5 Mistakes First-Time Children’s Book Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
By Kezzia Crossley
Self-publishing a children’s book is a beautiful adventure, but it can also feel like navigating a forest without a map. As a children’s book illustrator and independent publishing guide, I’ve worked with many first-time authors who started out overwhelmed. The good news? Most of the common pitfalls are completely avoidable. Here are five of the biggest mistakes new children’s book authors make—and how to steer clear of them.
1. Skipping the Story Foundation
The mistake: Jumping straight into illustration or formatting without a polished manuscript.
How to avoid it: Spend time refining your story. Read it out loud, get feedback, and make sure the pacing works for picture book audiences. The best books begin with a strong narrative foundation.
2. Writing with an Adult Voice
The mistake: Overcomplicating language, themes, or sentence structure.
How to avoid it: Children’s books should be written for kids—not their parents. Keep your language clear, playful, and age-appropriate. Understanding your target age group is key.
3. Over-Explaining in the Text
The mistake: Describing what the illustrations will already show.
How to avoid it: In picture books, words and images work together. Trust the visuals to carry part of the story and leave space for the reader’s imagination.
4. Choosing the Wrong Illustrator (or Trying to DIY)
The mistake: Hiring someone whose style doesn’t match your story’s tone—or trying to illustrate it yourself without experience.
How to avoid it: Choose an illustrator who understands children's visual storytelling. Look for a portfolio that feels like the right fit. Great illustration doesn’t just look good—it enhances the narrative.
5. Formatting Without a Plan
The mistake: Guessing your trim size, skipping layout decisions, or uploading files that don’t meet printer specs.
How to avoid it: Know your publishing path before you begin layout. Whether you’re using IngramSpark or KDP, each platform has requirements. Investing in professional formatting can save you time, money, and stress.
Final Thoughts:
Every first-time author is on a learning journey. Mistakes are part of the process—but they don’t have to derail your dream. If you’re looking for support from someone who understands the creative and technical sides of children’s publishing, I’m here to help.
Explore my publishing services
to learn more about how I guide indie authors through illustration, layout, and launch—without losing the magic.
Kezzia Crossley is a Canadian illustrator and independent publishing partner behind The Painted Acorn. She helps self-publishing children’s book authors bring their stories to life with heartfelt illustrations, thoughtful layout, and handcrafted book design. Learn more at thepaintedacorn.ca