Marketing and selling children's books can challenging since the purchasers of the books aren't necessarily the target readers. There are two key channels where critically acclaimed children's author Rob Harrell thinks these authors should focus — social media and in-person events. Like many authors, Harrell doesn't love social media but does realize the benefits of building a following for your work online. Because parents and teachers are the primary purchasers of children's books, it's important to be present where they hang out online. Harrell also strongly recommends that children's authors focus on in-person events geared toward children including library talks, bookstore events, and school visits. These can increase awareness for your work and build credibility with the parents, librarians, and teachers. Harrell loves to talk with children at these events, draw with them, and discuss the themes and lessons of his books. While these events allow him to sell some books, he finds how rewarding they are to be most important. Harrell's publisher finds some of the in-person opportunities for him, but he also secures many on his own. If you want to do school visits, he says, get to know the librarians at the schools, as they are usually the gatekeepers. He recommends approaching them with a plan on what you will talk about and what you will do to engage the students.