Have you always dreamed of becoming a children’s book author – but felt overwhelmed by where to start? Maybe you’ve had a story idea bubbling in your mind for years, or perhaps a child in your life has inspired you to put pen to paper.
The good news? You no longer need a traditional publisher to bring your book to life.
Self-publishing has opened the doors for aspiring children’s book authors everywhere, offering creative freedom, faster timelines, and full ownership of your work.
Whether you want to share a bedtime story with the world or build a long-term author career, becoming a self-published children’s book author is more accessible than ever.
In this guide, you’ll learn the step-by-step process to turn your idea into a finished book – from writing and finding an illustrator to publishing and promoting your story.
1. Define your why and your audience
Before you dive into writing your children’s book, take a moment to clarify your why.
What’s motivating you to write and self-publish?
Are you doing this out of a passion for storytelling?
Do you want to leave a lasting legacy for your children or grandchildren?
Or are you hoping to build a full-time career as a children’s book author?
Understanding your personal goals will help guide your creative decisions and publishing strategy.
Next, identify your target age group. Children’s books aren’t one-size-fits-all—there are distinct categories based on age, reading ability, and content:
- Board books (Ages 0–3): Simple text and sturdy pages, often focused on basic concepts like colors, numbers, or animals.
- Picture books (Ages 3–7): 500–1,000 words with vivid illustrations on every page. These are typically read aloud by adults.
- Early readers (Ages 5–8): Short chapters, simple vocabulary, and illustrations that support comprehension.
- Middle grade (Ages 8–12): Longer stories, more complex themes, and minimal or no illustrations.
Once you know your age group, consider the reading level, attention span, and interests of your intended readers. A toddler’s attention might last only a few minutes, while a middle-grade reader can handle multi-chapter plots and deeper emotional arcs.
Tailoring your language, story length, and subject matter to your audience is key to creating a book that truly resonates.
By defining your purpose and clearly understanding who you’re writing for, you’ll lay a strong foundation for every step that follows.
2. Develop a unique story idea
Every successful children’s book author starts with one key ingredient: a story that connects.
The best children’s books often stem from simple, relatable ideas – a lost toy, a big first day, or a curious adventure. Start by thinking about moments from childhood that felt big or emotional. What do kids worry about, laugh at, or wonder about most?
Once you have a basic concept, identify the central theme or lesson you want to share. Whether it’s about kindness, bravery, sharing, or accepting differences, having a clear takeaway gives your story direction and purpose without being preachy.
Next, bring your story to life with memorable characters. A great children’s book author knows how to create characters kids can relate to or fall in love with, whether it’s a brave little bunny, a curious robot, or a shy child discovering their voice. Give your characters personality, motivation, and a goal they care about.
Taking the time to craft a thoughtful, engaging story will set you apart as a children’s book author worth reading.
3. Write and revise your manuscript
Now that you have your story idea and characters in place, it’s time to start writing your manuscript. As a children’s book author, your goal is to craft language that is simple, engaging, and age-appropriate. Whether you’re writing for toddlers or early readers, every word should serve a purpose—advancing the story, building emotion, or sparking curiosity.
Keep your sentences clear and concise. Young readers respond best to rhythmic, playful language and repetition, especially in picture books. Read your story out loud as you go – this will help you catch awkward phrasing and ensure your writing flows naturally.
Once you’ve completed a draft, don’t rush to publish. Revision is a critical part of the process. Read through your manuscript multiple times, and then seek feedback from trusted sources – other writers, teachers, parents, or even kids in your target age group.
A great children’s book author isn’t afraid to rewrite sections or cut lines that don’t serve the story.
Consider questions like:
- Does the story hold attention from beginning to end?
- Is the theme clear without being too obvious?
- Do the characters feel alive and relatable?
Remember, even the most seasoned children’s book authors go through several drafts. The revision stage is where your story truly comes to life.
4. Decide on illustration
Illustrations are a crucial part of most children’s books – they don’t just complement the story, they help tell it. As a children’s book author, it’s important to understand how visuals impact storytelling, mood, and engagement for young readers.
If you’re not planning to illustrate the book yourself, you’ll need to find a professional illustrator whose style matches the tone and target age group of your story. Look for portfolios on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Instagram, or the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Always review past work carefully and request sample sketches if needed before committing.
Before signing a contract, be clear on the terms:
- Will the illustrator be paid a flat fee or royalties?
- Who retains the copyright to the artwork?
- What is the timeline for delivery?
You don’t need to micromanage every visual detail, but as a children’s book author, you should be involved in key decisions – like how characters are depicted, the mood of each scene, and whether the illustrations align with your story’s pacing and message.
Lastly, keep in mind that quality illustrations can make or break your book’s appeal. Children (and parents) are drawn to vibrant, expressive artwork, so it’s worth investing time and care into this part of the process.
5. Format your book for publishing
Once your manuscript and illustrations are complete, it’s time to format your book for publishing. As a children’s book author, you’ll want to ensure your book looks as professional as anything on a bookstore shelf – because presentation truly matters, especially for young readers and their parents.
Start by choosing the right trim size (the dimensions of your printed book). Common sizes for picture books are 8.5″ x 8.5″, 8″ x 10″, or 8.5″ x 11″, but your choice may depend on the platform you’re using and your illustrator’s layout.
Next, consider your page count. Most picture books are 24 or 32 pages long, including front and back matter (like title page, copyright info, dedication, etc.). Make sure your story flows naturally across the spreads, and that page turns help build suspense or emphasize key moments.
For book formatting tools, you can use:
- Adobe InDesign (professional-grade)
- BookWright by Blurb (user-friendly and free)
- Canva (simple for basic layout, though limited in print precision)
Pay attention to:
- Proper bleed and margin settings
- Font size and legibility for young readers
- Consistency in layout and spacing
If you’re unsure, consider hiring a book formatter. Many children’s book authors do this to avoid technical headaches and ensure everything meets print requirements.
Formatting might feel like a technical step, but it’s essential to presenting your story in the best possible light. After all your creative work, your book deserves to shine on the page.
6. Choose a self-publishing platform
With your book written, illustrated, and formatted, you’re ready for the next big step: choosing where and how to publish. As a children’s book author, selecting the right self-publishing platform can directly impact your book’s quality, reach, and sales.
Here are some of the most popular self-publishing platforms:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The most widely used option, offering both paperback and Kindle versions. Great for discoverability and ease of use.
- IngramSpark: Ideal for wider distribution to bookstores and libraries. Offers more control over print quality but has setup fees.
- Barnes & Noble Press: A solid choice for getting your book on BN.com and into potential in-store opportunities.
Each platform has its pros and cons, so consider your priorities. Do you want broad distribution? The best royalties? Premium print quality? As a children’s book author, it’s wise to research each option – or even use a combination (e.g., Amazon KDP for Amazon sales, IngramSpark for bookstores).
Also, don’t forget the technical details:
- ISBNs and barcodes: You’ll need one for each format (print and ebook). KDP provides free ISBNs, but purchasing your own gives you more control over listing and imprint.
- Pricing: Check similar books in your genre and age group to choose a competitive but fair price.
- File requirements: Each platform has specific file types, size limits, and bleed settings. Review their guidelines carefully before uploading.
Publishing your book is a major milestone – and with the right platform, your story can reach kids all over the world.
7. Publish and launch your book
Now it’s time to share your book with the world! As a children’s book author, your book launch is your chance to make a strong first impression and start building momentum with readers, parents, and educators.
First, make sure your book listing is polished and professional:
- Title and subtitle: Clear, catchy, and age-appropriate.
- Book description: Highlight the story’s theme, what makes it special, and who it’s for. Keep it engaging and parent-friendly.
- Keywords and categories: Choose terms that help your book appear in search results on Amazon or other platforms. Think like your audience – what would a parent type when looking for a bedtime story or a book about friendship?
Next, decide whether to do a soft launch (a quiet release to test the waters) or a full launch with more fanfare. A full launch can include:
- A countdown or teaser campaign on social media
- An email blast to your list (even if it’s small!)
- A launch day event (virtual or in-person at a bookstore or library)
Don’t forget to leverage your personal network – friends, family, coworkers, and community groups are often your first readers and biggest cheerleaders. Ask them to share your book, leave honest reviews, and spread the word.
You can even give out advanced copies of your book for free in exchange for reviews. This can help you get tons of reviews right away on launch day. Thanks launch team!
As a new children’s book author, your first launch is a learning experience, so don’t stress about perfection. Focus on showing up, being authentic, and celebrating the achievement – you’ve published a book, and that’s a big deal!
8. Keep marketing your book
Publishing your book is just the beginning. Now comes the essential (and often overlooked) part: marketing. As a children’s book author, getting your book into the hands of readers requires visibility, consistency, and creativity.
Start by building your author platform:
- Create an author website with a bio, book details, and links to purchase.
- Start an email list to keep in touch with readers, parents, and educators.
- Use social media to connect with your audience. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are great for showcasing illustrations, behind-the-scenes content, and storytime videos.
Explore community outreach opportunities:
- Offer to read your book at local schools, libraries, bookstores, or community events.
- Partner with parenting bloggers, educators, and influencers to review or promote your book.
- Reach out to local media—radio stations, newspapers, or community newsletters often highlight local authors.
- Encourage reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other retail platforms. Reviews build trust and improve your book’s visibility in search rankings.
Marketing may feel daunting at first, but it’s a skill that improves with practice. As a children’s book author, the more you connect with your audience and show up consistently, the more likely your book is to find its way into the hands of eager young readers.
Share your story with the world!
Becoming a self-published children’s book author is an exciting and rewarding journey – one that takes creativity, patience, and a willingness to learn. From defining your story idea to writing, illustrating, formatting, publishing, and marketing, each step is important in bringing your vision to life.
The great news? You don’t have to do it alone. At selfpublishing.com, we offer invaluable tools and resources to guide you through every phase of the process. Whether you need help polishing your manuscript, finding the right illustrator, formatting your book for print and digital, or distributing it to major retailers, we provide step-by-step support to take you from book idea to published product with confidence.
Remember, every great children’s book author started with one story and the courage to share it. Now it’s your turn.