The Art of Repurposing a Children’s Book for Success—Before You Write Your First Draft
Writing a children’s book is exciting—but what if your story could be so much more than just a book? In this episode of Storybook Remix, I dive into a powerful mindset shift that can transform the way you approach your creative journey: don’t just write a book… build a brand.
Before you even start your first draft, there’s an opportunity to think bigger. Your story can become a launchpad for multiple products, experiences, and even long-term partnerships. From apps and read-along videos to activity packs, licensing deals, or animated series—the possibilities are endless.
Think Bigger: Your Book is a Brand Asset
One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is focusing only on the book itself—paperback, eBook, or otherwise—without considering the bigger picture. Ask yourself:
“What is the bigger opportunity this story could lead to?”
In my own experience, I transformed a single story into an interactive app. It not only led to hundreds of downloads but also signups for my mailing list—an asset I could leverage for future projects. Apps and digital formats let children experience stories in new ways, increasing engagement and sharing potential.
Even a simple read-along video can work wonders. I once repurposed a static story into a visual narrative that reached over 100,000 views on YouTube—long before I understood the power of audience-focused content.
Audience First, Format Second
Your audience should always come first. Parents? Teachers? Digital natives? Understanding them helps you choose the right entry format for your story.
For example, in my recent book, The Accent, I prioritized audience growth before launching the book. This allowed me to select formats and partners that amplified reach and impact.
Planning Opens Doors: Real-Life Examples
Thinking big-picture influences the collaborators you attract. When I worked on The Accent, I brought in Tughu Aiyewa, a talented animator, because he saw the vision beyond the book. Likewise, I carefully selected a sound studio, Happy Accident Studios, because they bought into the bigger picture. This approach led to an animated video series and original soundtrack that enhanced the story’s reach—before the book even hit the shelves.
Plan Before You Publish: A Practical Framework
Here’s a step-by-step approach to ensure your story can expand beyond the page:
- Define the big picture – What could your story become?
- Identify your audience first – Know who you’re creating for.
- Choose your entry format wisely – Book, app, video, or something else?
- Build with repurposing in mind – Create assets once, use them many times.
- Find partners who share your vision – Collaborate early for better outcomes.
Wrap-Up: Build a Brand, Not Just a Book
Writing a children’s book is no small feat. But approaching it with a big-picture mindset positions you for growth, partnerships, and long-term success. Before you write your first draft, ask yourself:
“What’s the full potential of this story?”
When you start with that question, you don’t just publish—you create a platform for creativity, collaboration, and impact.
If this blog inspired you, share it with another children’s book creator and help them see the bigger picture of their story!
