Should You Hire a Book Designer for Your Children’s Book?
By Kezzia Crossley
Thinking of designing your children’s book yourself? Or maybe you’re wondering whether hiring a book designer is really necessary. While it’s tempting to DIY the layout to save money, a professional designer can make a big difference — especially when it comes to formatting for print, choosing the right typography, and creating a polished, bookstore-ready look. In this post, we’ll walk through the key benefits of hiring a book designer, when it’s worth the investment, and what to watch out for if you go it alone.
✨ Want help designing a book that’s as beautiful as your story? Explore book design services at The Painted Acorn to see how we can support your project from concept to print.
While illustration brings your story to life, design is what makes it readable, professional, and ready for print. And yes, there’s a big difference.
What Does a Book Designer Actually Do?
A professional book designer handles the layout, typography, and technical preparation of your book—ensuring it looks beautiful and works across printing platforms like IngramSpark or KDP.
Key tasks include:
Typesetting (choosing fonts and arranging text for readability)
Page layout (balancing text and images across spreads)
Cover design (both artistic layout and spine/back specs)
Print prep (ensuring resolution, bleed, and trim sizes are correct)
Why It Matters for Children’s Books
Picture books require a delicate balance. Text often weaves between illustrations, and the pacing of your page turns is critical. A designer helps ensure:
Your story flows visually and emotionally.
Nothing important gets cut off in printing.
Your book looks professional (read: sellable!) in stores or online.
Can’t My Illustrator Do It?
Sometimes—but not always. Some illustrators also offer layout and design as part of their package (like I do at The Painted Acorn). Others specialize strictly in artwork.
If your illustrator isn’t handling layout, it’s worth bringing in a designer early so they can collaborate and avoid last-minute layout issues.
So… Should You Hire One?
If you want your book to look polished and professional—and avoid costly mistakes during printing—the answer is a clear yes.
Whether it’s a custom layout or working from a well-designed template, investing in design ensures your story lands just right in the hands of young readers.
At The Painted Acorn, I Do Both
As both an illustrator and book designer, I specialize in creating children’s books that are not only beautifully illustrated but thoughtfully laid out, cover to cover. From character sketches to full-spread formatting, I guide authors through the entire visual process—making sure every page supports the story and is ready for print.
Whether you’re looking for just the design, just the art, or the whole visual package, I’ve got you covered.
✨ Whether you need a polished layout or the full illustration-to-print package, The Painted Acorn’s publishing tiers are designed to meet you where you are — and help your book take root.
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 through heartfelt illustrations, thoughtful layout, and handcrafted book design.