Back-to-school season isn’t just for students and teachers—it’s a golden opportunity for children’s book authors and illustrators to connect with classrooms, librarians, and families. With parents stocking up on supplies and educators planning their curriculum, now is the perfect time to get your book into the hands (and backpacks) of young readers.
Keep reading to discover five creative ways to make the most of the season and boost your book’s visibility.
1. Partner with Schools for Storytime Events
Consider reaching out to local schools, libraries, and community centers to offer an engaging reading session. Also, make sure to pair your reading with a fun, book-related activity—like a craft, word game, or coloring sheet based on your characters. Teachers love ready-made activities that tie into literacy skills, and this extra value makes your visit more memorable.
Pro Tip: Bring copies of your book for sale (or offer order forms in advance) so parents can purchase them for their kids to take home.
2. Create a Free Back-to-School Activity Pack
Design a downloadable PDF of activities related to your book (platforms like Canva are easy to use), such as word searches, drawing prompts, or discussion questions. Share it on your website, through your email list, and on social media. You’ll give educators and parents a reason to engage with your work while keeping your book top of mind during the school year.
Pro Tip: Include your book cover, purchase link, and a short author bio on every page so your activity pack continues to market for you.
3. Run a Back-to-School Giveaway
Everyone loves a giveaway, especially at the start of a new school year. Host one on Instagram, Facebook, or your newsletter, with the prize being a signed copy of your book, a classroom set, or a bundle with book-themed swag. This creates excitement around your title and can help you grow your audience right when parents and teachers are looking for fresh reading material.
Pro Tip: Partner with a fellow children’s book creator to cross-promote and double your reach.
4. Pitch Your Book to Teachers’ Groups
Join local or online educator networks, homeschool communities, and Facebook groups to introduce your book as a great classroom or at-home resource. Make your pitch educator-focused—highlight how your book supports literacy, teaches a lesson, or complements a specific subject or theme.
Pro Tip: Offer an educator discount or classroom set pricing to make your book more accessible for bulk orders.
5. Tie Your Promotion to Back-to-School Themes
Seasonal hooks make your marketing more timely and shareable. Create social posts and email campaigns using back-to-school visuals—think apples, chalkboards, backpacks—and captions that speak to the excitement of a new year. You can also create limited-time offers like “Back-to-School Book Bundles” or “Free Shipping for Educators in September.”
Pro Tip: Use hashtags like #BackToSchool, #KidLit, #TeachersOfInstagram, and #ReadAloud to boost your reach.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season is about fresh starts, learning, and connection, which are things children’s book publishers and authors can use to their advantage. By aligning your marketing efforts with the energy of the season, you can not only boost sales but also form lasting relationships with educators, parents, and young readers who will remember your book long after the first bell rings.
Want another way to get your book in front of more readers? Enter the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and earn recognition that can help your book stand out in classrooms, libraries, and bookstores year-round.
