Why did I put the word publication in quotation marks? Because this post is for those who want to publish their books for their own personal use. This is a differentiation from those who want to be published by a traditional publisher. I would have different advice for you, if that’s what you want.
Not everyone wants to get a book traditionally published. But lots of people want to create a book for other reasons. If you’re itching to create a book of your own but not quite sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a budding author or a parent/grandparent looking to create a magical experience for your kids, I’ve got the scoop on how to bring your story to life.
Why Create Your Own book?
Now, you might be wondering why you should create your own storybook. For starters, it’s a fantastic way to express your creativity. You get to dream up characters, plot twists, and vibrant settings. Plus, if you’re creating a book for a child, it’s an incredibly personal gift that they’ll cherish forever. Imagine the look on their face when they see a story tailored just for them.
Getting Started: The Idea
Every story begins with an idea. If you have an idea but haven’t written a word…guess what? You gotta write it down! It’s never going to miraculously appear on paper. Start by brainstorming ideas. Is it a tale of friendship, bravery, or maybe a family that’s been told on road trips since you were a kid? Once you have your idea, think about your main characters. What challenges will they face? What makes them unique?
If the story is based on a real event, decide whether you simply want to recount that event, or create a story from it. That is a whoooooole other thing. In fact, I think I’m going to have to do another post just on that.
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- Theme: This often/usually/should come after you’ve written it, otherwise it can end up being a pedantic lesson. And as I always say, no one likes a lecture!
- Characters: Develop unique and relatable characters.
- Setting: Choose an interesting backdrop for your story.
Write It Down.
Sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people just keep thinking about the idea and never write it down. Take 8 sheets of paper, fold in half, and start writing on the first page. Alternatively, use post-it notes and write your lines on them, and place on your pages, which makes it very easy to move the story around without having to erase. 
Make sure you’re only using words that deserve to be there. What do I mean? No. Extraneous. Words. Make your story tight. 500 words in 32 pages. Every word is fighting for your story.
Remember, the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. (Let’s be real – the first draft is never perfect!) Let your creativity flow and don’t worry about grammar or structure just yet. Focus on getting your ideas down.
Once the first draft is complete, is it time to revise? Not yet! Put it aside for awhile. A week? Two? A month? Whatever it takes to allow you a little space to be able to see it fresh (well, as fresh as you can). When you are ready, pay attention to the pacing of your story. Look at your page turns…are they building your tension? Make sure you’ve done everything you can to keep your readers engaged.
Self-publishing is a popular route for many authors today because it allows you complete control over your work. Personally, I would not self-publish a picture book for public consumption, only because they don’t usually do well (aka sell). But if this is your personal family project, you might want to illustrate it through photos or your own illustrations. Hiring a professional illustrator is very expensive (another reason the ROI isn’t good for self-published picture books). Costs can vary based on your publishing route. Digital publications can be free, while physical copies might have printing costs.
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. After all, storytelling is a magical journey. Let your imagination run wild and, who knows, you may have the next classic in your hands. Happy creating!
