Guides
Everything we know about making a children's book.
Long-form guides on the craft and logistics of picture book publishing — illustration, cover design, interior layout, KDP formatting, and the unglamorous questions nobody answers clearly anywhere else. Written for first-time authors by the people who do this every day.
The complete guide· 14 min read
How to illustrate a children's book
A practical walkthrough of the whole illustration process — from first brief to final export. Written for authors about to commission their first picture book.
Hiring· 10 min read
How to find a children's book illustrator
Where to look, what to ask, what rates to expect, and the four red flags that should make you walk away before signing anything.
Decision guide· 12 min read
Choosing a children's book illustration style
A decision framework for picking the right style for your manuscript — age band, tone, distribution, and the three questions we ask every author at the first meeting.
Technical· 11 min read
KDP picture book formatting, explained
Exact specs for Amazon KDP picture book uploads — trim sizes, bleeds, DPI, fixed-layout ebook settings, and the cover dimensions that actually pass review.
Format guide· 8 min read
Picture book trim sizes
Square, portrait, landscape — which trim size fits your story, your distribution plan, and your printing budget. With real numbers and honest trade-offs.
Craft· 7 min read
Children's book character design
How to design a picture book character that stays recognizable across every spread. On silhouette, color, expression sheets, and the one rule most first-time illustrators miss.
The bigger picture· 11 min read
Self-publishing a children's book
The realistic, unvarnished view of self-publishing a picture book in 2026 — budget, timeline, distribution, and what actually sells copies once the book is out.
Start your book
Writing a book? We'd love to hear about it.
The guides are free and always will be. When you're ready to turn words into pages, we're here. Tell us about your manuscript and we'll reply within two working days.