Writing a children’s book seems easy – until you actually sit down and try to do it. Then you realize how much thought goes into every sentence, every illustration, and every page turn.
The good part? With the right mindset and a clear roadmap, you can write and publish a children’s book that delights both kids and their parents.
If this is your first time going from blank page to printed book, don’t worry. You’re about to walk through the exact process – from idea to bookstore shelf – in a way that’s clear and (hopefully) inspiring.
Start With a Simple but Strong Concept
The best children’s books are built on simple ideas that carry meaning. You don’t need a complicated plot – in fact, the younger the reader, the simpler the story should be. (But it should still feel fresh, engaging, and age-appropriate.)
Think about universal themes like friendship, bravery, curiosity, or kindness. How can you express one of those ideas in a new way? Is there a unique setting or character twist that makes your take different from the hundreds of books already on the shelf?
Brainstorming ideas is part inspiration, part observation. What stories are missing in the market? What kind of book would you have wanted as a kid? Or, if you’re around young children, what topics do they keep asking about? That’s a great starting point.
Understand Your Audience (And Age Group)
Writing for children means writing to children – not down to them. But you still need to tailor your language, structure, and length to their developmental level. There’s a big difference between a board book for toddlers and a chapter book for grade schoolers.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Ages 0-3: Board books, limited text, lots of repetition and rhythm.
- Ages 3-5: Picture books, usually 32 pages, under 1,000 words, simple plots.
- Ages 6-8: Early readers, basic vocabulary, clear sentence structure.
- Ages 8-12: Chapter books or middle-grade novels with deeper characters and story arcs.
When you sit down to write, keep your ideal reader in mind. This means taking into account their reading level, attention span, interests, emotional maturity, etc.
Nail the Manuscript Before You Worry About Illustrations
It’s tempting to dive into the visuals right away, especially for picture books. But don’t rush it. Your manuscript needs to come out first. Tighten your structure and read it aloud again and again. A great children’s book usually has rhythm, even if it doesn’t rhyme.
Collaborate With the Right Illustrator
Unless you’re a professional illustrator yourself, you’ll want to partner with someone who understands how to bring children’s stories to life visually. The right illustrations will tell part of the story by filling in emotional cues, humor, pacing, and energy. Don’t overlook this!
If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to hire an illustrator directly. Look for artists who have experience with children’s books and ask to see a full sample spread. If you’re going the traditional publishing route, don’t worry about finding an illustrator. Publishers usually handle that.
Pick Your Publishing Route
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. And, truth be told, it all depends on your goals, timeline, and budget.
Traditional publishing means querying agents or submitting to publishers. If accepted, they handle editing, illustrating, printing, and distribution. The upside? Professional backing and wider reach. The downside? It’s competitive and can take years.
Self-publishing gives you total control – and a faster path to publication. You hire your own team, set your own deadlines, and keep a larger share of the profits. But it also means you are the publisher, marketer, and distributor.
Choose the Right Paperback Book Printing Partner
If you do go the self-publishing route, one of the most important steps is choosing a quality paperback book printing partner. This is the final touch that turns your digital files into something kids and their parents can actually hold.
A good printer will help you understand your options for trim size, paper weight, binding, and finishes. For children’s books, especially picture books, color, quality, and durability matter. You want something that looks professional and can survive countless bedtime readings.
Work with a printer that has experience in children’s publishing and offers clear guidance through the technical side of formatting. Look for someone who can scale with you as you grow.
Get It In Front of Your Readers
Once your book is finished and printed, it’s time to share it with the world. That means marketing. Here are some first steps:
- Reach out to local schools and libraries. Offer to do a reading.
- Connect with parent bloggers or Instagram moms. Offer a free review copy.
- List your book on Amazon or Bookshop.org.
- Attend local book fairs or author events.
- Build a simple website and email list. Share your journey and invite others to join.
The goal is to create a ripple. Word-of-mouth is powerful in the children’s book world, especially among teachers, librarians, and parents. Those are your influencers!
Play the Long Game
Writing and publishing a children’s book isn’t a one-weekend project. It takes time, persistence, and a deep understanding of both kids and publishing. But if you love storytelling and want to create something that lights up little eyes and sparks young minds, it’s absolutely worth it.
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