Writing for the Children’s Book Market
Many online retailers offer attributes that narrow the age / grade range of your target audience and increase your books’ discoverability. Like movie ratings, this feature enables the publisher to to choose the appropriate age and grade target for their book. In turn the retailers include your book into lists that allow consumers (parents / teachers) to shop by age.
Most online printers (POD), ebook distributors offer this features and it is wise to take advantage of this tool. Whether your book is new or previously published, narrowing your parameters will improve visibility to your intended target audience.
A Narrow Age Range Works Best
By limiting the grade level/age range to a span of 3-4 years you ensure the most appropriate customers will see your books. Using the target guide below, choose the age range/grade level band that best fits your book.
Here are the target age ranges and grade levels for books on Amazon.com:
Age: Grade Level: Description
- 0 – 2; N/A; Board books
- 3 – 5; Pre-school; Picture books
- 6 – 8; Kindergarten – 2nd grade; Early-level readers, first chapter books
- 9 – 12; 3rd grade – 6th grade; Middle-grade chapter books
- 13 – 18; 7th grade – 12th grade; Teen and young adult chapter books
