As a children’s book writer, bringing my stories to life has always been a deeply personal journey. Every character I create, every illustration I envision, and every lesson I weave into my stories carries a piece of my heart. When I first set out to publish my book, I naturally turned to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), lured by its global reach and streamlined process. However, after extensive research and deep reflection, I made the decision to partner with a local, small publisher instead. It was a choice that not only aligned with my values as an artist but also offered a more fulfilling publishing experience.
The Allure and Limits of Amazon Publishing
Amazon KDP is a giant in the self-publishing world, with over two million books published annually. It boasts an extensive reach, giving authors the ability to distribute their books across multiple marketplaces. With print-on-demand services, authors don’t need to worry about upfront printing costs or storage. On paper, it sounds like a dream.
But the deeper I looked, the more I realized how limiting it could be. Amazon controls pricing, with restrictions on how much or how little you can charge. If you want a 70% royalty rate on eBooks, you must price them between $2.99 and $9.99—go above or below that, and your earnings drop to 35%. And while Amazon’s vast marketplace is tempting, competition is fierce. With millions of books vying for attention, an unknown author can quickly fade into the background without heavy marketing investments.
Beyond the numbers, there was something missing: the human touch. KDP is efficient, but it’s also impersonal. The process is largely automated, and the interactions with Amazon feel transactional. My book, something I had poured my heart into, deserved more than just being another listing in an algorithm-driven marketplace.
A Personal Touch: My Experience with a Local Publisher
After deciding to explore other options, I connected with a small, independent publisher. From our very first conversation, I felt the difference. They took the time to understand my vision, offering guidance on illustrations, book layout, and even the little details like paper texture and cover finish. Every decision was made with care, and for the first time, I felt like I had true creative control over my work.
One of the biggest advantages was the hands-on support. Instead of figuring everything out alone, I had a team that provided real-time feedback. Editing was a conversation, not just a checklist. We refined my manuscript together, ensuring the language resonated with young readers. When it came time to print, I had options—glossy or matte, hardcover or softcover. These details mattered to me, and with a local publisher, they weren’t just afterthoughts.
Marketing also felt more organic. Rather than being buried in Amazon’s endless sea of books, I had opportunities to engage with my community. My publisher helped arrange book readings at local schools and libraries, connected me with independent bookstores, and even supported me in setting up a launch event. The journey felt collaborative, filled with excitement rather than anxiety over rankings and sales metrics.
The Trade-Off: Scale vs. Connection
I won’t deny that Amazon’s global reach is impressive. It’s hard to compete with a platform that ships books worldwide at the click of a button. But as an author, I had to ask myself—do I want mass distribution, or do I want meaningful impact? I chose the latter. My book isn’t just a product; it’s a story meant to be experienced, shared, and cherished. And that kind of magic happens best when there’s a genuine connection between the creator and the reader.
My Final Thoughts: Choosing the Path That Fits
Self-publishing is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For some, Amazon’s convenience and scalability are ideal. But for those who, like me, want to retain creative control, have a supportive publishing team, and connect with readers in a meaningful way, a local publisher can be the perfect fit.
At the end of the day, publishing a book isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about bringing a vision to life. And for me, that vision deserved a home where it could be nurtured, not just uploaded.
Have you considered self-publishing? What path would you choose? Let’s start a conversation!
Thoughts,
TO!