Self-Published Children's Book Authors

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   Billie Kelpinposted 10 years ago

   I was thinking about doing this, but my husband said there is no need because we have Amazon.  Here's my idea:  I thought of offering anyone who has self-published a children's book a free listing on my website (it deals with language... heaven and hubpages forbid I should actually give the link - ugh).  I was thinking that I could set up a system where I would ask for a specific size of picture (probably a nice tile size) with a blurb of a certain word count and a little about the author. The writer could link to the place they wish to sell their book or to any article they've written on hubpages or elsewhere about the book. 
   
   Why would I do this?  1) There is no easy way to promote self-published books and if someone had a site like this, I myself would like it.  2) I think it would enhance my website because it is a website that is visited for our language games and other language resources 3) People like to support causes and I think self-publishing is a great concept to support 4) If you have a book on Amazon, there is no way to make your book stand out among the millions and 5) On a selfish note, if an author has a book on my website than he or she might tell friends and family and that would drive traffic to my website.
   
   So who is right - my husband who thinks it isn't needed or me?  Is this just another crazy idea or might it be useful.  If you're a writer and/or artist of a self-published children's book would such a place be useful to you?  Please don't be shy about the negatives you see in this concept, OR if I'm missing some great self-publishing promotional avenue that's already in place and vibrant.
   
   Thanks, Billie

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   1. 79

      TolovajWordsmithposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I believe in long term, although the type of traffic won't always be the best possible (and who can say his/her traffic is perfect), this is a win-win situation. As a site-owner myself I only see a problem with time - even if everything from authors comes on the silver plate, you'll still need some time to set posts/pages etc. And if you decide for some kind of automation, spammers will eat your site alive.
      
      In short: good idea, always great to see generous people, but it is up to you, if you could handle the technicalities.

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2. 95

   CMHypnoposted 10 years ago

   I self publish YA science fantasy books so can see why it would be beneficial to me, as all publicity and links are good.
   
   But although adding these books and links to your website might bring you more traffic, is it the type of traffic you want? The type of readers who will then go on and use the resources you provide?
   
   If publicising self-published children's books is an interest of yours, would it be better to set up another site and monetise it with ads and Amazon links?

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   1. 91

      Billie Kelpinposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      C,  I think that's a great point.  That's exactly what Laura Pepper Wu says in her ebook, "77 Ways to Find Readers for Your Self-Published Book." (You want other readers not writers).  I don't think I can afford to monetize on Amazon though. 
      The other reason for my interest in doing this is because my website is related to language learning and I do get a lot of schoools coming there.  I just think it would add nice content for my visitors.  If I have several other people from here who would like to do this, I think I'll give it a try by just "whipping" up a page and maybe having like 10 tiles of books.  I like to be up-front with my visitors and would say something to the effect that the books below have been self-published by my fellow writers who also write on hubpages - something like that. I really don't know if it would be of benefit to anyone, but I could try.  You can email me at leftpawedpuppy@gmail.com if yo want to take a look at my website and see if it would be suitable.  I'm in the process of transferring everything from my old website to the new interface which also functions as a mobile app.  Just let me know.

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