Children's books look simple, but they bring writing, illustration and design together more tightly than any other category. Here is how to take one from idea to published book.
Potter Publishers works with parents, teachers and authors on picture books, early readers and chapter books, coordinating writing, illustration and production in one place. Here is the step-by-step process we follow, which you can use whether or not you work with us. See also our picture books and middle grade pages.
1. Choose the age group and format
Picture books, early readers, chapter books and middle grade each have different word counts, vocabulary and themes. Decide which you are writing before you draft.
2. Write for read-aloud
Picture books are read aloud by adults, so rhythm and page turns matter. Keep text short and leave room for the pictures to tell part of the story.
3. Edit for age suitability
A children's book editor checks vocabulary, sentence length, themes and flow for the intended age, and reads picture-book text aloud.
4. Plan the spreads and brief the illustrator
Before illustration begins, plan what happens on each spread and write an illustration brief. Agree licensing in writing, so you know how you can use the artwork.
5. Layout and formats
Illustrated books need careful layout for print, and ebooks often need a fixed layout so pages keep their design.
6. Publish and promote
Choose your platforms, set up your ISBNs and plan a launch, including schools, libraries and local bookshops if they suit your book.
Getting the age group right
Picture books are usually read to children by adults and rely on illustrations to carry part of the story. Early readers are designed for children starting to read on their own, with controlled vocabulary and short sentences. Chapter books bridge the gap with short chapters and simple plots. Middle grade novels are longer and aimed at readers around eight to twelve. Each category sits on a different shelf and sets different expectations, so choose deliberately.
Writing a picture book that works
Strong picture books tend to have a clear character with a problem, a satisfying turn, and language that is a pleasure to read aloud. Page turns are a storytelling tool: end a page with a question, a reveal or a moment of suspense, and let the next spread answer it. Resist describing what the pictures will show, because the illustrations will do that work.
Rhyme: handle with care
Rhyming text can be delightful, but forced rhymes and uneven rhythm are among the most common problems in children's manuscripts. If you write in rhyme, read it aloud repeatedly and ask someone else to read it to you. If the meaning bends to fit the rhyme, consider prose.
Working with an illustrator
A good illustration brief describes each spread: what happens, who is present, the mood, and any details the story depends on. Leave room for the illustrator's creativity. Agree on character designs early, so characters look consistent throughout, and set a schedule for sketches, revisions and final art. Put rights and usage in writing, including whether art can be used for merchandise or marketing.
Print and ebook considerations
Illustrated print books need high-resolution art, correct bleed and careful colour handling. Many children's ebooks use fixed layout so each spread keeps its design, and they should be tested on tablets. Hardcover editions are popular for picture books and gifts, so consider whether you want one.
Reaching young readers
Children's books often succeed through adults: parents, teachers, librarians and booksellers. Readings at schools and libraries, local bookshop events, and educational resources linked to your book's themes can all help it find its audience.
Common mistakes in children's manuscripts
- Writing down to children. Young readers notice when a story lectures or talks down to them.
- Too many words for a picture book. Long text leaves no room for the illustrations and loses young listeners.
- Adult problems and perspectives. The story should centre the child's view of the world.
- Forced rhyme. Rhyme that bends the meaning is harder to read aloud than good prose.
- Describing every picture in the text. Let the art carry what the words do not need to.
Testing your book before publication
Read your picture book aloud many times, and if possible read it to children in the intended age group. Notice where they lean in, where they lose interest and which page turns get a reaction. For older readers, ask children in the age range, with their parents' agreement, what they enjoyed and what confused them. Teachers and librarians can also give valuable feedback on age suitability.
Budgeting for illustration
Illustration is usually the largest single cost in a picture book, because every spread needs finished artwork. When you plan your budget, consider the number of spreads, the style and complexity of the art, the illustrator's experience, and the rights you need. Agree on a schedule with milestones for sketches, revisions and final art, so you can see progress and give feedback at the right moments.
Series and characters
If your character could star in more than one book, plan for a series from the start. Consistent character designs, a recognisable cover style and clear rights to the artwork make future books much easier to produce and help young readers recognise your next title.
Key takeaways
- Choose the age group and format before you start writing.
- Write picture books for read-aloud, and let the illustrations carry part of the story.
- Edit for age suitability, vocabulary and flow before illustration begins.
- Agree illustration rights and the schedule in writing.
- Plan print and fixed-layout ebook formats, and test the book with real readers.
Children's books reward careful planning. When writing, illustration and design are planned together around the reader's age, the finished book feels effortless, which is exactly what young readers and the adults who read with them enjoy.
How Potter Publishers can help
See our children's book publishing, children's book writing, illustration and children's book editing services.
Related reading
- Book cover design costs
- Book formatting costs
- Book launch checklist
- Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
Questions and next steps
Do I need an illustrator before I start? No. Write and edit the text first; illustration comes after.
Who owns the illustrations? That depends on your agreement, so make sure rights are agreed in writing.
Should I self-publish or find a traditional publisher? Both are possible. Traditional publishers often pair authors with their own illustrators; self-publishing lets you choose your illustrator and keep control.
Can a children's book have a message? Yes, but children respond best when the message comes through the story rather than being stated outright.
Have a children's book idea? The Potter Publishers team can guide you from manuscript to illustrated, published book. Start the conversation.
