Handful Tricks and Tips on How to Publish a Picture Book

To see your book read by many kids is an accomplishment you’ll hold dear for a lifetime—books that bring honesty, build character, or share inspiration and beauty. Obviously, you want more kids to read a good book than letting them stare an iPad or wait for the latest gizmo. You have to write more, and learn how to publish a picture book for children!

While it may be true that writing and publishing a children’s book can take you down the rabbit hole, full of surprises, mishaps, and whatnots. Sometimes, you have to fall down into the hole to get to where you want to be, as wandering doesn’t mean you’re lost.

To set you on course to sail your publishing adventure of wonders wild and new, here are some nuggets of ideas and tricks to begin crafting your children’s picture book.

Right Thinking for Right Writing

Why do you want to write children’s picture book?

Not that it’s ridiculous or something, but writing a children’s book for the sake of fame and riches won’t keep you stay long in the industry. Well, these reasons may fuel your passion to write more, but more often than not, money will not last—and perhaps, fame too.

Most children’s picture book authors/illustrators craft books for the love of it, or the passion to inspire kids to enjoy a good book. And for parents, to let them raise a young reader. So start your publishing path with the right mindset, and surely fame and riches will chase you.

Who’s who for Your Book

Research the market and find the age group you are willing to focus on. Before you pick one or two, learn the categories first and read from each of them on your local book store, or you can check the book Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market 2018: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published. Baby books, picture books, or toddler books— find what age bracket you’re willing to get along on, and then write.

For every category, there are some elements you have to consider. For toddler books, they would love pop-ups, novelty books that make sounds, or board books. Or for most baby books, nursery rhymes, finger plays, or lullabies would be the go-to.

A Note for a Great Idea

Roald Dahl, a renowned children’s book writer, would always bring a little notebook with him so whenever an idea pops, he writes. In it, he records and writes down characters, plots, and often, absurd stories—something that fancies his interest wherever he is. Because you never know a great idea will show up on your face. In such case, you need a simple note, or an app you can immediately access on your phone to type in an idea.

Hop On, Write On

Create a daily routine when you’ll be writing. Will it be on a very early morning? Or every after breakfast? Develop this writing schedule as a habit, then discipline yourself to slack responsibly. Pick the best time when you’re most confident, a peak time for productive writing. You can also use specific writing and illustrating tools that would increase your productivity.

Other than writing, you have to know the format, size, and choice of colors for your draft.

• Your book must have at least 24 pages to be able to publish in Amazon.
• Pick a catchy title that’s marketable and suitable for your theme.
• Choose the online format of your book (pdf, epub, and others) for e-book reading availability.
• Know the book size of your manuscript. Most children’s book prefer the 8.5” x 8.5”.

Revise and Refine. Repeat.

Don’t think that it’s just a children’s book anyway. Edit, edit, edit.

First, walk away from your draft for at least a day, and come back with fresh eyes. Modify or add some elements that would help to make your story stand out. Write side notes, and use these notes to build up ideas or remove unnecessary lines.

If you want to proofread or edit your work, hire a professional editor. In that way, you can make sure you have a coherent and clean content. The same with your illustration, you can also ask an illustrator to visualize your story, of course, with your help.

Once you’ve come up with a great children’s book, here’s a checklist you need to note:

• Produce a mock-up draft—structure, flow of the story, outline, and proposed sketches.
• Find a reliable agent or publisher. Check what preferred format they want, and make sure your artwork and story is clear enough. If you want to self-publish, you can find self-publishing houses that are willing to offer services for your book—from illustration to content editing.
• For self-publishers, you can print and publish your book on KDP Amazon, and sign in to help readers find your book. You can also see the royalties per book on the Amazon once you’ve decided on your pricing. In traditional publishing, fees are usually covered and often they will do some revision, on either content or the artwork. After many revisions, the book will be ready for print.
• Market and promote your book. You can join book fairs, or use the social media to increase your book’s exposure.