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Tips and Process for authors to follow to write a children's book Young readers will remember
How to Write Children's Books is a dream for many authors, whether inspired by childhood memories, a desire to create something timeless for family, or simply the wish to inspire, teach, or entertain young readers. No matter the motivation, writing for children requires a unique balance: simple language, rich imagination, and illustrations that breathe life into words.
But beyond the storytelling, there’s also the practical side—understanding how to self publish a book, whether through an Amazon self publishing company like Kindle Direct Publishing, or by exploring the list of book publishers in USA. There are also considerations like affordable book publishing, book publishing prices, book covers of children’s books, and illustrations of a book that make it visually irresistible.
This guide will walk you through the creative side (writing and illustration) and the publishing side (self publication Amazon options, affordable self publishing, and more)—so you know exactly how to take your children’s book from idea to bookshelf.
Think back to your childhood. Chances are you still remember certain books—their characters, the hand-drawn illustration styles, or even the exact book illustration cover. Books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where the Wild Things Are, or even modern titles like The Beekeeper Book stand out because they combine memorable storytelling, relatable characters, and visuals that linger in the mind.
This is why both story and design matter equally in children’s publishing.
Characters are the soul of any book. For children, they are the anchor that helps them follow along, laugh, learn, or feel inspired. The best characters live beyond the pages—they become toys, TV shows, and most importantly, lifelong friends in young minds.
Here’s how to build characters that last:
A memorable plot doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, children prefer straightforward storytelling with exciting beats. But simple doesn’t mean boring—you still need structure, surprises, and a sense of resolution.
If words are the heart of a children’s book, illustrations are its soul. A child may not remember every line of text, but they will always carry the images in their imagination. Illustrations breathe life into stories, giving young readers a way to visualize characters, emotions, and entire worlds that words alone might not fully capture. For many children, illustrations are their very first gateway to storytelling and creativity.
At Blueberry Illustrations, many authors choose customizable illustration packages—affordable self publishing that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Once your manuscript and illustrations are ready, you’ll need to decide how to publish your children’s novel.
If you want to approach established houses, you’ll need to research the list of book publishers in USA that accept children’s books. They’ll handle editing, marketing, and distribution, but the process is competitive and often slow.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing is one of the most popular choices today. It allows you to:
This option works well for authors who want control and faster timelines.
Many self publishing companies now offer Amazon self-publishing packages that include illustrations, editing, and even marketing support. These help first-time authors who don’t want to handle every detail themselves. Comparing book publishing prices is important so you can balance budget and quality.
If you’re overwhelmed, think of it like writing a guidebook—almost like “how to write a how to booklet.” Break the process into steps:
Writing a children’s book is about more than just storytelling—it’s about creating an experience that stays with young readers. From memorable characters to engaging plots, every detail matters. The illustrations of a book often speak louder than words, and the right book illustration cover or book covers of children's books can determine whether a child—and their parents—pick it up from the shelf. In many ways, book illustration is more than word; it is the soul of the story brought to life visually.
For authors who dream of reaching wide audiences, the journey is not just about learning how to publish a children's novel, but also about finding the right creative partners. Whether you work with book illustrators for hire, a freelance illustrator, or an entire illustration studio, the visual style you choose becomes part of your book’s identity. Some of the most famous illustrations in children’s books are remembered long after the words are forgotten, proving that pictures and stories together build timeless classics.
Today, authors have more opportunities than ever. You can submit your work to traditional publishers, explore a list of book publishers in USA, or take control and self-publish—whether on your own website or through platforms like Amazon. Many bestselling authors, even those who land on the bestsellers NYTimes list, started with a single manuscript and a dream. The common thread is always the same: a story that connects with children and a presentation that feels complete, from the inside pages to the book with illustration and the professional design of the cover.
When done well, your book won’t just be read once—it will be re-read, treasured, and remembered. The right blend of storytelling and art ensures it becomes part of those childhood bookshelves that never fade, inspiring generations and carrying the magic of story forward.
To explore more self publishing tips and resources that can guide you in writing, designing, and publishing your book, click on this link.
