Have a Children’s Book Idea You Want to Share?
Whether it’s a bedtime story that’s lived in your head for years, a tale inspired by your kids, or a fun way to teach something important—children’s books are one of the most joyful things to create and share.
But the process can feel intimidating when you’re just starting out. How do you write for kids? Where do you find an illustrator? How do you even publish something like this?
This guide will walk you through the process—step by step—to help you bring your children’s book to life and into the hands of young readers.
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Step 1: Keep It Simple—and Age Appropriate
Children’s books are short for a reason. Attention spans are limited, and every word matters.
Here’s a rough guide by age:
| Age Group | Word Count | Notes |
| 0–2 (Board Books) | < 200 words | Focus on rhythm, rhyme, and visuals |
| 3–5 (Picture Books) | 200–500 words | Simple plot, clear message, fun language |
| 6–8 (Early Readers) | 500–1,500 words | Short sentences, repetition, basic story arc |
| 8–10 (Chapter Books) | 1,500–10,000+ | More text, fewer pictures, deeper characters |
📌 Tip: Read lots of books in your target age group to get a feel for tone, vocabulary, and pacing.
Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, consider skipping board books, as the top Print-On-Demand platforms currently don’t produce them.
Step 2: Write Your Story With Visuals in Mind
Even if you’re not an illustrator, try to picture each page as a scene.
✅ Use clear, simple language
✅ Stick to one idea or action per page
✅ Think in spreads (left + right page)
✅ Leave room for the illustrator to do their job
If you plan to work with an artist, don’t write out detailed descriptions for every picture. Just provide a “visual guide” with the general idea.
Step 3: Find an Illustrator (or Use DIY Tools)
🧑🎨 Hire a Professional Illustrator
You can find amazing children’s book artists on:
- Fiverr – Filter by style and budget
- Upwork – Great for multi-book series or long-term work
- Reedsy – Higher-end curated talent
Ask to see samples, get a clear price per page or per book, and set deadlines up front.
🧰 DIY Illustration Tools
If you’re on a tight budget or have design skills, try:
- Canva – Includes child-friendly art and drag-and-drop templates
- Midjourney or AI art tools – For mockups and custom characters (but always check copyright policies)
📌 Tip: Make sure your illustrations are 300 DPI for print and sized for your final book trim size (usually 8.5×8.5″ or 8×10″).
Step 4: Format and Publish Your Book
Once your story and illustrations are complete, it’s time to publish!
🖋️ Formatting
Use:
- Atticus or Vellum for text-based books
- Canva (beginner friendly) or Adobe InDesign (professional grade) for full-bleed illustrated layouts
Export to high-res PDF for print, and EPUB for digital.
📚 Where to Publish
- Amazon KDP – Great for paperback + Kindle
- Draft2Digital – Great for getting your book into libraries and independent book stores
- IngramSpark – Wider bookstore distribution
- Etsy – Sell digital downloads like printable coloring book pages or activity packs
- Gumroad or Payhip – Sell direct to your audience if you already have a following
Step 5: Market to Parents, Teachers, and Librarians
Selling a children’s book is about building trust with grown-ups—because they are the ones buying.
- Build a simple author website with Canva Websites
- Share read-aloud videos or page previews on Instagram or TikTok
- Post worksheets from your book on Teachers Pay Teachers if it includes educational content
- Run promotions on Fiverr book marketing services or submit to indie kidlit blogs
Bonus: Offer printable activities or a coloring page that matches your book to help it stand out!
Want Help Publishing Your First Children’s Book?
🎁 Grab our free “Publish Like a Pro” Toolkit
It’s packed with checklists, formatting links, and cover tips—plus bonus resources for children’s books.
👉 Download it here
📘 Need a full beginner-friendly roadmap?
Get the Author’s Quickstart Blueprint for just $17. It includes step-by-step guidance for self-publishing and helpful tools to stay on track.
👉 Click Here to Get Instant Access
💼 Add the Author Toolbox Templates at checkout for $17 more. Includes author bio worksheets, book launch checklists, and customizable marketing materials for picture books.
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing a children’s book is one of the most rewarding creative projects you can take on. Whether it’s your first story or your fiftieth, the process gets easier when you have a plan and support.
Your story matters. Let’s help you share it with the next generation.