As a self-published author venturing into the colorful world of children’s literature, your book’s printing quality can make or break your success. Unlike standard books, children’s books demand vibrant colors, durable pages, and special formats that captivate young readers and withstand enthusiastic handling.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about children’s book printing—from choosing the right format and paper to selecting the perfect printing service for your needs. Suppose you’re working with print-on-demand (POD) services, a boutique publisher, or specialized designers. In that case, this guide will help you create a professionally printed children’s book that stands out on any shelf.

Quick heads up: This guide includes some affiliate links to tools and services we personally recommend. If you click these links and make a purchase, American Writers Group may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we trust and believe will genuinely help you bring your children’s book to life with professional-quality printing. Your support through these links helps us continue providing free publishing resources for indie authors like you!

Why Quality Printing Matters for Children’s Books

Before diving into the technical details you need to know, let’s review why exceptional printing is crucial for children’s books:

1. First Impressions: Parents and educators completely judge books by their covers and print quality when making purchasing decisions.
2. Durability: Children aren’t typically gentle with their favorite books. Quality printing ensures your creation survives countless readings and a few other uses a child may have for your book.
3. Color Accuracy: Illustrations lose their magic when colors appear dull or inaccurate.
4. Professional Credibility: A well-printed book tells readers you’re a serious author, not just another amateur in self-publishing.
5. Sales Potential: Books with superior printing command higher prices and better reviews, directly impacting your bottom line.

The Journey from Manuscript to Printed Book: Sarah’s Story

Sarah, a marketing executive and mother of two, had always dreamed of writing a children’s book about a little girl who discovers a magical garden in her backyard. After months of writing during her lunch breaks and weekends, she finally completed her manuscript. But what came next left her feeling overwhelmed.

“I had this story I believed in, beautiful illustrations from an artist I found on Fiverr, but no idea how to transform them into an actual book that wouldn’t fall apart after two readings,” Sarah recalls. “My first attempt was a disaster.”

Sarah initially chose the cheapest printing option she could find online. When her proof copy arrived, the vibrant purples in her magical garden appeared muddy brown, the pages were thin enough to see through, and the binding cracked when she opened the book fully to read it to her kids.

“That’s when I realized printing wasn’t just an afterthought—it was essential to whether my book would succeed or fail,” she says.

Sarah’s journey from that disappointing proof to a successfully printed book selling over 500 copies monthly* involved research, investment, and learning from mistakes many first-time children’s book authors make (*=> earnings and sales figures are not confirmed, or guaranteed).

Essential Elements of Children’s Book Printing

Choosing the Right Format

Children’s books come in various formats, each serving different age groups and reading experiences:

• Board Books: Thick, durable pages for babies and toddlers (0-3 years)
• Picture Books: Standard 32-page format with illustrations on every page (ages 3-8)
• Early Readers: More text with supporting illustrations (ages 5-8)
• Chapter Books: Illustrated chapter books with more text (ages 7-10)

When selecting your format, consider not just the age of your audience but also how they’ll interact with the book. Board books need to withstand drooling, chewing, and dropping, while picture books need to open flat for story time. Understanding these practical considerations can save you from printing regrets later on.

Paper Selection

The paper you choose impacts both the look and longevity of your book:

• Weight: Heavier paper (70-100 lb) works best for picture books
• Finish: Gloss finish enhances vibrant colors; matte finish reduces glare and fingerprints
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly papers appeal to environmentally conscious parents

Mark, a former teacher who self-published a series about a classroom of animal characters, learned about paper selection the hard way. “My first print run used 50 lb paper because it was cheaper. Within weeks, I started getting emails from parents saying pages were tearing during normal use. I had to reprint the entire run on 80 lb paper, essentially doubling my initial investment. That mistake cost me nearly $3,000.”

The right paper isn’t just about durability—it affects how colors appear, how the book feels in small hands, and even how it sounds when pages turn. These sensory elements matter significantly in the children’s book market.

Binding Options

Your binding choice affects durability and how the book lays flat when open:

• Perfect Binding: Affordable but doesn’t lay flat
• Saddle Stitching: Good for shorter books, lays flat
• Case Binding: Hardcover, most durable and professional-looking
• Wire-O or Spiral Binding: Great for activity books, lays completely flat

“I chose perfect binding for my bedtime storybook,” shares Michael, author of a popular self-published series about dreaming astronauts. “During my first reading at a local bookstore, I couldn’t hold the book open properly—it kept snapping shut. The kids got restless, and what should have been a breakthrough promotional moment turned awkward. I switched to saddle stitching for the next printing, and it made all the difference during readings.”

The Printing Journey: From Concept to Bookshelf

Let‘s follow the typical journey of a children’s book through the printing process, from initial concept to final delivery:

Phase 1: Pre-Production Planning

Jessica, a business consultant who wrote a children’s book about financial literacy, began her journey by mapping out her production plan. “Before I even finished my manuscript, I researched printing options and costs. This helped me make important decisions about trim size, illustration style, and page count that saved me from expensive changes later.”

During this phase, successful self-publishers:

• Research printing costs and options
• Decide on trim size based on both creative and cost factors
• Determine page count (multiples of 4 for most printing methods)
• Create a production timeline working backward from the desired launch date
• Budget for multiple proof copies

Phase 2: Manuscript and Illustration Preparation

With a plan in place, the next phase involves preparing content for printing:

“I worked with my illustrator to ensure all artwork was created at 300 DPI in CMYK color mode from the beginning,” explains Jessica. “Many illustrators work in RGB for digital displays, but printing requires CMYK. Making this conversion after illustrations are complete can cause surprising color shifts.”

During manuscript preparation, you’ll need to:

• Finalize text and check for age-appropriate readability
• Create illustration specifications (size, orientation, character consistency)
• Ensure illustrations extend to the bleed area if colors go to the edge
• Leave adequate space for text that won’t be covered by binding

Phase 3: Layout and Formatting

Once the text and illustrations are ready, they must be combined into a cohesive layout:

“I hired a book designer through Upwork who specialized in children’s books,” continues Jessica. “Her experience helped me avoid common issues like text placed too close to the gutter or illustrations that didn’t account for bleed areas. She created a professional InDesign file that met all printer specifications.”

This phase includes:

• Combining text and illustrations in professional software
• Creating consistent margins and text placement
• Ensuring readability against illustration backgrounds
• Preparing front matter (title page, copyright, dedication)
• Designing the cover with spine and barcode placement

Phase 4: Proofing and Revision

The proofing stage is critical and often requires multiple rounds:

“I ordered three different proof copies,” Jessica recalls. “The first showed me that some colors were printing darker than expected. The second had pagination issues. By the third, everything was perfect. Those $60 in proof costs saved me from printing 1,000 flawed books.”

Effective proofing includes:

• Digital proofing for initial layout and text corrections
• Physical proof copies to check color accuracy
• Testing the book with children in your target age group
• Checking binding durability by opening fully multiple times
• Verifying barcode scannability and cover finish appearance

Phase 5: Production and Distribution

Finally, with approved proofs, production begins:

“I chose offset printing for my initial run of 2,000 books because the per-unit cost was much lower than print-on-demand,” says Jessica. “The books arrived on two pallets six weeks later. I registered with IngramSpark for distribution to bookstores and Amazon, while fulfilling direct website orders myself.”

Production considerations include:

• Printer selection based on quality, timeline, and budget
• Print run quantity determination
• Shipping and storage logistics
• Quality check of random samples from the final delivery
• Distribution channel setup

Common Printing Disasters and How to Avoid Them

The Case of the Disappearing Purple

Robert, the author of The Petey the Purple Dragon Adventures, was shocked when his vibrant purple dragon appeared blue in the printed book. “I created all my illustrations on my computer screen without realizing that RGB colors don’t translate directly to CMYK printing,” he explains.

The Solution: Always convert illustrations to CMYK before submission and request a physical proof copy to check color accuracy. Tools like Canva Pro allow you to export in CMYK format specifically for printing.

The Shrinking Margins Mystery

Tara’s debut picture book about underwater adventures looked perfect on her computer. However, the text disappeared into the binding when the printed copies arrived, and the illustrations were cut off at the edges.

“I didn’t understand printer margins, bleeds, or safe areas,” Tara admits. “I had to scrap the entire first printing of 500 books.”

The Solution: Work with templates provided by your printer or use professional layout software that includes bleed marks and margin guides. Leave at least .5″ margins for text, with .125″ bleed beyond the trim size for illustrations that extend to the edge.

The Binding Breakdown

Michael’s activity book fell apart after the children had completed just a few pages. “I chose saddle-stitching (staples) because it was cheaper than spiral binding,” he says. “But the book needed to lay completely flat for children to draw in it, which put stress on the staples.”

The Solution: Match your binding to your book’s function. Activity books need spiral or Wire-O binding. Story books that won’t be written in can use saddle-stitching for up to 64 pages, while thicker books need perfect or case binding.

The Lightweight Paper Problem

Jessica’s nature-themed counting book featured beautiful watercolor illustrations, but the paper was so thin that illustrations from one page showed through to the next.

“I tried to save money on paperweight, and it ruined the reading experience,” Jessica says. “Plus, the pages tore easily in little hands.”

The Solution: Never use paper below 80 lb for children’s picture book printing. For board books, use specialized board book printers rather than trying to create them with standard printing methods.

A Practical Timeline: From Manuscript to Printed Book

For authors planning their publishing journey, here’s a realistic timeline based on successful self-publishers:

Months 1-2: Manuscript Finalization and Illustration Planning

• Complete final manuscript edits
• Create illustration brief/storyboard
• Research and select illustrator

Months 3-5: Illustration Phase

• Character development and style approval
• Creation of all illustrations
• Revisions and finalization

Month 6: Layout and Design

• Text and illustration integration
• Cover design
• Interior Formatting
• ISBN registration and barcode generation

Month 7: Proofing and Revisions

• Digital proof review
• First physical proof order and review
• Corrections and adjustments
• Final proof approval

Month 8: Production

• File submission to printer
• Printing and binding process
• Quality check
• Shipping and delivery

Month 9: Distribution Setup

• Amazon listing creation
• Bookstore distribution setup
• Library market submission
• Website sales configuration

This timeline assumes working with freelancers rather than a publishing company. Adjust as needed for your specific project complexity and team availability.

Top Platforms for Children’s Book Printing

Major Print-on-Demand Services

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Amazon KDP offers a straightforward path to both print and digital publishing:

Pros:

• Immediate access to the world’s largest book marketplace
• No upfront printing costs
• Quality hardcover and paperback options
• Simple royalty structure

Cons:

• Limited paper and trim size options
• Less control over exact color matching
• No board book options

Best for: Authors seeking wide distribution with minimal upfront investment.

IngramSpark

Ingram Spark is the industry standard for professional self-publishers:

Pros:

• Library-quality printing
• Wide distribution beyond Amazon
• More format and paper options
• Professional cataloging

Cons:

• Setup fees (typically $49-$99 per title)
• Steeper learning curve
• Requires professional-level files

Best for: Authors planning to sell to libraries, bookstores, or international markets.

Independent Publishing Platforms

Lulu

Lulu is a creator-friendly platform with extensive customization:

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• High-quality color reproduction
• Various binding options
• Detailed print previews

Cons:

• Higher per-unit costs than some competitors
• Fewer distribution channels

Best for: Authors prioritizing print quality and unique formats.

PublishDrive

While primarily focused on ebook distribution, PublishDrive offers print options through partners:

Pros:

• Global distribution
• Marketing tools included
• Transparent royalty reporting

Cons:

• Print options more limited than dedicated printers
• The primary strength is in digital, not print

Best for: Authors seeking a hybrid digital/print approach with strong global reach.

Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is another excellent option that simplifies the publishing process:

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Print distribution through their partner networks
• No setup fees
• Free formatting tools

Cons:

• Print quality control varies by distribution partner
• Limited print customization options

Best for: First-time authors seeking simplicity above all else.

Freelance Children’s Book Printing Support Services

For authors seeking specialized printing or hands-on assistance, freelance services offer excellent options:

Fiverr

Fiverr is the marketplace that offers access to specialized children’s book designers and formatters:

Pros:

• Wide range of pricing options
• Portfolio reviews before hiring
• Specialization in children’s book formatting
• Direct communication with providers

Cons:

• Quality varies significantly between providers
• May need to coordinate between the designer and the printer

Best for: Authors needing formatting help before sending to a printer.

Upwork

Upwork is a great place to find professional book designers and printing consultants:

Pros:

• Vetted professionals with detailed reviews
• Milestone-based payment protection
• Higher-end talent available

Cons:

• Generally higher costs than Fiverr
• The learning curve for platform management

Best for: Authors seeking ongoing relationships with professional designers and print consultants.

Essential Tools for Preparing Your Children’s Book

Before submitting your book for printing, these tools will help ensure professional-quality results.

Design and Formatting

Canva

Even without design experience, Canva makes it possible to create professional-looking layouts:

Pros:

• Children’s book templates
• Easy-to-use interface
• Extensive image library
• Export in print-ready formats

Canva‘s drag-and-drop interface makes it ideal for creating initial layouts or simple illustration work, though advanced illustrators may prefer specialized tools.

“I created my entire book in Canva,” says Ray, author of a successful series about a time-traveling cat. “The templates gave me professional guidance, and the export options ensured my printer received exactly what they needed. For someone without design training, it was a game-changer.”

Vellum

While primarily known for novel formatting, Vellum can handle illustrated books like early readers and chapter books.

Pros:

• Professional-quality formatting
• Preview exactly how your book will look
• Export directly to major platforms

Best for: Text-heavy children’s books with some illustrations.

Writing and Editing

Grammarly

Grammarly will ensure your text is error-free and plagiarism-free before it goes to print:

Pros:

• Catches spelling and grammar errors
• Style suggestions appropriate for children’s reading levels
• Works across platforms

Perfect for ensuring your text reads smoothly for both children and adults reading aloud.

Hemingway App

Hemingway App will keep your writing clear and age-appropriate:

Pros:

• Identifies complex sentences
• Highlights passive voice
• Suggests simpler alternatives

Particularly useful for early readers where sentence structure must match developing reading skills.

The Step-by-Step Children’s Book Printing Process

1. Prepare Your Manuscript and Illustrations

Start with properly formatted files:

• Text in Word or similar format
• High-resolution illustrations (300+ DPI)
• Consistent margins with a bleed area if required
• Proper pagination

Pro tip: Use Adobe InDesign to help organize your content flow or Grammarly to perfect your text.

2. Format Your Book

Combine text and illustrations into a cohesive layout:

• Ensure text is readable against illustration backgrounds
• Maintain consistent margins
• Check pagination flow
• Consider the “gutter” (inside margin) where pages meet the binding

Pro tip: Canva provides excellent templates that make this process intuitive, even for beginners.

3. Convert to Print-Ready Files

Most printers require specific file formats:

• PDF with embedded fonts
• CMYK color profile (not RGB)
• Proper resolution (300 DPI minimum)
• Include bleed and crop marks if required

Pro tip: Always download a proof copy before final submission to check colors and layout.

4. Choose Your Printing Service

Based on your needs from the platforms discussed above:

• Amazon KDP for wide distribution
• IngramSpark for professional quality and bookstore placement
• Lulu for specialized formats
• Freelancers for custom children’s book printing prep work (layout, formatting, etc.)

Pro tip: Consider ordering samples from several services to compare quality before committing to a full print run.

5. Order Proofs and Revise

Never skip the proof stage:

• Check color accuracy
• Inspect binding quality
• Test durability
• Verify page alignment

Pro tip: Have several people, including children in your target age group, review the proof.

6. Launch Your Print Run

Once satisfied with the proofs, you can:

• Set up print-on-demand for ongoing sales
• Order a small batch for direct sales and marketing
• Prepare larger orders for special events or bulk sales

The Hidden Realities of Children’s Book Printing: Lessons from the Trenches

Karen, now a successful children’s book author with a series about a friendly dragonfly, remembers her first printing experience with a grimace. “I spent months perfecting my story and illustrations, then rushed the printing decision because I was eager to launch. That enthusiasm cost me dearly.”

Karen initially chose a budget printer with a quick turnaround and low prices. When the books arrived, the colors were muddy, the binding was crooked, and some pages were printed out of order. I had to pulp the entire print run of 1,000 books—a $3,000 mistake.”

This experience taught Karen valuable lessons that she now shares with other aspiring authors:

Advice: “Take time to understand printer specifications. Learn about paperweights, color spaces, and binding options. Order samples from different printers to compare quality. Most importantly, never skip the proof stage, even if it delays your launch by a few weeks.”

Another successful self-publisher, James, emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between printing decisions and marketing strategy: “I initially printed my books with the cheapest option available. When I approached local bookstores, they wouldn’t stock them because the print quality screamed ‘amateur.’ After switching to a higher-quality printer, those same bookstores gladly displayed my books.”

The lesson? “Your printing choices determine which sales channels will be available to you. Budget printing might work for direct online sales, but physical retailers and libraries have higher standards.”

Marketing Your Professionally Printed Children’s Book

A beautifully printed book deserves effective marketing:

Online Presence

• Create a professional website with Systeme or Google Workspace
• Build an email list with Mailerlite
• Schedule consistent social media posts with Canva or StoryChief

Sales Analytics

Track what keywords and categories are working for top-selling books with:

• Publisher Rocket for keyword and category research
• KDSpy to analyze competitor books

Community Building

• Use Otter.ai to transcribe readings for content creation
• Connect with readers through email newsletters
• Offer readings at schools and libraries where your professional-quality book will impress educators

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Book Printing

How much does it cost to print a children’s book?

Costs vary widely depending on:

• Print method (POD vs. offset)
• Page count and size
• Paper quality
• Binding type
• Order Quantity

Print-on-demand typically costs $3-$8 per book with no upfront fees. Traditional offset printing might cost $2,000-$5,000 upfront but reduce per-unit costs to $1-$3 for orders of 1,000+.

What’s the difference between offset and print-on-demand?

Offset printing:

• Higher upfront costs
• Lower per-unit costs
• Better color accuracy
• Minimum order quantities (usually 500+)
• Longer production time

Print-on-demand:

• No upfront printing costs
• Higher per-unit costs
• Slightly lower color quality
• No minimum orders
• Immediate production

Which printing service is best for first-time authors?

Amazon KDP offers the best balance of ease, quality, distribution, and low upfront costs for most first-time children’s book authors. As you grow, consider expanding to an offset printer like IngramSpark for wider distribution or specialized printers for premium formats.

Conclusion: Your Book Printing Choice Is a Key To Your Successful Children’s Book

The quality of your children’s book printing doesn’t just affect how your book looks—it influences how readers perceive you as an author, how much you can charge, and, ultimately, how successful your book becomes. Choosing the right printing options and partners positions you as a professional in a competitive market.

Regardless of what you choose – the ease of Amazon KDP, the wide distribution of IngramSpark, the customization of Lulu, or the specialized talent on Fiverr and Upwork, remember that your printing choices are an investment in your book’s success and your author brand.

Ready to bring your children’s book to life?

Start by exploring samples from different printers, preparing your files with professional tools like Canva and Grammarly, and building your marketing plan with platforms like PublishDrive and Draft2Digital. Your perfectly printed children’s book is just steps away from delighting young readers everywhere.

As a reminder, some of the platforms and tools mentioned in this guide are affiliate partners of American Writers Group. Suppose you try services like PublishDrive, Canva, or Grammarly through our links. In that case, we may receive a small commission while you pay the same regular price. These partnerships allow us to keep creating comprehensive resources like this one.

We genuinely appreciate your support as we continue our mission to help busy professionals successfully self-publish and market their books!