Stealth Writer vs SupWriter

The self-publishing of a picture book in which you have illustrated your story is a very special process. If you are also the illustrator, as I was, you can do whatever you like with the storytelling process. If you're aiming to become a published author here's a step-by-step roadmap for how to transform your vision into a published book.

### 1. Learn about the Picture Book Format – it is the secret to success! Typical 32 page picture books. Before starting to draw, lay out your tale on a “dummy,” or a mini version of your book with 32 pages. Keep in mind that your drawings don't necessarily have to be a reflection of the text; draw more, with some subtext, humor or emotion. Typically, picture books for younger audiences have less than 500 words.

### 2. Create the Artwork When your dummy is ready, make your final art – which should be consistent – all your main characters should look exactly the same from all angles on all spreads. For those working traditionally - watercolor or gouache - Scan at a high resolution - 300 to 600 DPI. When using digital tools (such as Procreate or Photoshop), ensure that you are working in the Colours CMYK colour space, so that the colours on-screen and in print are accurate. Of course, keep in mind to include a 0.125-inch “bleed” around artwork, and not cut off any important pictures in the printing process.

### 3. Select your publishing route | There are two main lines:

Research literary agents/art directors of traditional publishing houses specializing in "author-illustrators". Prepare online portfolio, dummy book (PDF), and query letter. When this occurs, the publisher print, distribute, market the book, and also pay you an advance and royalties. SelfPublishing (Indie): You are the complete owner and will have a faster speed to market. Take advantage of Print-on-Demand (POD) services, such as Amazon KDP (for paperback and worldwide distribution) and IngramSpark (for quality hardcover and bookstore catalog distribution). If you need to sell your book anywhere else other than Amazon, you need to buy your own ISBNs (from Bowker in the US).

### 4. Layout and Production Use software, such as Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, or Canva, to layout and coordinate your text with artwork. Use typography suitable for readability and professional appearance that matches that of the art work; export the interior as a single file that is high resolution and print-ready (refer to Orientation); export a back cover, spine, and front cover files as a single spread file.

### 5. Launch and Promote Do get a print copy to check the color(s), cropping and position of text. When it's accepted, promote your book by offering to read your book to local fingerling bookstores, interact with parents and teachers on social media, and get reviews from book bloggers.

The experience of publishing a self-illustrated picture book is highly rewarding. Being both the creator and artist gives you total control over the narrative or storytelling exercise. Here is a detailed guide to turning your idea into a published book.

### Understand the Form of a Picture Book

The typical length of picture books is 32 pages. Before illustrating, plan your narrative on a 32-page “dummy” which is a miniature sample of the book. Make sure your illustrations do not just repeat what is said in the words but expand it, adding subtext, or humor or feeling. Standard picture books typically contain fewer than 500 words for children.

### Make Your Artwork.

When the dummy is completed, create your finished art. No matter the angle from which you are viewing, ensure your main character looks identical from every spread. If you create your artwork in a traditional format: (watercolor or gouache), scan at a high resolution (300 to 600 DPI) When designing on digital software, for instance Procreate or Photoshop, design in CMYK to ensure the digital colour matches what is printed on page. A 0.125-inch “bleed” must be added to the image, so no important artwork is cut off during printing.

### 3. Determine How You Will Publish

There are two main options.

- Check literary agents and art directors at traditional publishing houses who represent author-illustrators. Develop a dummy book (PDF), a professional online portfolio, and a query letter. If a publisher acquires your book, they will take care of the printing, distribution and marketing of the book. They will pay you an advance and onsite royalties. - Self-publishing means you own it all and launch it fast. Utilize Amazon KDP, ideal for paperbacks and worldwide distribution, and IngramSpark, which offers high-quality hardcovers and stock placement for bookstores. If you are looking to sell wide rather than just Amazon, you’ll need to buy your own ISBNs (via Bowker in the US).

### 4. Arrangement and Creation.

Use Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher or Canva to pair your text with your artwork. Use clear and professional typography that is compatible with the art. Export the inside files in a print-ready PDF high-resolution file and a separate cover spread file (back, spine, front).

### Release and publicize.

You should always order a physical proof copy so you can check the colors, trim lines, and text placement before going public. After having your book approved, promote it by contacting nearby indie bookstores for read-aloud events, talking to parents and teachers on social media, and getting book reviews from bloggers.