Creating a children’s book is more than just writing a fun story. It is about shaping young minds, igniting imaginations and crafting a book that leaves a lasting impression. But for many aspiring authors, the process of how to make a children’s book can feel overwhelming. What comes first: the words or the pictures? How do you write for different age groups? And what does it really take to publish a children’s book successfully?
At Book Publishing Pros, we have helped countless authors turn their ideas into beautifully illustrated children’s books that entertain and educate. Whether you are a parent with a bedtime story in mind or a writer ready to make your mark in children’s literature, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the journey from idea to publication.
Let’s dive into the essentials of creating a children's book with pictures, plot and purpose the three pillars of an impactful story for young readers.
Before you type a single word or sketch a single character, take a step back and ask: Why do I want to write a children’s book? Understanding your motivation will influence your tone, content and storytelling approach.
Are you writing to:
Children’s books are powerful tools for education and empathy. Some stories aim to comfort, while others challenge readers to see the world differently. Defining your book’s purpose early on will serve as your compass through the creative process.
Remember, your story should have both heart and direction. Children may be young, but they are discerning readers. They respond best to books that have emotional truth, clarity and meaning.
At Book Publishing Pros, we help authors refine their ideas and craft stories with strong themes that resonate with both children and parents.
Children’s books are categorized by age group and each category has its own word count, structure and style requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial when planning your story.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
For most first-time authors, picture books are a popular entry point. They are visually driven, relatively short, and allow for a deep emotional connection between the story and its illustrations.
When you know your target age range, you can tailor everything language, themes, sentence structure and pacing to fit your ideal reader’s needs.
Even the most imaginative stories need structure. A great children’s book has a beginning that hooks the reader, a middle that builds tension or curiosity and an ending that satisfies or surprises.
Here’s a simple but effective structure to follow:
Let’s say you’re writing about a shy hedgehog who wants to make friends. That character’s emotional journey of overcoming fear, learning empathy and finding connection becomes the heart of the plot. Kids love characters they can root for and they enjoy narratives that reflect their own experiences in fun or fantastical ways.
The key? Keep it simple but meaningful. Don’t overcomplicate your plot, but do add emotional depth. Humor, rhyme, repetition or surprise endings can also make your story more engaging and memorable.
Our editorial team at Book Publishing Pros works with authors to refine their stories, ensuring the pacing, arc and messaging align with publishing standards and young readers’ expectations.
One of the most exciting parts of how to make a children’s book is the visual design. In picture books especially, illustrations are half the story sometimes more. They create mood, amplify emotion and help readers understand what the text alone can’t fully explain.
If you are not a professional artist, the answer is almost always yes. A skilled children’s book illustrator knows how to:
Illustration costs can vary widely depending on the artist’s experience and the complexity of the work. Expect to invest anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+ for a full 32-page picture book.
You will want to create an illustration brief outlining each page or spread, noting what’s happening in the text and suggesting visual elements. Be collaborative, but trust your illustrator’s creative instincts.
At Book Publishing Pros, we offer professional illustration services tailored to your story. We handle everything from matching you with the right artist to guiding the layout process so your book looks both beautiful and market-ready.
Once your manuscript and illustrations are complete, it is time to format your book for publication. This step is often overlooked, but it is critical especially for publishing a childrens book that will meet the technical standards of platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark or Barnes & Noble Press.
Children’s books are usually printed in standard sizes like 8x10 or 8.5x8.5 inches. Page layout includes:
You will need high-resolution PDF files for print and, in some cases, ePub files for digital editions. Colors should be in CMYK format, and all images should be at least 300 DPI.
If formatting isn’t your forte, don’t worry. We have got you covered. At Book Publishing Pros, we offer professional layout and formatting services to ensure your book looks as good on the shelf as it does in your imagination.
When it comes to publishing a childrens book, you have two main paths: traditional publishing or self-publishing. Each option has benefits and trade-offs and the right choice depends on your goals.
In traditional publishing, you submit your manuscript to publishers or agents. If accepted, they handle editing, design, printing, distribution and marketing. However, the process is highly competitive and it can take months or years to secure a deal.
With self-publishing, you control everything from the cover design to marketing. You will need to fund the project yourself, but you also keep more of the profits.
Book Publishing Pros specializes in children’s book self-publishing, offering done-for-you services that take the stress out of the process. From manuscript to marketplace, we help you build a book that stands out.
You have written and published your book now it is time to get it into readers’ hands. Effective marketing is key to your success, especially in a competitive space like children’s literature.
Start with a professional author website, social media presence and email list. These platforms help you connect with readers, parents, educators and book reviewers.
Positive reviews can make or break your launch. Encourage friends, family and early readers to leave honest reviews. Use platforms like Goodreads to build excitement.
At Book Publishing Pros, we also offer customized marketing packages that include promotional graphics, ad setup and outreach strategies tailored for children's book audiences.
Many authors ask, “How much does it cost to make and publish a children’s book?” While costs vary, here’s a general breakdown for a 32-page picture book:
Total investment ranges from $2,000 to $8,000+ depending on quality, scope and how much you outsource. With smart planning and professional guidance, you can publish a children’s book that rivals those from major publishers.
Creating a children’s book is a heartfelt journey and it is one that takes more than just imagination. It requires planning, collaboration and a deep understanding of your young audience.
Now that you know how to make a children’s book with pictures, plot, and purpose, you are ready to take the next step toward becoming a published author. Whether you are writing your first book or your fifth, we are here to support you at every stage.
At Book Publishing Pros, we believe that every great story deserves to be told and heard. Let us help you bring your vision to life with professional illustration, editing, formatting and publishing services designed just for children’s book creators.
Schedule a Free Publishing Consultation and let’s turn your story into a lasting legacy. Your audience is waiting.
We have successfully completed many projects of varying scope and magnitudes. Our clients range from working professionals, and industry experts to small and large scale corporations. Below are a few books that we have written and published for our clients:
Whether you're interested in self-publishing a book or utilizing traditional routes, we provide various options to suit your needs. Our robust partnerships with major platforms like Amazon Publishing, Lulu Publishing, and Barnes and Noble Publishing ensure your book reaches the widest possible audience. Each platform offers unique advantages, from Amazon's vast reach to Lulu's specialized custom prints, allowing you to choose the best path for your book.
We cater to both digital and print preferences. Kindle Publishing and Kobo Publishing are ideal for authors who wish to target the e-reader audience, maximizing your book's digital presence. Meanwhile, our print services through Amazon, Lulu, and Barnes and Noble ensure that your book is available physically, reaching readers who prefer traditional reading experiences.
Our end-to-end solutions include more than listing your book on various platforms. We provide a complete support system throughout the publishing process, including professional editing, book design, marketing, and distribution strategies. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every phase of your project is handled with expertise, making the journey from manuscript to published book as smooth and successful as possible.
Embark on your Amazon publishing adventure with Book Publishing Pros. Our team is excited to work with you to turn your manuscript into a published book that stands out in the market.
Start Project Call Now
Get Your Book Written and Published in Less Than A Month! Call Us at 1-213-734-5715
