You've written your book. Now what?
Publishing your children's book online is both simpler and more varied than you might think. There's no single right answer — it all depends on what you're after: reaching as many readers as possible, keeping as much revenue as possible, or both at once.
Here's a clear-eyed look at the real solutions available today, along with their pros and cons.
Amazon KDP: the go-to platform for reaching readers worldwide
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) remains the reference platform for self-publishing. You upload your file, fill in the metadata, set your price — and your book goes on sale on Amazon within 24 to 72 hours.
For illustrated books, Amazon offers KDP Print (print-on-demand paperback) and Kindle (ebook) formats. For a children's book with illustrations, the print format is generally the better fit.
Royalties run around 60% on print-on-demand sales, after printing costs are deducted. A book priced at $12 will earn you somewhere between $2 and $4 depending on page count and shipping fees.
A full guide on the topic is available here: publishing on Amazon KDP.
Specialized children's book platforms
Several platforms target independent children's book authors specifically:
- Lulu.com: print-on-demand, international distribution, great photo quality for illustrated picture books. Interface is in English, but easy enough to navigate.
- Bookelis: a French platform, print-on-demand, with an option for bookstore distribution via legal deposit. Ideal if you want to be listed in France.
- Thebookedition.com: another French option, competitive pricing, great results for picture books.
| Criteria | Amazon KDP | Bookelis | Lulu.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print-on-demand | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| France distribution | Partial | Yes | No |
| International distribution | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| French interface | No | Yes | No |
| Author royalty | ~60% | Varies | ~60% |
| ISBN included | Yes | Paid | Yes |
Selling direct: the best margins
Distribution platforms take their cut. If you want to maximize your revenue, selling direct is the way to go.
Three concrete options:
Shopify or WooCommerce — You build your own online store. You keep 95% of the revenue (minus Stripe/PayPal fees). The trade-off: you handle everything — inventory, shipping, customer service. Etsy — Perfect for personalized or handmade books. The platform attracts buyers who already love handcrafted items and unique gifts. Fees are reasonable (around 6.5% per sale plus a listing fee). Gumroad — Ideal for ebooks or printable PDFs. No inventory to manage, automatic delivery. Super easy to set up when you're just getting started.For personalized books made with MakerBook, selling direct via Etsy or a Shopify store is often the most profitable combination. You order the print, ship it yourself — or simply offer the high-resolution PDF file directly to your customers.
Selling through social media
Instagram and TikTok now let you sell without even having a dedicated store. Instagram Shopping lets you tag your products directly in your posts. TikTok Shop works in a similar way.
This channel requires regular content — but it can generate sales within the first few weeks if you show your book in action: a child flipping through the pages, a genuine reaction, a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
An AI-illustrated book lends itself especially well to this kind of content, because the transformation — "here's the original idea, here's the finished result" — is visually striking.
Do you have to pick just one platform?
No. Most successful independent authors combine several channels:
- Amazon KDP for organic visibility and passive sales
- Etsy for buyers looking for personalized gifts
- Direct sales at markets, fairs, or on Instagram to maximize margins
If you want to see what a finished book actually looks like first, take a look at the examples created on MakerBook — it gives you a real sense of the final result before you dive in.
Frequently asked questions
How do I publish a children's book online without an ISBN?
Amazon KDP provides a free ISBN at the time of publication. You can therefore publish without having obtained one beforehand. Keep in mind: this ISBN belongs to Amazon, which may limit distribution outside of the platform.
Can I publish the same book on multiple platforms at the same time?
Yes, unless you enroll in Amazon's KDP Select program, which requires exclusivity for the ebook format. For the print format (KDP Print), you're free to distribute elsewhere simultaneously.
How long does it take for a book to go on sale on Amazon?
Between 24 and 72 hours after you submit your file, provided everything meets the technical requirements. Amazon checks print margins, image resolution, and metadata before approving your book.
Can a book created with AI be published on these platforms?
Yes. Amazon KDP and most platforms accept AI-illustrated books, as long as you disclose the use of AI at the time of publication and the rights are clearly established. A dedicated article covers this topic in detail: selling an AI book on Amazon.
