Hey there, fellow aspiring children’s book authors! If you’re itching to turn your whimsical ideas into fabulous stories for kids, you’ve landed in the right spot. Writing a children’s book is a difficult (not gonna lie!), fun, compelling, delightful adventure, filled with creativity, imagination, and, let’s be honest, a few challenges. But fear not! I’ve got your back. Today, we’ll walk through how to create a children’s book, from dreaming up a story to getting it into those tiny hands eager to flip through your pages.

Find Your Story

Every great children’s book starts with a fantastic story. It’s not just about thinking like a kid; it’s about understanding what resonates with them. Are you aiming for giggles, gasps, or maybe a little life lesson (no lectures!) wrapped up in fun? Start by asking yourself these questions:

• What message do I want to convey?
• What age group am I targeting?
• Who are my main characters, and what makes them unique?

Once you nail down the basics, allow your imagination to run wild. Remember, the more personal and heartfelt your story, the more it will stand out to readers.

Create Captivating Characters

Characters are the heart and soul of your story. They should be relatable and memorable. Think about some of your favorite characters from when you were a kid. What made them stick with you? Maybe it was The Bad Seed‘s Seed, or the “martian” in Dalmartian. Who is your favorite? Give your characters quirks that make them leap off the page!

Illustrate with Imagination

In children’s books, illustrations are just as crucial as the words. If you’re a professional illustrator, create a dummy and map out the pagination. When you submit to publishers, you will send both the dummy PDF and the manuscript. If you are a writer-only, you can still map out your pagination without images, but that will just be a tool for you – you won’t send that out when you submit.

 

Self-Publish or Traditional Route?

Here’s the million-dollar question: Should you self-publish or go the traditional route? Self-publishing offers more control and can be done through platforms like Amazon KDP. It’s cost-effective, but you’ll handle the marketing and it will cost a ton of time. That said, if you are considering self-publishing a children’s book, I advise you stick to novels, especially if you’re working on a series. But picture books are better off being traditionally published, as hard as that nut is to crack. Traditional publishing could (most probably) get you an advance and professional reach, but it’s more competitive. Weigh the pros and cons to see what fits your vision.

FAQs

How much does it cost to self-publish a children’s book?

The cost varies, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on illustration quality, printing, and marketing efforts. It’s an investment.

What’s the best age range for my story?

Think about your comfort level and your story’s tone. Picture books (ages 3-8) are usually 32 pages, 500 words these days. Nonfiction can be longer. Of course, there are illustrations, after all, they are called PICTURE books! 😎  Early readers (ages 5-9) have more text. Middle-grade books (ages 9-12) dive deeper into complex themes and young adult usually are about 14+.

Can I create a book online?

Websites like Blurb and Lulu provide tools to create and publish your book with ease.

Ready to make your story a reality? Make sure to hire an editor and copyeditor if you’re self-publishing and then dive in, explore your imagination, and let the world of children’s books welcome your unique voice. And if you’re looking for more guidance, be sure to check out my resources for writers. Happy writing!