How to Self-Publish a Children's Book with Illustrations (Step-by-Step Guide)

PublishingAuthors

22/04/2025

TL;DR – Children's Book Publishing Guide (2025)

Know Your Audience – Toddlers need simple words; older kids want deeper stories.

Strong Story – Focus on relatable characters, clear plots, and universal themes.

Illustrations Matter – Hire skilled artists or use AI; visuals must match the story.

Smart Layout – Use tools like Canva/InDesign; keep pages clean and readable.

Choose the Right Platform – KDP for reach, IngramSpark for hardcovers, Mixam for quality prints.

Promote Smartly – Use social media, Amazon ads, reviews, and awards to drive sales.

Last year, I was sitting at my kitchen table with a crayon drawing my 6-year-old cousin handed me—two stick figures and a rainbow dragon. “This is you,” she said, “and this is the dragon you made friends with.”

That little doodle sparked something in me. What if I wrote a story around this? What if it became a real book she could hold, flip through, and maybe even read to someone else one day?

I had no clue where to start, but I was determined. I spent months learning, messing up, trying again—and finally, I self-published my first illustrated children’s book.

But was it difficult? Not in 2025

Understanding the Children's Book Market

The world of children's books is exciting, but it's also super competitive. In 2025, readers are looking for stories with:

Diverse Characters: Kids love seeing themselves in stories.
Interactive Elements: Think stories that engage and teach.
Stunning Art: Books are more visually appealing than ever.

Start by defining your audience:

Toddlers (0-3 years): Simple words, bold images.
Middle-grade (8-12 years): Complex stories and detailed art.

Research top-selling books on Amazon to see what's trending!

Crafting Your Story

Creating a great story starts with:

Strong Characters: Kids connect with relatable heroes.
Clear Plot: Keep it simple but engaging.
Universal Themes: Like friendship, courage, or kindness.

Set your word count:

Picture Books: 500-1,000 words over 24-32 pages.

Pro Tip: Hire an editor! Even the best writers need a fresh pair of eyes. Expect to spend $200-$1,000 for expert feedback.

Illustrating Your Book

The art is just as important as the words! Here’s how to nail it:

Hiring an Illustrator

Find artists on Fiverr or Upwork. Prices range widely:

Simple Styles: $100
Detailed Art: Up to $10,000

Look for:

Style that fits your story (whimsical vs. realistic)
Characters with expressive faces
High-resolution images (300 DPI) for print

Cost-Saving Tips:

Use smaller, spot illustrations for less crucial scenes.
Offer a royalty deal instead of full payment up front.
Try AI tools for budget-friendly drafts.

Designing the Book Layout

Integrate text and images seamlessly:

Use tools like Adobe InDesign or Canva.
Choose readable fonts (e.g., Arial).
Leave plenty of white space (20-30% of each page).

Choosing a Self-Publishing Platform

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Great for reaching a huge audience.

Royalties: 60% for ebooks ($2.99–$9.99)
Get into Kindle Unlimited for more exposure

Downsides: Limited hardcover options.

IngramSpark

Perfect for physical bookstores and libraries.

Publish hardcovers
Partner with 40,000 retailers

Fee: $49 per title (look for waivers!)

Mixam

Ideal for high-quality printing with lots of customization options.
Supports unique sizes, bindings, and finishes
No setup fees — pay per order

Read more How to publish with Mixam

Marketing and Promoting Your Book

Before you launch:

Build a website or use social media to share sneak peeks.
Send free copies to bloggers and educators for reviews.

After publishing:

Use Amazon Ads with keywords like “bedtime stories for kids.”
Reach out to schools and libraries for bulk sales.
Enter your book in awards (e.g., Moonbeam Awards).

Closing Note

Turning a simple crayon drawing into a published children's book may seem daunting, but in 2025, it's more achievable than ever. By understanding the market, crafting a meaningful story, investing in great illustrations, choosing the right publishing platform like KDP, IngramSpark, or Mixam, and marketing your book thoughtfully, you can bring your creative vision to life. Whether you're writing for toddlers or middle-graders, your story could be the next one inspiring young imaginations!