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# How to Release Your Self-Illustrated Picture Book

## 1. Finalize Your Manuscript Most picture storybooks measure fewer than 500 words and have 32 pages. Write precisely, read as you go and see how children react to your story. Each story page should have something unexpected for its reader. Keep in mind that illustrations can communicate parts of the story that the text does not.

## 2. Create a Dummy and Storyboard Prepare preliminary sketches for all 32 pages and then create a dummy version of the book to see how pacing and arrangement of text are working. Remember to leave enough space for horizontal sections because this part is going to hide some information.

## 3. Choose Your Publishing Form **Traditional publishing:** Typically, writers submit a manuscript together with samples of illustrations as well as a dummy version of a book. In this case, it is necessary to find out about agents or publishers, who do accept proposals and follow their rules closely. Be ready for a long waiting period and a lot of refusals. A wonderful source of different information about the market is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

**Self-publishing:** In this case, you can remain creator of your book and have more royalties. Though at the same time, you will have a lot of work to do in terms of publishing your book.

## 4. Prepare Your Artwork (Self-Publishing) Use 300 DPI or higher and CMYK. Take into account that 0.125 bleeds are supposed to surround each sheet. Define the size of the book you want to create with such common formats as 8.5 x 8.5 inches or 8 x 10.

## 5. Manage the Details - **Editing:** Find a children's book editor or exchange ideas with other authors. - **Typography:** Use fonts suitable for kids and with good contrast. - **ISBN:** Buy the ISBN from Bowker so that you are listed as the one who publishes the book. - **Copyright:** Register your work at the U.S. Copyright Office.

## 6. Find a Printing Service Print-on-demand services such as Amazon KDP or IngramSpark do not require you to pay in advance and provide you with much provision. If you need something of higher quality or if looking for mass production you can consider offset printing, which is cheaper when the quantity is larger. Always request for a proof version and check on the color.

## 7. Advertise Your Book Set up a website and contact list before your release. Find schools and libraries willing to organize classes or visits for you. Encourage parents by learning them about your book and offer them to have reading sessions with their children.

## 8. Go Further Success in the field of picture storybooks is often due to having published several books. Learn from the experience and move on.

# How to Publish a Self-Illustrated Picture Book

1. Perfect Your Manuscript

Most picture books are 500 words or less, and 32 pages long. Keep your writing concise, read out loud to ensure quality, and share your story with children to see how they respond. Each page turn should result in some kind of payoff or visual reward. Keep in mind, your illustrations can also tell part of the story, so don't describe what your artwork depicts.

2. Create a Storyboard and Dummy

Create thumbnail sketches of all 32 pages (usually 12-14 spreads plus front and back matter). Use a mockup to evaluate pacing and flow, and make sure your text fits-make note of the gutters, as the center of the book can eat into your drawings.

3. Choose Your Publishing Path

Old-fashioned publishing: Send a full manuscript and dummy along with two or three finished sample illustrations to a literary agent or a publisher who takes submissions. Research the specific guidelines for each publisher. Endure many rejections and longer wait times. Use SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) as a resource for markets.

Self-publishing: You retain all creative freedom and receive a higher cut of royalties but must take on production, costs and marketing. This option might be right for those who want to go fast or for a more niche audience.

4. Prepare Final Artwork (Self-Publishing)

File at 300dpi+ in either CMYK or the printer's default colour profile. Include 0.125 inch bleed around each page. Indicate a standard trim size such as 8.5 x 8.5 or 8 x 10. Make sure that all text and main art is at least 0.5 inches from the edge of the page.

5. Handle the Details

- Editing: Find a children's book editor or swap work with other writers. - Typography: Select an easy to read font, preferably child-friendly with high contrast. - ISBN: Purchase your own via Bowker (US) to be shown as publisher. - Copyright: Register your works with the U.S. Copyright Office.

6. Select a Printing Platform

Online print on demand such as Amazon KDP & Ingram Spark don't require upfront copies to store and offer greater distribution. You may also want to look into offset printing if you plan to order higher quality hardcovers or quantities where the per copy costs make sense. Order a proof. Check color.

7. Market Your Book

Create an author website and mailing list ahead of time. Contact school librarians, independent booksellers, and parenting bloggers. Provide signings, school visits, and free printables and activity guides. Generate buzz by requesting a few early reviews and see if you might run a Kickstarter to support printing while developing an audience.

8. Keep Creating

Great picture books are the result of building a catalog. Based on what sells and what readers have to say, then get started on your next book.

Step by step, with time, effort and perseverance, your illustrated dream can be in the hands of children around the globe.