Does Writing a Children's Book Pay?

Spoiler: It can, but not always in the way you think.

When I tell people I write and publish children's books, their first question is usually:“Oh cool! Does that actually make money?”

The honest answer is yes, but not necessarily in the way you expect.

Financially, the margins on each book sale are modest. After printing costs, distributor cuts, and the number of copies I give away for free, there's not a ton left over. And because of those slim margins, it often doesn’t make sense to invest in paid ads to drive sales, at least not without a strategic plan or a much larger platform.

So how has this worked for me?

1. Actual Book Sales

I’ve been lucky to have supportive friends and family who’ve shared my books generously. That initial push gave Pootie and the Foodies a life, and helped launch Moody Pootie with some built-in buzz.

I also began creating content on social media (@pootieapproves), and while I’m not an influencer with a massive following, building a brand (even a small one) makes a real difference over time.

2. The Tax Benefits of Being a Creative Business

Because my books and my brand are centered on parenting, food, and childhood development, a lot of our everyday activities can become content. And when those activities support the business, they’re often legitimate business expenses. That trip to the farmers market or the crafting session that became a reel? That’s brand-aligned content, and it may qualify as a write-off.

(Important: my birthday may be Tax Day, but I am not a tax professional, so consult with yours before taking deductions.)

3. Hiring Your Child = Investing in Their Future

My daughter, the OG Pootie, is occasionally featured in content tied to my books and brand. And because her participation is part of a legitimate business, I can pay her a fair wage. Since she’s a minor, I can open a Custodial Roth IRA in her name and contribute those wages directly to her retirement account.

It’s perfectly legal (check IRS guidelines), and if structured correctly:

• The business deducts her wages as an expense

• She pays no income tax if under the standard deduction

• The money grows tax-free for her future

  
  

This is the kind of creative advantage most people don’t talk about when they ask, “Does writing children’s books pay?”

So, Does It Pay?

Not in a six-figure, royalty-check-in-the-mailbox kind of way. But in slow, steady, cumulative ways? Absolutely. The long-term brand value, the compounding investments, the creative control, and the tax flexibility all add up.

Pootie’s Little Life Lessons is more than just a series of stories; it’s a business, a brand, and a meaningful investment in my family’s future.

Would I recommend writing a children's book for the money? Not exactly. But if you’re willing to think beyond the bookstore shelf, then there are ways it can pay you back for years to come.

Love,

Rachel