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Your Guide to Self Publishing, Book Illustration & Personalized Gifts
Welcome to the Blueberry Illustrations Resource Hub — your ultimate guide to self-publishing, book illustration, children’s book design, and creative gifting. Whether you are an aspiring author, author-illustrator, or indie writer, our goal is to provide practical knowledge, industry insights, and expert advice to help you succeed in publishing your book.
At Blueberry Illustrations, we are a leading children’s book illustration agency, trusted by authors worldwide. From illustration and cover design to formatting and publishing guidance, our team ensures your story comes to life with creativity, professionalism, and market-ready quality.
Explore these carefully curated categories to discover helpful articles, guides, tips, and insights for authors, illustrators, and book enthusiasts. Each category is designed to provide you with practical advice, creative inspiration, and expert knowledge to support your publishing journey and enhance your creative projects.
We’re always updating this hub. Bookmark this page for upcoming posts related to self publishing and book of illustrators.
If you're new to self-publishing, start by learning how much it costs to self-publish a book, how long it takes to self-publish, and how to self-publish on Amazon. Many authors are turning to Amazon self-publishing solutions for convenience, flexibility, and affordability. Our platform also recommends affordable self-publishing packages ideal for indie writers, along with cheap book printing and binding options. As a top publishing company, we offer both print-on-demand and bulk printing services, giving authors the flexibility to choose what suits their budget and distribution goals.
| Format / Element | What Authors Should Know | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Paperback | The most cost-effective format. Trim sizes like 6"x9" or 5.5"x8.5" are common. Pairs well with affordable self-publishing packages. Both Amazon self-publishing and IngramSpark support paperbacks, with Ingram offering wider retail reach. | Fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, debut authors |
| Hardcover | Premium look and durable. Requires planning for dust jackets or case-laminate. Supported by IngramSpark, but not directly by Amazon (except via limited beta). Often used for educational book projects. | Libraries, collectors, educational books |
| Board Book | Built for toddlers, with thick pages and safe materials. Typically produced in bulk, not available on most print-on-demand services. Needs specialized layout work for children’s books. | Ages 0–3, early learning books |
| Ebook | Distributed globally via Amazon self-publishing and other platforms. File formats include EPUB and MOBI. Cost-effective and fast to publish. Enhancements like read-aloud can boost value for educational and children’s ebooks. | Global reach, low cost, mobile audiences |
| Audiobook | Requires narration, sound editing, and formatting. Ideal for storytelling. Can be sold on Audible and iTunes. A good book cover remains essential for marketing. | Visually impaired readers, commuters, multitaskers |
| Book Covers of Children's Books | A well-designed illustration cover should feature bold visuals, expressive characters, and age-appropriate design. Book covers often determine a buyer’s first impression, especially on Amazon. | All printed and digital formats |
| Illustration Style – Digital and Hand Drawing | Authors can choose digital or hand-painted styles. Hand-drawn illustrations add a timeless, warm, and personal feel. Both styles work well for picture books and unique stories, often digitized for final output. | Picture books, illustrated stories, personalized books |
| Children's Book Layouts | Includes page flow, text-image balance, and readability. Proper layouts help hold attention and guide young readers. Amazon and IngramSpark have different margin and bleed requirements. | Board books, picture books, early readers |
| Print Options | Authors can choose print-on-demand (Amazon and IngramSpark) or bulk printing for larger runs. Bulk printing offers better per-copy rates and cost-effective book printing options. | POD for testing; bulk for large print runs or bookstore distribution |
Creating a children’s book is about more than words — illustrations, cover design, and proper formatting play a key role in engaging readers. High-quality book illustration covers help convey the story’s theme and mood, while thoughtful layouts ensure readability and flow for young audiences.
Different types of books benefit from different illustration styles. Picture books often use hand-drawn or watercolor illustrations to create a warm, personal feel, while educational texts may require detailed and accurate diagrams. Proper children’s books layouts balance text and imagery, guiding young readers and enhancing comprehension.
Understanding these elements can help authors make informed decisions when self-publishing or working with an illustration agency. For example, a professional cover design can improve discoverability on platforms like Amazon, while clear formatting ensures your book looks polished in print and ebook formats.
For authors seeking professional guidance, our team at Blueberry Illustrations offers support in illustration, cover design, and book formatting — helping bring your story to life while maintaining creative control.
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