How to Self-Publish a Children’s Book: Healing Through Storytelling and Embracing Your Inner Child
There’s something magical about children’s books. They can transport us to faraway lands, teach us life lessons, and remind us of the innocence and wonder of childhood. But what if your children’s book could do more than entertain? What if it could heal, inspire, and create a sense of belonging—not just for your readers, but for you as the author?
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing and self-publishing a children’s book, now is the perfect time to turn that dream into reality. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use your emotions, memories, and personal stories to create a children’s book that resonates deeply with readers. Along the way, you’ll discover how writing can help you heal, connect with your inner child, and even strengthen your bond with your children.
Why Write a Children’s Book? The Power of Storytelling
Children’s books are more than just colourful pages and whimsical characters. They’re a gateway to emotions, memories, and life lessons. For many authors, writing a children’s book is a deeply personal journey—one that allows them to process their own experiences, heal from past wounds, and share their unique perspectives with the world.
When you write a children’s book, you’re not just creating a story for kids. You’re leaving your legacy—a piece of yourself that will live on in the hearts of your readers. And when you self-publish, you have the freedom to tell your story exactly the way you want to, without compromising your vision.
Step 1: Tap Into Your Emotions and Memories
The best children’s books come from a place of authenticity. To create a story that resonates, start by tapping into your own emotions and memories. Think about the experiences that have shaped you—the joys, the struggles, and the moments that made you who you are today, and what would have helped you as a child.
Ask yourself:
- What lessons do I want to share with young readers?
- What memories from my own childhood still bring me joy or comfort?
- How can I use my story to create a sense of belonging for others?
If you grew up feeling like an outsider, you could write a story about a character who learns to embrace their uniqueness. If you’ve experienced loss, you could create a book that helps children navigate grief in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Keep a journal to document your thoughts and memories as you brainstorm ideas. This will help you stay connected to your emotions and your inspiration throughout the writing process.
Step 2: Embrace Your Inner Child
One of the most beautiful aspects of writing a children’s book is the opportunity to reconnect with your inner child. Think about the things that fascinated you as a kid—the games you played, the stories you loved, the dreams you had. Channel that sense of wonder and curiosity into your writing.
How to embrace your inner child:
- Spend time with children and observe how they see the world.
- Revisit your favourite childhood books and analyse what made them special.
- Allow yourself to be playful and imaginative in your writing.
- Channel your emotions and even your pain, and turn it into something beautiful.
- Create a mood board filled with images, colours, and textures that evoke the feeling of childhood. This can help you stay inspired as you write.
Write with Healing in Mind
Writing can be a powerful tool for healing. As you work on your children’s book, allow yourself to process your emotions and reflect on your journey. Whether you’re writing about a difficult experience or celebrating joy, the act of putting your thoughts into words can be incredibly therapeutic.
Here are some ways to incorporate healing into your writing:
- Use your story to address a challenge you’ve overcome.
- Write from a place of love and compassion, both for yourself and your readers.
- Focus on themes of resilience, hope, self-acceptance, and anything else that comes to mind from your experiences in life, good and bad.
If you’re writing about a sensitive topic, consider consulting with a therapist or counsellor to ensure your story is both healing and age-appropriate.
Step 4: Create a Sense of Belonging
One of the most powerful things a children’s book can do is create a sense of belonging. Children (and adults!) crave stories that make them feel seen, understood, and valued. By sharing your own story, you can help readers feel less alone in their experiences.
Here’s how to create a sense of belonging in your book:
- Include diverse characters and perspectives.
- Address universal themes like friendship, family, and self-discovery.
- Use language and imagery that feels inclusive and welcoming.
If you’re writing about a child who moves to a new town, you could focus on the challenges of making friends and finding your place in a new community.
Step 5: Self-Publish Your Book
Once your story is written, it’s time to bring it to life through self-publishing. Self-publishing gives you complete creative control over your book, from the illustrations to the formatting to the marketing.
Here’s how to start self-publishing your children’s book:
1. Write, write, write… Write your thoughts, write your feelings, write your memories, write your dreams, create a storyboard, and write all lines that come to mind, no matter how simplistic at the beginning. – You can build off of this!
2. Edit Your Manuscript: Polish your story until it’s the best it can be. Consider hiring a professional editor for an extra layer of refinement.
3. Find an Illustrator: If you’re not an artist, hire an illustrator to bring your story to life. Look for someone whose style aligns with your vision.
4. Choose a Self-Publishing Platform: Popular options include Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark (for libraries and bookshops), and Blurb. You can also offset printing your books in bulk to sell on your website, at fairs, and author events for a higher profit!
5. Format Your Book: Ensure your book is formatted correctly for print and digital formats.
6. Design a Cover: Your cover is the first thing readers will see, so make it eye-catching and reflective of your story.
7. Market Your Book: Use social media, email marketing, and local events to promote your book and connect with readers.
8. Consider creating a blog to showcase your book and share your journey as an author.
Step 6: Connect with Your Children Through Writing
If you’re a parent, writing a children’s book can be a wonderful way to connect with your children. Involve them in the process by asking for their input on characters, plot points, and illustrations. Not only will this make the experience more meaningful, but it will also give your children a sense of pride and ownership in the final product.
Here are some ways to involve your kids:
- Read your story aloud to them and ask for feedback.
- Let them help you brainstorm ideas or create artwork.
- Dedicate the book to them as a lasting keepsake.
- Use your book as a starting point for deeper conversations with your children about emotions, memories, and life lessons.
Step 7: Share Your Story with the World
Self-publishing a children’s book is more than just a creative project—it’s an opportunity to share your story with the world. Whether you’re writing to heal, to connect, or to inspire, your book has the power to make a difference in the lives of your readers.
As you prepare to launch your book, remember to celebrate yourself. Writing a children’s book is no small feat, and every step you’ve taken—from brainstorming ideas to holding the book in your hands—is worth celebrating.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen, and ensure you do something calming as inspiration only comes when we’re relaxed. Start writing! Your story is waiting to be told.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my other posts on the blog, and be sure to share your uniqueness with the world.
