How to write a children's book: A step-by-step guide

Have you imagined creating stories that bring to life a world where talking animals, brave adventurers, and whimsical landscapes leap off the page? Writing children's books isn’t just about putting pen to paper—it's about creating magic by capturing the wild dreams and limitless possibilities that only a child's mind can truly appreciate.

Picture the joy of seeing your story unfold, with characters that children will love and remember, stories they’ll beg to hear repeatedly. Sounds exciting, right?

This blog post serves as a guide to help you take that dream and turn it into reality. We’ll walk you through every step of the process of how to write a children’s book—from coming up with an enchanting plot to shaping characters kids will adore and even teaching you how to publish your own book.

• Knowing the preferences and abilities of your target readers before you start writing can help you tailor your story to their level.

• Develop a simple yet enchanting plot with lovable characters that children will adore.

• Working with illustrators and seeking external opinions can elevate the final product.

• Use print on demand services like Gelato to publish high-quality books without inventory worries.

A picture book is a delightful combination of text and vibrant illustrations crafted to captivate young readers. Typically designed for the age range of 0-7, these books prioritize simple language, often including rhymes. Beyond entertainment, picture books serve an educational role, introducing reading fundamentals and various subjects, rendering them a tool for learning and imagination development.

Let's explore how to create a captivating story that will delight young readers and their imaginations.

1. Come up with your idea

Every great children's book begins with a simple yet magical story idea. This idea can stem from a personal experience, a unique perspective, or even a whimsical dream. Here's how you can build on this:

• Jot down ideas: Keep a notebook handy for when your ideas come to you. Often, the most brilliant ideas pop up at the least expected moment.

• Define a theme: Ask yourself if your idea can convey a meaningful lesson or message that is relatable to children.

• Assess the appeal: Consider whether your story concept will captivate children and parents, ensuring it's engaging for everyone at storytime.

• Brainstorm titles: Sometimes, having a catchy title and title page can crystallize your focus and add depth to your initial concept.

2. Develop your target audience

Understanding who will read your children's book is crucial in shaping how you tell your story. To resonate with both children and adults, tailor your storytelling approach to captivate and educate: 

• Know the age group: Different age brackets have different interests and comprehension levels. Picture books typically target ages 2-8, so figure out where your story fits best to align the complexity of your language and themes.

• Understand their interests: Spend time with children or talk to parents and educators to learn what captivates young minds. Note trending topics or themes in children's literature.

• Engage with the audience: Conduct simple surveys or engage in conversations with your potential readers. They can offer invaluable feedback that can shape your storyline and characters.

• Consider the buyers: It's not always the children buying the books. Cater to the interests of parents and educators who seek books that educate and entertain.

3. Outline the plot

This part sets the stage for every emotion, every action, and every twist your characters will encounter. Here’s a simple guide to outlining an engaging plot: 

• Begin with a clear start. Introduce the setting and main characters. Define the central conflict or problem that needs to be resolved.

• Develop the middle with engaging events. Build upon the initial situation, adding obstacles and adventures that keep the story moving forward.

• Create a compelling climax. Reach a turning point where the main character must make a crucial decision, often the most exciting part of the story.

• Conclude with a satisfying end. Resolve the central problem, allowing the characters and readers to reflect on the journey and its lessons.

4. Create character(s) kids will love

Characters lie at the heart of a children's picture book, for they are often the gateway through which young readers connect to the story. Here's how you can build good characters:

• Appealing personalities: Develop characters with unique and interesting personalities that children can identify with. Whether it's a brave lion or a quirky little girl, their traits can make them unforgettable.

• Relatability attributes: Characters should have qualities that remind kids of themselves or someone they know. This relatability can come from their challenges, victories, or peculiar quirks.

• Strong motivations: Give your characters clear desires and motivations. What do they want, and why do they want it? This will drive the plot forward and keep kids engaged.

• Distinct struggles: Characters should face obstacles that are challenging yet suitable for their age. These struggles can teach children resilience and problem-solving.

5. Write with age-appropriate language and rhythm

Writing for children is all about capturing their imagination and keeping their attention. The language should be simple yet engaging. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Use familiar words: Choose words that children in your target age group commonly understand to avoid confusion and maintain engagement.

• Incorporate rhythm and repetition: These elements are crucial for storytelling as they make the story enjoyable to read aloud and help with retention and understanding.

• Keep sentences short: Short sentences are more easily comprehended by young readers and help maintain a brisk pace, keeping the story lively and dynamic.

• Reflect realistic dialogue: The way children speak should be mirrored in your characters' dialogues, ensuring authenticity and relatability.

6. Collaborate with an illustrator to bring your story to life

A talented illustrator can add visual depth, capture the essence of your narrative, and engage young readers visually. Here's how you can work with an illustrator:

• Connect with illustrators: Look for illustrators online or locally. Platforms like Instagram or artist portfolio sites can be great places to discover art styles that match your vision.

• Develop a storyboard: Collaborate with your illustrator to draft a storyboard. This will help both of you visualize the relationship between text and images as the story progresses.

• Share your vision: Communicate your ideas and be open to their creative input. It's essential to have a clear dialogue to ensure your story's themes and emotional tones are reflected visually.

• Invest in quality: Hiring a professional illustrator is crucial, especially if you're self-publishing. Their expertise will ensure your book stands up in a competitive market.

7. Create a mock-up of your children's book

By having a tangible mock-up, you'll be able to spot potential layout issues before finalizing your design, making the editing process more efficient. Here's how you can effectively create a mock-up:

• Use a paper dummy: Craft a simple paper version of your book. This gives you a hands-on tool to assess the pacing and transition between pages.

• Visualize the layout: Ensure text and illustrations complement each other on each spread, maintaining reader engagement.

• Check the plot flow: Flip through your pages to determine if the story progresses logically, capturing a smooth narrative arc.

• Spot inconsistencies: Identify any discrepancies between your text and illustrations, making notes for editing.

8. Edit and seek feedback

After drafting your story, it's time to roll up your sleeves and refine it. Here's a handy guide to ensure your masterpiece is in top-notch shape: 

• Start with self-editing: Read the story yourself before sending your book to a professional. Check for consistency, grammar, and pacing. This will make the professional editing process smoother.

• Engage a professional editor: Hiring a professional can offer fresh perspectives and uncover issues you might have missed. Their expertise can vastly improve your book's quality.

• Seek feedback from children: Share your story with children in your target age group. Their reactions and suggestions are invaluable and can help ensure your book genuinely appeals to them.

• Gather opinions from parents: Parents are often the ones purchasing the book. Their insights can guide adjustments that make the story more appealing to adult readers as well.

9. Format your book for printing and digital publishing

The formatting process involves ensuring aspects such as layout, typography, and page size are suitable for the format you're publishing in. Here's what to keep in mind while preparing your book:

• Page layout: Children's books thrive on visual appeal, so ensure your images and text align coherently. Choose a clear and uncluttered layout to enhance the reader experience.

• Typography: Choose fonts that are easy to read and appropriately sized for your target age group. Avoid overly complicated fonts that can detract from the reading experience.

• Color quality: Ensure images are high-resolution and colors are consistent. This guarantees that illustrations appear vibrant and engaging in print and digital versions.

• Page count: This genre often produces shorter books, typically 24 to 32 pages. Adjust your content to fit standard publishing norms without sacrificing story quality.

10. Self-publish and market your children’s book

Once you've polished your children's book to perfection, self-publishing is a fantastic way to share your creation with the world without the hurdles of traditional publishing. Here's how to self-publish:

• Choose your platform wisely: It is crucial to select the right platform. Some popular options include Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark. Consider ease of use, distribution reach, and cost.

• Nail the presentation: Your book cover is your first impression. Ensure it’s attention-grabbing and professionally designed, aligning with the story’s theme and target audience.

• Price strategically: Analyze similar titles to competitively price your book. Factor in production costs and desired profit as well, hitting a balance between affordability and value.

• Market proactively: Engage with your audience through social media, book readings, and local events. Building relationships with parents, educators, and influencers can boost your visibility.

11. Find a reliable printer

A good printer ensures your book's visuals are vibrant and the pages are high-quality. These are the key features that will captivate young readers. Here's how you can choose the best print partner:

• Quality of print: Choose a printer that offers high-resolution printing options. Children's books rely heavily on illustrations, so ensure the colors are bright and the images are sharp.

• Eco-friendly options: If sustainability is important to you, look for printers that offer eco-friendly printing processes and use recycled or responsibly sourced paper.

• Cost-effectiveness: Compare prices between different printers to ensure you are getting a good deal without compromising on quality. If you're unsure of initial demand, consider the costs of both small and large print runs.

• Turnaround time: Understand the printer’s production timeline. If you plan on meeting a specific release date, confirm they can meet your scheduling needs.

Before you begin the creation process, pause and consider a few vital elements to set your project on the path to success. 

Who will buy the book?

It's crucial to consider the primary purchasers of your children's picture book. These can be parents and guardians looking for educational yet entertaining stories, educators seeking engaging material for classroom use, gift-givers buying for special occasions, and literary influencers like bloggers or reviewers who can influence buying decisions. Make sure that your book appeals to these groups.

The basic structure of successful picture books

Typically, children's picture books follow a framework beginning with an introduction of the main character and setting, followed by a conflict that captures interest and ultimately leads to rising action that intensifies the plot. The story peaks at the climax, where the character confronts the challenge, culminating in a resolution that provides satisfying closure.

Crafting a delightful children's book can be a priceless experience, especially if you possess a strong love of the written word and children. While these tips are a great starting point for capturing young minds, how you bring your story to life with an eye-catching print that matches your story's vibrant essence is equally important. 

Gelato makes publishing your dream book a reality with top-notch print on demand services. 

When using our platform, you don't have to worry about managing inventory or compromising on quality. We offer personalized photo books with rich, high-resolution outputs that truly reflect your artistic vision. Our global network, extending into over 34 countries, ensures hassle-free printing and delivery, so you can focus on inspiring your little readers with your heartwarming stories. 

Sign up for Gelato, choose a subscription plan today, and set the printing of your first children's book in motion!

How many pages should a children's picture book be?

Children's picture books typically range around 32 pages, offering enough space for accommodating stories and illustrations without overwhelming young readers. Picture book writers should strive for conciseness, aiming for a maximum of 500-600 words. This length helps maintain engagement while placing emphasis on visual storytelling.

Can you make money writing children's picture books?

Yes, you can make money writing children's picture books, especially if they resonate with kids and parents. Success hinges on creating engaging content, effective marketing, and choosing the right publishing route. While competitive compared to other genres, picture books offer financial rewards due to a consistent demand in their market.