26: How Much Money Can You ACTUALLY Make as a Children's Book Author?

In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh answers one of the questions she gets asked all the time: How much money can you actually make as a self-published children's book author? She breaks down realistic numbers from her own business and explains why relying on Amazon KDP royalties alone can limit your earning potential. 

Harleigh shares how she increases her income through direct book sales, in-person events, wholesale, and children's book merchandise—and why treating your books like an actual publishing business can create more opportunities for long-term, recurring revenue. 

What You’ll Learn

•  How much money you can realistically make as a self-published children's book author 
•  Different ways to sell children's books beyond Amazon KDP
•  Why selling books directly can dramatically increase your profit per copy
•  Why building meaningful income from children's books takes time, consistency, and a long-term strategy

Watch the Original YouTube Video

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://youtu.be/AnvxmWIaGBE?si=hWlKbVTMx4Ihghpa

Links Mentioned:

How I Made $300 Selling Children's Books in 3 Hours
See the in-person sales strategy Harleigh references in this episode.
https://authorharleighrose.com/episodes/23-300-in-childrens-book-sales-in-3-hours-heres-how-i-did-it

How I Created Custom Plushies for My Children's Book Brand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjfE0yQXs-A

Work With Me + Resources

Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Me:
[60 Minute Zoom Call]
[40 Minute Zoom Call]
Join My Signature Membership Program to Publish, Launch, and SCALE Your Children's Book Publishing Business:

Author Growth Roadmap
Get Free Traffic + Book Sales:
Free Traffic Formula Mini Course

Free Resources for Children's Book Authors

Children's Book Marketing Guide
Instagram Content Planner
Book Launch Team Checklist + Email Templates
Free Publish a Children's Book on Amazon KDP Course
Free Children's Book Formatting Course

Connect

If you found this episode helpful, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another children’s book author!