What is involved with self-publishing a children’s book? Some think writing a children’s book is easy compared to other genres, such as a nonfiction book. They may not be considering all the underlying pinnings, the hidden parts that make a children’s book what it is. There are many aspects of a children’s book. There’s much to consider. There is more to a children’s book than just the story. When considering self-publishing a children’s book, there are vital steps involved and things to consider to ensure a successful book. There’s a well-written story that relates to your age group, book dimensions, page and word count, illustrations, cover, and where you want to sell it. A well-structured story and vibrant pictures that captivate a child and the young at heart should be the goal of your book. Let’s look at these aspects, shall we?
Self-publishing a children’s book: Story
First, there’s the story that needs to be one that captivates the age group you want to reach. Age appropriate storytelling is key. It needs to not only be age appropriate, but there is an average page count and word count that you will want to keep in mind. The word count for a board book, the youngest reader, is 100 and from there to young adults, 85,000. This being said, you will need to be familiar with the word count for your perceived reader.
As far as page length goes, an average children’s book is 32 pages. You will also need to decide whether you are going to write the story or hire someone to write it. Your story needs to have vibrant words that show, not tell. A good practice to consider is to read children’s books, both classic and modern. Reading children’s books can help ignite your own creativity. Not to mention help you get an idea of how you want your illustrations drawn and the median you want to use. Which we will cover in the next paragraph.
Self-publishing a children’s book: Illustrations
There are many things to consider when self-publishing a children’s book. Genre, size of the book, number of pages and illustrations, size of illustrations, the page layout of your illustrations, and how the book will be printed. For example, print-on-demand, offset, etc. Another thing to consider is do you want the artwork on the cover to appear on the front, back, or both (wraparound), and/or on a dust cover. The art style of your illustrations is another thing to consider. Do you want your illustrations to be whimsical, realistic, simplistic, cartoon, detailed, cute, humorous, or cartoonish?
The next thing is deciding on the median for your illustrations: pen & ink, paint, pencil, digital, pastels, photography, etc. Now that you have that decided you need to find an illustrator that can deliver on what you want. If you are planning on hiring an illustrator, I suggest going to Fiverr. The illustrators on Fiverr are usually pretty budget-friendly. Do a search based on what kind of art style you are after. Unless you are planning on doing your own illustrations. Either way, you will need to do your homework before you proceed with your illustrations. Keep in mind whether you do them yourself or hire someone they do take time. Illustrations can take anywhere from six months to a year. There’s also the cover to consider. Are you going to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you? It’s your book you decide.
In Conclusion
The last step involved after the book is done is deciding how you are going to distribute it. I’m planning on using Amazon. Amazon does offer proof on books before they are for sale which I highly recommend if you are doing your own illustrations. I know that is what I am going to do. I want to make sure the illustrations look good. As you can see self-publishing a children’s book is no easy task but it is well worth the work. There’s a bit of planning involved. Look at it as you are building the foundation for your book. You don’t want to rush the process.
I am working on an ABC’s book with a character for each letter and it has taken me longer than I expected. I chose to do the illustrations myself. I am hoping to have it done this Spring. Whether you hire an illustrator or do it yourself it is possible to self-publish a children’s book. Gone are all the days of waiting for a publisher to recognize your book.
About the Author
Lizzy, pen name EO Writes, was first called to write for the public in 2012 when God placed it on her heart to pen an article titled “Where Have the Children of Yesterday Gone?” For a season, articles on homeschooling were her forte until 2018, when God said to her, “Your voice will change.” In 2024, she began her self-publishing journey with A Case of Mistaken Identity, a book that was born through a three-month writing class Procrastination to Publication. The fuel she needed to complete her book. Her passion is sharing God’s love through her art and writing. She has many works in progress and is looking forward to sharing them with the world.
Resources for Self-Publishing a Children’s Book
- CBA Class: So You Want to Write Children’s Books by Kim Steadman
- CBA Class: Working with an Illustrator by Joe Eckstein
- Writing and Self-Publishing Children’s eBooks
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