Resources for Self-Publishers

Are you writing a children’s book and considering publishing it on your own? Scroll down to several resources that we have used and find reputable to help you on your journey.

Not sure where to start? Consider reading this blog post and then this one. Ready to promote your book? Read this one.

Cortney Cino also offers thirty minute and one hour consulting sessions. Use the links below to 1) book and then 2) pay. Your appointment will be confirmed upon payment.

Topics that Cortney can discuss, among others, include:

  • What are my printing options (offset printing, print on demand, etc.)?

  • What is a reasonable price and size for my picture book?

  • How can I get early reviews and why are they important?

  • What are some unique and local marketing opportunities?

  • What is Amazon Advantage vs. Seller Central?

  • How do digital ads (Amazon ads, Facebook ads, Bookbub ads, etc.) work and do they help?

  • What are some common pitfalls new newly published authors experience?

  • What are the key service providers (from editors to designers to distributors) I will need?

Working to plan your book launch and need to get organized? Looking for beautiful pre-formatted flyers for your next author visit or vendor event?

The trackers are Excel files that are formatted and editable. The pre-formatted flyers are designed and editable in Canva.

Writing & Editing

Picture Book People: Website

Good Story Company: Website

KidLit411: Website

The Purple Crayon: Website

Picture Book Summit: Website

Book Fox: Website

Brook Vitale: Website

Renee LaTulippe (for rhyme): Website

Promotion & Reviews

BookBub: Website

Eevi Jones: Website

NetGalley: Website

Free Booksy: Website

Goodreads: Website

Kirkus Reviews: Website

Forward Reviews: Website

Horn Book Reviews: Website

Peer Collaboration

Swing Higher: A Collaborative Community to Make Better Children’s Books FB group: Website

Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators: Publishing, Marketing, and Selling FB group: Website

Societies & Memberships

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators: Website

Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): Website

Independent Book Publishers Association: Website

Amazon Expertise

Kindlepreneur: Website

Best Page Forward: Website

Helium 10: Website

Amazon KDP: Website

General Marketing Skills

HubSpot Academy: Website

Neil Patel: Website

Rachel Pederson: Website

Book Award Vetting

Book Award & Contest Ratings by the Alliance of Independent Authors: Website

Book Award Pro: Website

Industry & Other Resources

Publisher’s Weekly: Website

Publisher’s Lunch: Website

School Library Journal: Website

Children’s Book Council: Website

Jane Friedman: Website

The Creative Penn: Website

Publishing Data

ISBN Vendor: Website

Library of Congress: Website

PCIP Block Vendor: Website

Current BISAC List: Website

Read the blog here.