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How to Publish a Self-Illustrated Picture Book

More goes into publishing a picture book than matching up words with full illustrations. You will first need to create a “reader-friendly” book and decide on a publishing route appropriate for your objectives and budget.

**Create your story**. Determine the target age range of your readers and read some of the current picture books available for that group. Continue editing until the text flows nicely when read out loud, and the illustrations complement the text. Construct a dummy: a small, page-by-page mock-up showing where the text will go on each page and where each page will turn. Doing this helps you identify any potential pacing problems with your story and avoid having to work on every page.

**Finalize your art**. Ensure all characters and their visual traits remain the same throughout the story. If you’re producing traditional art; then, scan or photograph the work according to the specifications required by your publisher or print. If working digitally, make sure to pay attention to dimensions, resolution, colors settings, and bleed (this is the space around where the picture is cut off). And ensure you’re leaving enough space for the text on each page but not putting any critical details too close to the edge of the paper.

**Select your publishing route**. In case of traditional publishing search for agents and publishers that accept picture books written and illustrated by the same author. Follow the submission guideline very precisely since depending on the publisher you may be required to submit your manuscript, dummy, finished spreads sample, and offer a link to your portfolio. Keep in mind that traditional publishers will take on the task of editing, designing, printing, and distributing your book, which may take them some time.

Self-publishing will provide you with more freedom in terms of when your book will be released and its contents but will also put you in charge of both production and sales matters. Make sure to evaluate various printing companies’ offers or print-on-demand services by looking at the physical proofs, not just the website previews. Pay attention to paper types offered, colors, binding, and the price of the product.

**Prepare your book for launch.** Hire a professional editor or ask someone to critique your work, even if you were the one to revise it the most. Check your drafts for any mistakes again but make sure to focus specifically on layout. Make a cover and book description and see if you need to get an ISBN for the book depending on the publishing method you choose.

**Let your readers find you.** Prepare for the launch of your book in advance and create a set budget for print copies, shipping, and promotional campaigns. Build your author-illustrator website showcasing your work. Make sure to contact local bookstores or libraries beforehand if you want to arrange a workshop for kids.

Self-Publishing a Picture Book That You Illustrated as Well

Getting a picture book published that you both wrote and illustrated is more than just marrying the words to finished art. First, create a book for its target market then select a publishing option that corresponds to your long- and short-term plan as well as to your pocketbook.

Develop the story. Choose your target age group and read picture books published recently for that audience. Edit it down until you can read it aloud and have it flow, make sure the illustrations provide an additional layer that the words do not say. Dummy: a paper in the size of the book you want, folded like it will be printed; on each page write where text goes and make pictures of what will go when there is a turning page. This also allows you to catch pacing issues before investing so much time in polishing every spread.

Finish and prepare the artwork. You need to be consistent in how you write characters and visual pieces throughout the book. For traditional art, scan or photograph it at whatever specs your publisher or printer needs. If you work digitally, find out the dimension, resolution, color settings, and bleed—the area that excess image that goes down on printmaking. Assure that there is plenty of space for text to avoid having crucial information bordering the edges.

Choose a publishing route. If you go the traditional publishing route, find agents and publishers that publish picture books by author-illustrators. Check that you have followed each submission guideline to the letter; a manuscript required, dummy, sample finished spreads and possibly portfolio link. While traditional publishers take care of editing, design, printing, and distribution, getting a book deal can be a lengthy process.

Though you may still have some control over the schedule and final product with self-publishing, it makes you personally responsible for production and sales. Always compare printers/print-on-demand-services physically with actual physical proofs, not just online previews. Thus, factor in paper, color reproduction, binding and how much you have to sell it for to break even.

Prepare the book for release. Even if you've refined a great deal, hire an editor or ask for experienced feedback. For the final output from the design, either proof it separately or check if it has changed layout from when you designed your manuscript. Write a decent cover and book description, and decide on whether to purchase an ISBN depending on your publishing route/distribution plans. Order a proof and check each page before you approve a print run.

Help readers find it. Allocate sensible amount for copies, shipping and marketing. Sample art and ordering information for an author-illustrator website Get in touch with local bookstores, libraries, schools and family oriented events with an offer that is specific to the group e.g. a drawing or reading workshop applicable to their age-group. Before visits, inquire about their policies.

And of course, keep your files, contracts and expenses in order. Publishing is a series of artistic and pragmatic choices, and careful design here, an inspected proof there, and a more opinionated plan for release will do your book better than rushing to the altar.