How Self-Published Children's Book Authors Can Partner with Influencers & Reviewers — and Why Kids Picture Book Review is One You’ll Want to Know

One of the biggest hurdles for self-published children’s book authors is getting eyes on your book. With thousands of new titles coming out each year, standing out is hard. That’s where influencers and book reviewers come in — especially those who don’t just live on Instagram, but have websites, blogs, and a credible footprint.
In this post, I’ll cover:

• What kind of influencers/reviewers are worth your time
  
• How to approach them
  
• Why Kids Picture Book Review (that’s me!) is uniquely positioned to help
  
  

What Makes a Great Children’s Book Influencer / Reviewer Partner

If you’re going to reach out to people who might review or promote your book, here’s what to look for:

1. They have a website, blog, or review platform, not just social media.
   Instagram is powerful, but someone with a blog or review site often ranks in search engines too, and gives your book a lasting backlink presence.
2. They actively review children’s books (including indie / self-published).
   Some influencers only review big-name books or ones submitted by publishers. You want ones open to reviewing new and self-published work.
3. They have an engaged audience (comments and shares).
   
4. They disclose reviews / collaborations transparently.
5. They are aligned in niche / audience.
   For example, picture books, early readers, diversity, educational themes, etc.
   
6. They don't promise you any kind or reach or ROI
   

Some Influencers & Reviewers Doing This (with Websites + Social)

Here are a few reviewers and influencers who maintain real websites (not just social media) and actively review children’s books:

• The Children’s Book Review — a long-standing, respected website that publishes book reviews, author interviews, and resources for readers, parents, and educators. The Children's Book Review
• Imagination Soup — a blog that reviews picture books, offers literacy resources, and shares reading tips.
• HereWeRead (Charnaie Gordon) — has both a blog and social presence, often reviewing children’s and youth literature.
• BookSirens — a platform + reviewer directory that connects authors with bloggers/reviewers who have active websites and blogs.
• Novel Novice — listed among children’s book review blogs and maintains its own website with regular reviews and recommendations.
  

Why Kids Picture Book Review Should Be On Your Radar

I created Kids Picture Book Review with one core mission: to help self-published children’s authors get quality exposure. Here’s what I offer:

• Reviews on my website and blog, giving your book a lasting presence and SEO benefit
• Featured reviews on Goodreads & social media, especially Instagram
• A willingness to work with self-published and indie authors (not just big-name publishers)
• Transparent, positive reviews
• Collaboration opportunities: for example, author interviews or guest posts
  

Because KPB Review is focused specifically on children’s and picture books, you’ll reach readers, educators, and parents who are already deeply interested in this genre.

How to Approach Influencers & Reviewers (Including Me)

When reaching out, your pitch should be clear, respectful, and tailored. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Do your homework - Read some of their reviews or posts. Mention one you liked. Show you’re not sending a generic email.
   
2. Don’t just dump everything about your book - Show you’re not sending a generic email. Reviewers hate copy and paste submissions and don't send more information than you need to. A simple, short email saying you have a book you want reviewed is all you need to get the conversation started. Don't send attachments unless asked, don’t send media kits, don’t send every bio on every book you’ve done. Keep it simple.
   
3. Introduce your book briefly - Title, genre (picture book, early reader, etc.), page length and word count, age range, and what makes it special.
4. Offer a review copy (digital or physical) - Many reviewers prefer e-copies or print copies. Be ready to send one. Make sure you have a digital copy that is not covered in watermarks. We can’t share illustrations if they have them on the pages  
5. Give them the freedom to post their honest opinion - Reassure them you want genuine feedback, and you’ll respect their review (positive or constructive) - 
6. Be patient and polite with follow-ups - Reviewers are busy. Wait at least a couple of days before a gentle follow-up.

If you'd like to send your book my way, I’d love to review it and help you reach more readers. You can email me at [email protected].