The story first, then everything else
Before it’s about pictures and printing, the text has to be right. Children’s books are usually read aloud – so read your story out loud. Where do you stumble? Where does it drag? If possible, test it with children of the right age. Their reactions are more honest than any expert opinion.
An editor is almost always worth it. A fresh pair of eyes finds what you no longer see after the tenth read.
Publisher or self-publishing?
- Publisher. The publisher takes care of design, printing and distribution and bears the costs. In return, competition for places is fierce, the wait is often long and your say is limited. How to submit a manuscript is usually explained on the publisher’s website.
- Self-publishing. You keep all decisions and rights – and in return take on illustration, design, printing and distribution yourself or with partners.
- Beware of paid offers. Some providers call themselves publishers but charge large sums for publication. Check carefully what you get for your money and which rights you give away.
Illustration: the heart of a children’s book
In children’s books, the pictures help tell the story, often even more than the text. The style has to suit the story and the age group: for the youngest, clear shapes and strong colours count; for older children, pictures can become more layered.
Agree in writing beforehand: how many illustrations, in which format, by when – and which usage rights. May the characters later also appear on posters, postcards or in a sequel?
Book design: format, typeface, typesetting
- Format and binding. Hardback, paperback or board book for the youngest – the format shapes how the book feels in the hand and what it costs.
- Typeface. Easy to read, large enough, with calm line spacing – especially for early readers.
- Text and image. Good design lets both breathe. Text that runs into the most important part of an image disrupts reading.
- Cover. It decides within seconds, in the shop and online. Title and character must also work as a small thumbnail.
ISBN, legal deposit and price
- ISBN. Anyone who wants to sell through bookshops needs an ISBN. In Germany, they are issued by MVB’s ISBN agency; in other countries, by the national ISBN agency. Many self-publishing services provide an ISBN.
- Legal deposit. In Germany, deposit copies must go to the German National Library and, depending on the federal state, also to a state library. Other countries have similar rules.
- Fixed book prices. In Germany, new books have a fixed retail price set by the publisher – in bookshops and online alike.
Printing: digital or offset
For small print runs and print on demand, digital printing is the flexible choice. For larger runs, offset printing often pays off. Always order a proof copy: colours look different on paper than on screen.
How we help
We accompany children’s books from the idea to the bookshelf – with Illustration, Book design and print preparation. Our own project shows what that can look like: the children’s book series Sinja und Leo. We discuss the price after the intro call – every book is different. More under Children’s books.