I Wrote a Children’s Book — Now What? (A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Authors)

Written By Kezzia Crossley

Your manuscript is finished.

You’ve poured your heart into it. Maybe it started as a bedtime story. Maybe it’s been sitting in a drawer for years. Maybe you finally typed “The End” last night.

And now you’re wondering:

What happens next?

If you’re a first-time children’s book author, the next steps can feel confusing. There’s publishing advice everywhere — and a lot of it is overwhelming.

Let’s slow it down.

Here’s what to do after writing a children’s book.

1. Pause Before You Publish

It’s tempting to jump straight into printing or uploading your book to Amazon.

But before you do anything, take a breath.

Ask yourself:

  • Who is this book for?

  • What age group am I writing for?

  • Do I want this traditionally published or self-published?

  • What is my long-term goal for this book?

Clarity here will shape every decision that follows.

2. Decide: Traditional or Self-Publishing?

There are two main paths:

Traditional Publishing

You submit your manuscript to agents or publishers. If accepted, they handle editing, illustration, design, and distribution.

Pros:

  • Industry support

  • No upfront cost

Cons:

  • Highly competitive

  • Long timelines

  • Less creative control

Self-Publishing

You build your own creative team and oversee the process.

Pros:

  • Full creative control

  • Faster timeline

  • Higher royalty percentage

Cons:

  • You manage production

  • Upfront investment required

Many independent authors today choose self-publishing — especially for picture books.

3. Do You Need an Illustrator?

If your book is a children’s picture book, the answer is almost always yes.

In children’s publishing, illustration isn’t decoration — it’s storytelling.

The artwork:

  • Carries emotional tone

  • Builds atmosphere

  • Communicates subtext

  • Engages young readers visually

If you're unsure what hiring an illustrator involves, this step-by-step guide explains how to hire a children’s book illustrator and what to look for.

4. Understand Standard Picture Book Format

Most children’s picture books are:

  • 32 pages

  • Structured in 16 spreads

  • Designed for ages 3–8

Before reaching out to illustrators or designers, it helps to understand a realistic children’s book illustration timeline so you can plan properly.

Knowing the format and production flow saves time — and prevents costly revisions later.

5. Budget Realistically

Illustration and book design are professional creative services.

Your budget will depend on:

  • Number of illustrations

  • Complexity of artwork

  • Interior layout and formatting

  • Cover design

  • Print vs ebook versions

If you’re wondering what investment typically looks like, this guide to children’s book illustration costs breaks down what affects pricing and what to expect.

The key thing to remember:

Illustration is not just an expense — it’s part of your book’s long-term impact.

6. Build the Right Creative Team

A children’s book usually involves:

  • Editor

  • Illustrator

  • Book designer (sometimes the illustrator)

  • Print setup support

When choosing collaborators, look for someone who:

  • Understands storytelling

  • Communicates clearly

  • Explains their process

  • Respects your vision while offering guidance

The right illustrator will feel like a creative partner — not just someone delivering files.

At The Painted Acorn, every project begins with a conversation, because the best books are built on trust.

7. Plan for Production

Once illustrations and layout are complete, you’ll move into:

  • Final file preparation

  • ISBN setup

  • Print-ready exports

  • Uploading to platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark

This is where details matter. Trim size, bleed settings, typography, and color profiles all affect final print quality.

Taking your time here ensures your finished book feels polished and professional.

Final Thoughts: Take It Step by Step

Writing your book was a huge milestone.

Publishing it is simply the next chapter in bringing your story into the world.

You don’t need to rush.
You don’t need to know everything at once.
You just need a clear next step.

When done thoughtfully, illustration becomes part of your story’s voice — not just something added at the end.

If you're ready to explore professional children’s book illustration services or want to talk through your next steps, contact The Painted Acorn to start a conversation about your book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an illustrator before I submit to publishers?

If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, you typically do not need to hire an illustrator. Publishers usually pair manuscripts with illustrators after acceptance.

However, if you plan to self-publish your children’s book, you will need to hire an illustrator to bring the story to life.

How long does it take to illustrate a children’s book?

Timelines vary depending on the number of illustrations and the complexity of the artwork. A standard 32-page picture book can take several months from initial sketches to final files.

If you're curious about what that process looks like, it helps to understand a realistic children’s book illustration timeline before getting started.

How much does it cost to illustrate a children’s book?

Illustration costs depend on factors like:

  • Number of spreads

  • Level of detail

  • Interior layout and formatting

  • Cover design

Professional children’s book illustration is an investment in quality and storytelling. You can read more about what affects pricing in this guide to children’s book illustration costs.

What should I prepare before contacting an illustrator?

Before reaching out, it helps to know:

  • Your target age group

  • Book length (often 32 pages for picture books)

  • Your publishing path (traditional or self-publishing)

  • A rough timeline

Having clarity on these basics makes early conversations much smoother.

Kezzia Crossley
Next

What Does It Cost to Illustrate a Children’s Book?