Category: Writing

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How to Self-Publish a Children’s Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

If you want the creative freedom to bring your story to life then self-publishing will allow you to do just that. Whether your inspiration is from your own experiences, your child’s adventures, or a story you’ve dreamed of for yours, self-publishing gives you the opportunity to share your ideas in your own unique way.

So, what exactly do you need to keep in mind?

Writing a Compelling Story

Every child remembers a children’s book that they find memorable and engaging. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Brainstorm Your Idea: Whether you draw inspiration from personal experiences, your children, or timeless themes like friendship, kindness, or adventure, be sure to list all your thoughts down.
  • Determine Your Target Audience: Work out which age group you’re writing for as each have unique styles and language levels.
  • Choose Your Writing Style: Will you write in rhyme, prose, or perhaps a combination of both? Rhyming stories can be fun, but they require precision to avoid sounding forced.
  • Self-Edit and Revise: After you’ve finished your first draft, set is aside for a short time and then revisit it with fresh eyes. Self-edit for clarity, flow, and ensure it suits your intended age group.
  • Hire a Professional Editor: This is extremely important to ensure you have a polished manuscript that’s ready for young readers.

Illustrating Your Children’s Book

Illustrations are important as they are the first impression when someone picks up your book. They should bring the story to life and immediately capture the attention of young readers. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Hire a Professional Illustrator: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook groups, and local artist communities are great places to find talented illustrators. Collaborate with someone who understands your vision and whose artwork style reflects that.
  • Create a Clear Brief: Provide your illustrator with your finalised manuscript and detailed descriptions of your characters, settings, and scenes. Include any specific ideas you have in mind for colour palettes and provide any reference photographs where necessary.
  • DIY Illustration: If you’re comfortable and confident illustrating your own book, consider using tools like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator.
  • Consistency is Key: Ensure the illustrations match the tone of your story and the style is consistent throughout the book. Artworks should have a minimum resolution of 300dpi.

Formatting Your Book for Print and Digital

Proper formatting is crucial to ensure your book looks professional, whether it’s in print or digital format.

  • Print vs. eBook Formatting: Print books require attention to margins, trim size, and image resolution. eBooks must be compatible with platforms like Kindle and other devices.
  • Hire a Professional Formatter: A professional trained in design can format your book, keeping the above requirements.
  • Avoid Common Mistakes: Triple-check dimensions, font sizes, and image quality to ensure they meet publishing standards.
  • Note: If you choose to print your book with a local printing company, it’s best to confirm book dimensions and bleed size etc. with them.

Getting an ISBN for Your Book

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is essential for your book, as it helps retailers, libraries, and readers identify and track your title. Here’s what you need to know:

  • An ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to your book. It’s necessary if you plan to sell your book through online retailers, bookstores, or libraries.
  • In Australia, you can purchase an ISBN from the official ISBN agency, Thorpe-Bowker, (https://www.myidentifiers.com.au/). If you’re outside Australia, check your country’s ISBN agency website.
  • While eBooks don’t always require an ISBN (platforms like Amazon Kindle assign their own unique identifiers), having one can make your book more widely available across multiple platforms.
  • Keep in mind that each format of your book (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook) will require a separate ISBN.
  • Having an ISBN is a crucial step in making your book professional and accessible to readers worldwide.

Depositing Your Book with the National Library of Australia

If you’re self-publishing in Australia, registering your book with the National Library of Australia (NLA) is a crucial step. This process helps preserve your book in the national collection and ensures that your book becomes part of Australia’s literary heritage and is available for future generations. 

  • What is a legal deposit? Under the Copyright Act 1968, one copy of every publication made available in Australia must be submitted to the NLA. This includes print and digital books, as well as graphic novels, magazines, and more. 
  • How to Submit Your Book: For print books, send one copy by mail or deliver it to the NLA in Canberra. For digital books, use the National edeposit (NED) system to upload your eBook online and meet both national and state legal deposit requirements.
  • To learn more, visit the NLA’s Legal Deposit page.

Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform

Deciding on the right platform is an important step to getting your book to readers. Here are a few options:

  • Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Ideal for beginners, Amazon KDP offers free tools and access to a global audience.
  • IngramSpark: A great option for wide distribution in bookstores and libraries, though it comes with upfront fees.
  • Lulu: Known for its user-friendly interface and customisable options for print books.
  • Compare Your Options: Look into each platform and consider factors such as royalties, ease of use, and distribution reach.

Marketing and Selling Your Book

Marketing starts before your book is even published! In order to get your book into the hands of readers you should:

  • Build an Author Platform: Create a website and social media presence to connect with your audience. This gains trust and credibility.
  • Leverage Social Media: Share behind-the-scenes content and book sneak peeks on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
  • Reach out to Schools, Daycare Centres, and Libraries: Offer to host author visits or storytime events to introduce your book to young readers.
  • Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews can boost your book’s credibility as well as its visibility. Ask friends, family, and early readers to leave reviews on platforms like your own website, Amazon (if your book is published on it), and Goodreads.

Ready to Bring Your Children’s Book to Life?

Self-publishing a children’s book is a rewarding journey that allows you to share your story with the world. By following these steps—writing, illustrating, formatting, publishing, and marketing—you can successfully bring your vision to life and inspire young readers.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our Children’s Books section to explore self-published works.

Happy publishing!

FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to self-publish a children’s Book?

A: The cost depends on your goals, whether you handle some tasks yourself, and the quality you want for your book. Keep in mind that upfront expenses can be recouped through book sales over time. As a ballpark figure:

  • Low End: $500–$1,000 (minimal services, DIY approach).
  • High End: $3,000–$10,000+ (professional-quality book with custom illustrations and marketing).

Q: Do I need an illustrator for my children’s book?

A: For most children’s books, illustrations are essential to engage young readers. You can hire a professional illustrator or create your own illustrations if you have the skills.

Q: How much money can you make publishing a children’s book?

A: The amount of money you can make publishing a children’s book varies widely and depends on factors like your marketing efforts, distribution, and whether you self-publish or go through a traditional publisher. Success depends on your book’s quality, niche, and marketing strategy. While some authors make only a few hundred dollars, others achieve significant sales and turn their books into lucrative careers.

Q: How many pages does a children’s book need to have?

A: The number of pages in a children’s book depends on the target age group and format. Here’s a general guide:

  • Board Books (Ages 0–3): Typically 12–24 pages. These are durable, simple books designed for babies and toddlers.
  • Picture Books (Ages 3–7): Usually 24–32 pages, with 32 pages being the standard. These books rely heavily on illustrations and minimal text.
  • Early Readers (Ages 5–7): Around 32–64 pages. These books have simple sentences and are designed for children learning to read.
  • Chapter Books (Ages 7–10): Typically 64–120 pages. They include more text and fewer illustrations, with short chapters to engage young readers.
  • Middle-Grade Books (Ages 8–12): Often 120–300 pages, depending on the complexity of the story.

Picture books are most commonly 32 pages, as this fits standard printing formats. Always consider the attention span and reading ability of your target audience when deciding on the length.

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12 Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors

Is writing a book something you’ve wanted to do? It’s definitely a rewarding journey, but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips to help guide you on your path to becoming a published author.

1. Read Widely and Often

This is always the first advice I give to aspiring authors. One of the best ways to improve your writing is to read a variety of genres and authors. By doing so, you’ll be exposed to different writing styles, voices, as well as techniques.

As you read, pay attention to the way authors develop characters, build worlds (especially important for any fantasy writers out there), and incorporate plot twists (hello, psychological thrillers! But this can also apply to any genre).

It’s okay to have a favourite genre and to read more of it, especially if you’re planning to write in that genre. Even in the same genre you’ll come across many different writing styles and perspectives i.e. first person vs. third person.

2. Write Regularly

This might seem like common sense, but it’s important to try and be consistent when it comes to writing. Set aside a dedicated time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

The key is to develop a writing routine to help build discipline and you’ll start to see that writing just becomes a natural part of your day. And remember, progress is progress, no matter whether you’ve written 100 words or 1,000 words in the one sitting.

3. Find Your Unique Voice

There are millions of books in the world, but it’s your voice that will set you apart from other writers. Experiment with a range of styles and tones until you find what feels natural and true to you. Always trust your instincts and write from the heart as authenticity resonates with readers.

4. Create an Outline

Before you start diving into writing, take the time to outline your story. This can be as detailed or as simple as you like. You may be a plotter and have every chapter outlined in great detail, or you may simply have a vague idea of the start, middle, and ending of your story.

There is nothing wrong with “winging it” as you go, as sometimes the characters can change direction as you write (authors often say the characters have a mind of their own) but it’s good to at least have a general idea of your story’s main plot.

Having a roadmap helps you stay focused and organised and ensures you cover all the important plot points.

5. Develop Strong Characters

Characters are, well, the heart of every story. Have you ever read a book and absolutely couldn’t stand the protagonist? We’ve all been there. So, spend the time creating well-rounded, believable characters with distinct personalities, goals, and flaws. Consider their backgrounds and motivations. If you want them to be likeable, make them likeable!

The more real your characters feel, the more readers will connect with them.

6. Show, Don’t Tell!

Make your writing engaging by showing your readers what’s happening in the story rather than simply telling them. This can be done by using descriptive language and sensory details to create scenes the reader can visualise clearly.

For example, instead of writing, “she was happy,” show it through her actions and dialogue.

I should point out that whilst showing and not telling can enhance your writing, using it ALL the time can make it hard for the reader to engage in the story. Too much descriptive writing can sometimes be an overkill, so finding the right balance is key.

7. Revision is Your Best Friend

Don’t be afraid to revise and edit your work after your first draft. After all, the first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect—the goal is to get your words down and finish your manuscript.

Revision is where your story truly comes to life. Look for areas to clarify ideas and improve dialogue. Work out which parts add to the story, and which parts play no role and may need to be removed entirely.

Getting feedback from trusted people or beta readers can provide great insight as to what may require further adjustment. Just be sure to choose people who read the genre you’ve written in and are your target audience so that you receive valuable feedback.

8. Overcome Writer’s Block

Every writer I know has had writer’s block. If you start to feel stuck, try changing your environment, switching from the computer to pen and paper, going for a walk, or writing something new and completely different to help spark some creativity.

Sometimes, stepping away for a bit can lead to breakthroughs. The best ideas can come to mind when you least expect.

9. Set Realistic Goals

I’ve always found that breaking a big project into smaller, manageable goals always helps. Whether it’s writing a certain number of words per day or finishing a certain number of chapters by the end of the week, having clear targets can help to keep you motivated, accountable, and on track.

Printing out your goal and having it in view also helps as you can quickly see your progress to keep you motivated.

10. Don’t Stop Learning

Have you ever read back something you’ve written many years ago and cringe at your writing? Or maybe it makes you laugh, you may even wonder what was going through your mind at the time when you wrote it. Writing, after all, is a lifelong journey.

The key is continuous growth. Attend workshops, read books on writing, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced authors. You’ll be surprised at what they will happily share with you to support you on your writing journey.

Just as with anything in life, the more your learn, the more you’ll grow.

11. Stay Persistent

Becoming a published author can be a long road filled with setbacks, rejections (especially if you decide to go down the traditional publishing route,) and self-doubt. But stay persistent and continue honing your craft. Believe in your story and your ability to bring it to life.

12. Enjoy the Process!

And finally, remember to enjoy the process. Writing is a creative art and it should be a fun and fulfilling venture. Remember to celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and be happy with any progress you make.

The Takeaway?

By applying these tips, you’ll be well and truly on your way to writing compelling stories. Remember to embrace your unique voice, stay dedicated, and most importantly—keep writing. Your story deserves to be told.

If you’d like to stay up to date with my current works in progress, follow me on Instagram and please say hi! I’d love to know what your aspirations as a writer are or if you’ve got any works in progress yourself :).

FAQs

Q: What should an aspiring writer do?

A: Writing and reading go hand-in-hand and the more you do of both, the better writer you can be. You can even start with writing blogs and articles, not necessarily a novel right away. Network with other writers—don’t be shy to reach out!

Q: How do writers get good at writing?

A: Read often and read different types of content and genres. Making a habit of this will allow you to see different ways of writing, structuring content, and character developments.

Q: What advice would you give to new writers?

A: Read and write a lot! Don’t limit yourself to what you know. There are heaps of genres to explore. Have your own voice, it won’t do you any good trying to imitate other writers.

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The Art of Journaling: Using Gratitude Journals Effectively

How do you start your day? I, for one, have never been a morning person. I’d rather sleep for an extra 5 minutes than rise from the comfort of my bed. But— I’ve found a way to start each morning with a smile, even on days where I’m up at dawn. Quite simply, it’s through the use of a gratitude journal.

Maintaining a gratitude journal not only ensures your day starts off on a positive note, but it also ends your day on one too. Such a simple task can really improve your outlook on life even during tough times.

What is Gratitude Journaling?

Gratitude journaling is the act of writing down things you’re thankful for on a daily basis. By doing so, your day-to-day focus shifts on the positive aspects of life, where you begin to foster a sense of appreciation. 

Benefits of Gratitude Journaling

Consistently reflecting on gratitude works wonders for enhancing your mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and improve your overall mental health and the mental load one often has to carry.

By focusing on positive aspects of your life, you can enhance your overall outlook and start to look forward to each new day as opposed to worrying about what tomorrow will bring. This form of mindfulness encourages living in the moment.

Choosing the Right Journal

When it comes to journaling, finding the right one all depends on personal preference. Think about whether you require a guided journal or if a blank page will do the trick.

Thinking about the material and design are also things to consider. The aesthetics can motivate and inspire regular use.

The size and portability can also be a determining factor. Will this be a journal that’s kept strictly on your bedside table? Will it accompany you in your travels? On your desk?

Effective Techniques for Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude journaling will only be effective if you write in it regularly. Set a goal to write at least 3 things you’re grateful for each day. Vary your entries to include different aspects of your life (e.g. work life, family, friendships, interests, etc.)

I find that reviewing past entries to see growth and change over time is an important aspect of gratitude journaling. Reflection allows you to see how many things you can be grateful for in a short amount of time.

Overcoming Common Challenges

We’ve all had writer’s block but the great thing about our gratitude journal are the prompts provided to inspire entries. The prompts are simple and it only takes a couple of minutes to complete each entry.

Another challenge is ensuring you write in your journal daily. Being regular allows you to condition your mind and heart to be grateful. Set a time each morning and night to complete your journal and try your best not to deviate from it. Maybe it’s each day while you sip your morning coffee and at night just before tucking yourself into bed.

And remember— journals aren’t supposed to be perfect. Staying genuine and authentic over perfection is what you should aim for.

Start Your Gratitude Journey Today

Discover the transformative power of gratitude journaling for yourself. Check out our beautifully illustrated Gratitude Journal with simple prompts and affirmations throughout to inspire your daily entries. The best thing is, you can start any time of the year as the days aren’t dated— the perfect gift all year round!

FAQs

Q: How often should you do gratitude journaling?

A: Daily entries in your gratitude journal will help boost your positiveness throughout the week, especially when you reflect back on past entries.

Q: Is it better to do gratitude journal at night or morning?

Writing in the morning when you first wake up helps to start your day on a positive note, and writing at night as to what made you smile during the day can help you sleep well. Our journal is designed for you to do both without compromising on precious time.

Q: Can you repeat things in a gratitude journal?

A: If you can, it’s best to avoid repeating the same things in your entries. Expressing things for different aspects of your life will increase your awareness by challenging you to look out for more things to be grateful for. Remember, big or small, you can still be grateful.

 

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My Debut YA Novel is Coming This August!

It’s finally happening … This has been in the works since February last year. After countless revisions and edits, my debut Young Adult novel, Pieces of You, is almost ready to be released. So, what can you expect?

It’s a Love Story, But Not

Yep, that’s right. The story has a central theme around true love but not in the way you’re probably think. Rather, it explores the value of true friendship and celebrates platonic love.

If you’re interested in a love story with spicy scenes, this probably isn’t the book for you. This isn’t a trope that you’d normally come across in YA novels, but I wanted to write a story that shows romantic love isn’t paramount when you’re in high school. It may be for some, but not for everyone. But even if you’ve been in love as a teenager, this story will still pull on your heartstrings.

Feel-Good Moments

There are heartwarming moments scattered throughout the entire novel. In between the heartaches and deep pain, there are scenes that will make your heart glow. It might even make you smile. You might shed a tear, but I promise the final chapter is an ending with closure, in a good way.
 

It’s Set in Australia

If you went to school in Australia, then you may find many aspects of this story relatable. The story is written in Australian English, so you’ll see words like Maths instead of Math, and dialogue to reflect the Australian culture. Also, Australia is made up of so many different backgrounds, which leads into my next point …

The Main Characters Are POC

Wynter Hope (the MFC) is a mix of Filipino and Korean, and Lucas Mensah (the MMC) is a mix of Italian and Ghanaian.

The Blurb

Fitting into the high school scene isn’t easy for Wynter. Hiding away from the spotlight, she finds comfort in the rustling pages of a good book. Come home time, her trusted keyboard breathes music into her lonely days.

But when Lucas barges himself into her life, unafraid to speak his mind, Wynter’s quiet existence takes a sudden halt. Sharing the same passions, Lucas becomes the best friend Wynter never knew she needed.

Together, they can be themselves and have full certainty that their friendship is as timeless as the notes they play on the keyboard. A perfect harmony.

However, their once serene world makes an unexpected turn, without warning. Wynter finds herself facing a reality she never wanted, a stage she never sought.

Navigating each passing day with a cloud looming over her head and deep heartache was never part of the melody. But life doesn’t play by the music sheet and sometimes the spotlight isn’t a choice.

In this unpredictable symphony of life, the next note is always a heartbeat away.

Release Date

Whilst there’s no exact release date as of you, I’m aiming for an August launch. To stay up to date be sure to be following me on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.

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The Inspiration Behind My Children’s Books

If you’ve been following my writing journey on social media you may already have an inkling on the inspirations behind my books. If not, I hope you enjoy reading the “why’s”… After all, every story has it’s humble beginnings. I’ll take you back to those moments of inspiration that allowed me to bring my stories to life.

Mummy, I Can’t Find My Loud Voice

Let’s travel back in time to the year 2021 and begin with my debut children’s book, Mummy, I Can’t Find My Loud Voice. The inspiration for this story emerged from a heartfelt conversation I had with my eldest daughter, Abigail. She started kindergarten in the midst of a global pandemic, so let’s just say it wasn’t an ordinary start to her school years. On top of her already anxious nature, the instability of school (who remembers homeschooling for a while?) impacted her social interaction and being able to talk to her school friends. 

One day, she came home from school with tears streaming down her face. As she leaned her head against my chest, she wept, “Mummy, I can’t find my loud voice. It goes super quiet when I talk to my friends. No-one can hear me, not even me.” To say my heart crushed is an understatement.

I reflected on the words that came directly from her mouth, thinking and thinking, how can I help my daughter navigate her deep emotions? We both had a love of reading bedtime stories together, and I have always loved writing. It was something I’d do in my spare quiet moments – nestled away, writing my thoughts onto pages.

So I decided to do the same with Abigail’s thoughts. That very same night, I wrote my first draft of the book. After reading it to Abigail, I could see the sparkle in her eyes, and she was the one who encouraged me to turn it into a real book to help other kids experiencing the same emotions and struggles as her.

And the rest is history.

How grateful I am  that I took my then 5-year-old daughter’s advice. Who would have known my dream of becoming a published author would finally become a reality with the encouragement and support of a young child?

Daisy’s Not-So-Ordinary Ordinary Day

2 years after publishing my debut novel, I released my second book, Daisy’s Not-So-Ordinary Day dedicated to my daughter, Daisy.

Daisy is another bookworm in our household, inspiring me daily to read my treasured books and to keep writing. So it didn’t take very long at all for me to find inspiration for this book.

Observing Daisy’s sense of ‘boredom’ when everyone in the family were too busy to play with her led me to write a story that celebrates the power of imagination. My observations revealed that Daisy was never truly bored or alone – her imagination was her constant companion during those times, bringing everything within the four walls surrounding her to life. It reiterates that there is always time to spend together as a family by the end of each day.

When I wrote the first draft, I included her favourite toy, Pandy, in the story – she absolutely loved that it! Reading line after line, I could see the excitement in her eyes, the big curve in her smile.

I always test my manuscripts with my kids before choosing ‘the one’ and I knew after reading this to Daisy, that there would be no other story that would be perfectly for her. Daisy’s endless imagination inspired the words for Daisy’s Not-So’Ordinary Ordinary Day making it a fun and engaging read for many young children.

With this book, I knew it would be best told in rhyme. Writing in rhyme isn’t as easy as 1,2,3. There is so much involved, so it took a while to finetune the manuscript.

It makes my heart glow each time I read this book to other children, and they have the same excitement in their eyes.

A Bucketful of Tears

And finally, my most recently published book, A Bucketful of Tears dedicated to my youngest child, Jeremy. It was a little different this time around. I had several ideas in mind for his book. Sometimes, the inspiration comes right away, but for this one, I went back and forth on several concepts. I read each drafted manuscript to Jeremy every night, observing which story touched his heart the most. He said he loved them all (which made it harder for me to decide) until one evening, he made a firm decision on the manuscript he wanted me to bring to life.

And so A Bucketful of Tears came to be. Jeremy was 3 years old when I wrote it, centered around the theme of a young child trying to be independent, and the frustration and tears that come with trying and not getting the desired outcome. The story reminds children alike that even when things don’t go as planned, their best efforts are always enough. It beautifully illustrates the power of perseverance and importance of embracing kindness in our daily lives.

Now, a once constantly frustrated little Jeremy isn’t always upset when things don’t go as planned. The story has helped him to feel encouraged, inspired, and ready to face any challenge that comes his way – no matter the outcome.

I’m excited for this book to make its way to the bookshelves of many homes – hopefully bringing the same smile it brings to my son.

What’s Next?

As you’ve read, inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the ‘why’ behind each story. If you’ve ever wanted to write your own, just take a look around you and see what sparks an idea.

My next children’s book is still in the very early stages as my focus is firstly on my debut novel and continuing to share my most recent children’s book. All I can say is, it will be a very special story from the core of my heart.

Stay up to date on my latest works by following me on social media. You’ll get all the BTS there!

FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to find inspiration to write a book?

A: Read widely. Explore different genres and authors to expose yourself to various writing styles and ideas. The act of reading can often spark inspiration and ignite your creativity. If you’re writing a children’s book, make sure you read lots that are in trend, as well as classics. Understand writing in prose vs. rhyme and do your research.

Besides reading, make sure to engage with your surroundings – pay attention to the world around you. Draw inspiration from real-life experiences, conversations, and the emotions they evoke.

Q: What happens if you get writer’s block?

A: Firstly, understand that writer’s block is a common challenge that many writers face. One strategy to overcome it is to simply take a break. Step away from your writing for a short time. Engage in activities that you enjoy, and allow your mind to relax.

You can also change your environment. Switch up your writing space or find a new location to work in. A change of scenery can provide fresh inspiration and help break through mental blocks.

And lastly, you can try breaking down your writing into manageable tasks. Set specific, achievable goals for each writing session, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a scene. Focusing on smaller milestones can make the writing process less overwhelming and more motivating.

Q: How long does it take to write a book?

A: The time it takes to write a book can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the genre, complexity of the story, personal writing process, and available time for writing. Writing a book is a highly individualised process, and there is no fixed timeline.

Some authors may complete a first draft in a matter of months, while others may take years to finish a book. After the initial draft, additional time is typically required for revising, editing, and polishing the manuscript, especially for novels.

It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that writing a book is a journey that requires dedication, persistence, and patience. Focus on establishing a consistent writing routine and making steady progress, rather than being solely fixated on the timeframe.