Why Amazon KDP May Not Be the Best Choice for Children's Picture Books

Publishing a children's picture book is a unique challenge. The vibrant illustrations, the tactile experience of the pages, and the overall presentation all play a crucial role in how young readers connect with the story. Many authors and illustrators turn to Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) because it’s easy to use and offers wide distribution. But is KDP always the best choice for children's picture books? The answer is not so simple.

This post explores how Amazon KDP works, why it might not meet the needs of every children's picture book project, and what alternatives exist that offer more tailored printing and distribution options.

How Amazon KDP Works for Children's Books

Amazon KDP is a print-on-demand service that allows authors to upload their books and sell them directly on Amazon. It’s popular because it requires no upfront printing costs, handles order fulfillment, and provides access to Amazon’s massive customer base.

For many types of books, KDP is a straightforward and cost-effective solution. It supports paperback and eBook formats, and authors can set their own prices and royalties. The platform also offers basic tools for formatting and cover design.

However, children's picture books have special requirements that can make KDP’s offerings less than ideal:

• Distribution: KDP is an Amazon brand and doesn't offer your book anywhere else without paying a fee. And if your pitching your book to libraries, good luck.

• Paper quality: The paper used is often thinner and less durable, which can affect the feel and longevity of picture books.

• Size limitations: KDP supports a limited range of trim sizes, which might not match the ideal dimensions for your book.

  
  
  
  

Why Picture Books Need More Than Basic Printing

Children’s picture books are tactile experiences. The weight of the pages, the sturdiness of the binding, and the richness of the colors all contribute to how children engage with the story. Parents and educators often look for books that can withstand repeated handling and offer a premium feel.

KDP’s standard printing does not offer these features, which can limit the appeal and durability of your picture book.

Distribution on Amazon Without KDP

One common misconception is that Amazon KDP is the only way to get your book on Amazon. In reality, many alternative printers distribute books to Amazon through channels like IngramSpark (which is part of Ingram Content Group). This means you can still reach Amazon customers while benefiting from better printing options. By choosing a service that supports hardcover printing and premium materials, you can offer a product that stands out in the children’s book market while maintaining access to Amazon’s vast audience.

Spoiler Alert! KDP Does Not Offer Hardcover Printing for Children's Books

This is a surprise to many authors and illustrators. Hardcover books are a treasured format in the children’s picture book genre because they offer durability and a premium feel. Unfortunately, Amazon KDP does not provide hardcover printing for children’s books.

This limitation means that if you want a hardcover edition, you must look beyond KDP. Offering hardcover options can increase the perceived value of your book, appeal to gift buyers, and improve the overall reading experience for children.

Because of this, I recommend exploring other printing options that provide hardcover editions and still allow distribution on Amazon. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: quality printing and wide reach.

Alternatives to Amazon KDP for Children's Picture Books

Several other printers and distributors specialize in children’s books and offer a wider range of printing options. These services often provide:

• Hardcover printing: Essential for durability and presentation.

• Higher quality color printing: Using advanced presses for richer colors.

• Custom sizes and paper stocks: To fit the artistic vision of the book.

• Expanded distribution: Including Amazon, bookstores, libraries, and schools. KDP books are almost never picked up by libraries due to direct competition with distributors like IngramSpark.

  
  

Some popular alternatives include:

• IngramSpark: Offers hardcover options, a wide range of trim sizes, and global distribution including Amazon.

• Blurb: Known for high-quality photo books and picture books with premium paper and binding but not for distribution access.

• Lulu: Provides custom printing and some limited distribution with a focus on quality but has upfront costs to the author. They also only distribute specific book sizes.

• Mixed Printing: Best of both worlds - offer online book sales through a distributor like IngramSpark, but offer a special edition that you sell direct, ordered from a printer of high quality hardcover books.

  
  

These services may require upfront printing costs or minimum print runs, but they offer more control over the final product.

Making the Right Choice for Your Picture Book

Choosing the right printing and distribution method depends on your goals, budget, and the needs of your target audience. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How important is print quality and durability for your book? Are you willing to pay for it?

• Do you want to offer hardcover editions?

• What size and format best suit your illustrations and story? Lauren can help with that!

• Are you willing to invest upfront in printing costs for higher quality or are you looking to have a more streamlined, hands-off approach?

• How important is Amazon distribution compared to other sales channels for you and your target audience?

  
  

If your answer leans toward quality and presentation, exploring alternatives to KDP is worthwhile. If you want a quick, no-cost way to get your book online, KDP might still be a good starting point. And above all else, you can ask Lauren Reeves for help in understanding all of this as part of her design and production services! Learn more here: https://www.laurenelisereeves.com/myservices

Final Thoughts

Amazon KDP offers an accessible way to self-publish, but it is not always the best fit for children’s picture books. The lack of hardcover options, limited distribution, and size restrictions can hold back the potential of your book. But it may also be the perfect fit too. There's no perfect answer. But information is power, and doing some research before you get to the printer is best!