Examples of Kids Who Successfully Published on Amazon
- Emma Sumner published at age 7 and now inspires other young authors.
- Alec Greven wrote “How to Talk to Girls” at age 9, gaining national recognition.
These success stories show the potential your child has with your guidance and Amazon’s tools.
Quick FAQs
Can kids publish books on Amazon?
Yes, but through a parent or guardian’s account on Amazon KDP.
Is it free to publish on Amazon KDP?
Yes, Amazon KDP is free. You only earn or pay based on book sales.
Do you need an ISBN?
Amazon provides free ISBNs for print books.
How long does it take to publish?
Amazon typically approves books within 24-72 hours.
Can a child earn royalties?
Royalties are paid to the parent’s account, but the earnings can be saved for the child.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Child’s Story Into a Published Book
Publishing a child’s book on Amazon is a fantastic way to nurture creativity and teach valuable life lessons about hard work, resilience, and entrepreneurship. With a little help from you, your young author’s imagination can reach readers all over the world.
Start the process today, and give your child the incredible experience of seeing their name on a published book—available globally on Amazon.
