Launching a children’s book on Kickstarter can be one of the most rewarding experiences for an author or illustrator. It’s not just about raising funds—it’s about connecting with readers, building excitement, and turning your creative dream into a real, tangible book. A well-planned campaign can help you fund printing, marketing, and even future books.
Here’s how to make your Kickstarter campaign shine—with real-world, practical tips from the children’s book printing pros at PufferPrint.
1. Build Hype Before You Launch
The biggest mistake that we see authors make? Launching into a void. Kickstarter rewards early momentum, so the more buzz you build beforehand, the better your odds of success.
Start sharing your journey a few weeks (or even months) before your campaign goes live. Post sneak peeks of your illustrations, snippets of your story, or photos of your creative process. Share in Facebook parenting groups, KidLit communities, and on Instagram and/or TikTok.
Create a simple landing page or email signup form where fans can get updates about your launch. That way, when your campaign opens, you already have a small crowd ready to pledge right away!
2. Make Your Campaign Page Look Professional
Your Kickstarter page is your book’s storefront — and first impressions matter. Strong visuals and a polished presentation help people feel confident about backing your project.
Invest in digital mockups of your book so it looks like a real, finished product. You can find affordable mockup designers on Fiverr, or use templates to show your hardcover, softcover, or board book as it will appear in print.
Add a short video (even one filmed on your phone!) explaining why you created the book, what it’s about, and who it’s for. Parents and educators love seeing the heart behind the story.
Make your campaign text friendly and personal. Tell people what inspired you to write this story and what you hope kids will take away from it.
3. Keep Your Funding Goal Realistic
It’s tempting to dream big, but setting a realistic funding goal helps you build momentum and reach your target faster.
Remember to factor in:
- Printing and shipping costs
- Illustrator or design expenses
- Kickstarter’s platform fees (about 8–10%)
- Packaging supplies and postage for rewards
If you’re printing in bulk, consider getting a quote from PufferPrint early on — offset printing can significantly reduce your per-book cost once you hit higher quantities. That means more profit per sale and more flexibility for future projects.
4. Offer Reward Tiers That Delight Your Backers
Kickstarter backers love creative, personal rewards. Here are a few ideas that work especially well for children’s book campaigns:
- Digital download: Offer a PDF version of the book as your entry-level tier — it’s affordable and instantly deliverable.
- Signed copies: Perfect for mid-level backers who want something special.
- Limited edition extras: Think art prints, stickers, bookmarks, or coloring pages.
- Premium tiers: Include a “thank you” mention in the printed book or a personalized sketch from the illustrator.
- Bulk options: Offer bundles for teachers, schools, or libraries.
Just make sure to factor shipping costs into your rewards and use appropriate packaging for delicate items like art prints.
5. Engage with Your Audience Every Day
A Kickstarter campaign isn’t “set it and forget it.” Daily engagement keeps your project visible and builds excitement.
Post updates with new artwork, share milestone celebrations, and thank your backers publicly. When people see an active, enthusiastic creator, they’re more likely to join in.
Don’t forget to reach out to book influencers, kidlit reviewers, and parenting bloggers. A single post or story from the right person can drive a surprising amount of traffic to your campaign.
6. Invest in Smart Marketing
Even a small marketing budget can go a long way if you target it wisely.
Run Facebook or Instagram ads aimed at parents, teachers, and book lovers. Start small and test different images and audiences to see what performs best.
Consider collaborating with children’s book influencers — offer them an early peek at your story or a digital copy they can share with followers. The more authentic your outreach, the better your results.
And remember: your
7. Lean on Your Support Network
Don’t underestimate the power of your own personal network! Those early pledges from friends and family do more than just help you reach your goal — they signal to Kickstarter’s algorithm that your project is worth spotlighting.
And ask friends, family, and coworkers to share your campaign. The more people talking about it, the faster your momentum will build.
Don’t be shy about asking for support! Share your Kickstarter campaign link with a personal note explaining why this book means so much to you. Encourage friends, family, and coworkers to share it with their own circles, too. Early momentum can make all the difference in achieving a fully funded campaign.
8. Plan for Printing and Fulfillment Early
Once your campaign is funded, the real work begins: turning pledges into beautiful, physical books.
Give yourself enough time for:
- Printing and proofing
- Packaging and shipping
- Handling unexpected delays
At PufferPrint, we offer a free proof copy to crowdfunding authors so you can review your book before the full print run. It’s a great way to confirm colors, materials, and quality before production starts.
Always communicate your timeline clearly to backers. They’ll appreciate honesty and updates more than silence.
9. Keep Communicating After the Campaign Ends
Once the funding goal is met, don’t disappear! Keep your backers in the loop with updates on printing progress, proofs, and shipping schedules.
Share photos and short videos of your books being printed or packed — it keeps excitement high and builds trust. This transparency makes backers far more likely to support your next project, too.
10. Deliver, Celebrate, and Keep Going
When those books finally arrive, celebrate the moment! Share your success with photos, heartfelt thank-yous, and social posts tagging your backers.
Have a detailed plan ready to deliver on your Kickstarer campaign promises. Ship rewards carefully and on schedule, then encourage your supporters to share photos of your book in the wild. Their word-of-mouth promotion is priceless.
And don’t stop there — use your Kickstarter experience to grow your author career. Build a simple website, start a mailing list, and keep creating.
Final Thoughts
A successful Kickstarter campaign for your children’s book isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation, creativity, and connection. With the right strategy, you can not only fund your book but also build a passionate community around your story.
From pre-launch buzz to final fulfillment, each step is part of bringing your dream to life. And when you’re ready to print your book, PufferPrint is here to help with high-quality children’s book printing — plus that free proof offer to make sure your first impression is perfect.
Your story deserves to be held, read, and loved. Kickstarter can help you fund that dream… and PufferPrint can help you print it!
If you’re ready to start printing, then grab your free quote!
