Interesting question, because I'm in a similar predicament, although my book is a crime novel that is a long way from being Christian (although I wouldn't complain if Christian bookstores wanted to stock it.)
You've had some good answers, so I won't repeat what everybody else has said. What I would add is that you cannot over-estimate the power of a signed book; the prescence of your signature on the jacket can make the difference between somebody buying or passing, and every book sold is hopefully one more reader telling their friends and neighbours about this great new book they have discovered.
Go to as many events as you can. Approach bookshops and distributors directly; be pushy but polite. I'm doing a signing in Borders this weekend which I would never have got if I hadn't approached them directly.
If there are any special groups to which your book makes you eligible to join, then do it- I'm a member of the CWA, which means that I get to sit at the same table as other, much more successful writers. I slipped a copy of my novel to a very high profile author the other day; hopefully she'll read it and recommend it.
At the very least, shamelessly plug your book at every opportunity, and give people a reason to buy it. For example, my novel is called The Stone Gallows, and my publisher is so confident that it's a good book that they are putting it forward for several major awards.
See what I did there? I managed to work MY book into YOUR answer.
Anyhoo, best of luck.
You need to realize that the internet isn't magic. Sure set up the website and make sure you're on amazon. If the book eventually takes off, this will be valuable.
Nobody is just going to find your book by accident on the net. It is big and your book costs money. So nobody is just going to go "great yet another unknown children's book i could buy"
You need to work the christian book stores to stock your book, unlike real book stores they are still have a bit more leeway for independents. You could also set up a table at the regular Christian events that welcome vendors. Sell it as a "Meet the Author" type of deal and sign the books for free. The more book store owners you meet, the more that might stock it.How can I promote my christian childrens book online?
Creating your own website is a good idea, and making sure your book is stocked at internet book shops such as Amazon.
You should also seek out the appropriate Christian book shops in your area and ask them about stocking your book, maybe you could do a signing.
Try spamming internet question and answer forums? ;)
More seriously, set up your own website specifically for the book. Next, contact Christian websites and see if they will let you advertise your book on their website or in their newsletter.How can I promote my christian childrens book online?
*Make a website for the book ( on Freewebs or Piczo to make a free website )
*Create a group for the book on social networking sites like Facebook
Good luck ! :)
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