25: How an Award-Winning Author Built Her Successful Children’s Book Business

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In this episode of Children’s Book Marketing Made Easy, Harleigh shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she turned a childhood creative passion into a successful children's book business. In this special interview episode, she talks about where Doppy came from, how becoming a mom inspired her to revisit her dream of becoming a children's book author and illustrator, and what it took to turn that dream into a full-time career. 

Harleigh also gets into the parts of self-publishing that go far beyond writing and illustrating, from learning digital illustration and refining her books through multiple drafts to marketing, selling at in-person events, running a publishing business, and learning the business side of being an independent author. She also shares one of the biggest marketing lessons she wishes she'd known before publishing her first book: start talking about and marketing your book before you hit publish. 

This episode is an inside look at what building a children's book business actually looks like, including the learning curves, fears, imposter syndrome, and years of small steps behind the finished books you eventually see. 


Watch the Original YouTube Video
If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch the original video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy_E72s7cZU

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Creators and Guests

Harleigh Manske
Host
Harleigh Manske
Harleigh Manske is a full-time self-published Children’s Book Author and Illustrator who helps other authors grow their audience, increase book sales, and build a profitable publishing business using simple, organic marketing strategies. Through her podcast, YouTube channel, and resources, she teaches practical systems for Amazon KDP, email list growth, and long-term business success.
25: How an Award-Winning Author Built Her Successful Children’s Book Business
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