Everything you need to know about how to produce a children’s picture storybook is now in book form as well as an instant PDF download. Knowing how to create your picture storybook is really critical, especially for new children’s authors.
I’ve had an outline sitting on my hard drive for months. Every time I got an email from a new children’s author asking for advice I was thinking, “If only that guide was finished!” Well, now it is! How to Create a Picture Storybook: A Guide for Children’s Authors is available here, and on Amazon.
Writing a children’s book isn’t easy. There is a lot of competition; you need to create memorable characters; have engaging pictures, and know how to set them out correctly.
Picture storybooks are very specific in their requirements especially when it comes to text placement. I’ve seen many first time authors get this bit wrong, and it takes lots of time and back and forth with the illustrator to get it right. (It’s also expensive!)
In the book I explain all of these stumbling blocks.
I outline the critical part of picture book setup and explain exactly what you need in terms of setup and illustrations. If you get this bit wrong, you’ll have issues with the printing side of things.
The biggest mistake I see is lack of planning. Writing a childrens book may seem easy – a few words with some lovely drawings is simple right? – but it’s the lack of planning that results in mistakes. These are usually costly.
When you look at any popular picture book, like The Gruffalo or The Hungary Caterpillar, they all have several things in common:
- The reader experience is seamless.
- The pictures are the main show.
- The text fits nicely within the images.
In my book, I explain exactly how to get all three. For example, if the text doesn’t fit the image or it’s hard to read because of bad placement, then the book isn’t going to be liked.
Then comes the file setup for printing and KDP (Amazon). Each printer will have specific set up requirements and knowing what these are – even if you’re not doing the layout – will help you and your illustrator. If you are illustrating the book, then it’s even more critical you know what these are.
You need to understand terms like bleed and trim as well as how to calculate your spine, and what paper is best suited for your project.
What size book?
This is also really important to understand. The book size will effect your printing options, and more importantly, how your illustrations are created. If you’re planning on using KDP POD, and you haven’t done your research with what size they can offer, then you’ll be back to the beginning with your design. (I’ve rescued more than one project because of this oversight).
You also want to make sure that your book size isn’t going to annoy your reader. Landscape books always irritated me, as they stuck out from the book shelf! (Some sizes are also more expensive to print.)
How to Create a picture Storybook: The Guide
This is why I created this guide. It explains everything you need to know, and with full colour illustrations to show you exactly what I mean. It’s easy to read and available instantly. (Or if you prefer as a proper book over on Amazon.)
It takes you through the steps and outlines everything you need to know. It even features bonus tips on how to make your book even more professional-looking. (Hint, your ISBN on your cover is a big one!)
So, if you’re a first time author and are now thinking of the next steps, or looking to illustrate your picture book, go grab my guide. It’ll save you from hours of frustration and you will be confident your book is set out in the right way.
Let me know how you get on.
Don’t forget, I can help with the layout stage AND I can help with the publishing side of things too. Just email me at alexa@thebookrefinery.com
