Children’s Book
Publishing Services
for Indie Authors
From manuscript to published picture book — with illustration, design & guidance at every step.
At The Painted Acorn, I help independent authors turn their stories into beautiful, professional picture books. Whether you need illustration only or full publishing guidance, I’ll help you bring your vision to readers with clarity, care, and confidence.
Choose the Right Path for Your Book
Not sure which path fits your book? Here’s a simple way to decide:
Just need illustration and layout only?
→ The Growing OakWant full support from manuscript to print? → The Mighty Oak
Already have illustrations but need help finishing? → The Sprouting Acorn
Still unsure? I’m happy to help you choose the right path for your book.
The Sprouting
Acorn
Children’s Book Publishing Support
Ideal for: Authors who already have illustrations and need help preparing their book for print.
For authors who already have illustrations but need a clean, professional layout and help preparing their book for print.
What’s included:
• Custom book layout and typography
• Front/back/cover-spine design
• Formatting for print & digital
Timeline: 3–5 weeks
Add-On Options
(Available with any tier)
• Promo templates for social & launch graphics
• Book mockups for web & store display
The Growing
Oak
Custom Illustration Services
Ideal for: Authors with a finished manuscript who need custom illustration and layout.
For authors who need custom illustrations tailored to their story, characters, and tone — whether whimsical or quiet, wild or gentle.
What’s included:
• Character & environment development
• sketches, revisions, and full-color illustrations (cover + interior spreads)
• Full-spread illustrations (colour or B&W)
• Print-ready illustration files
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Add-On Options
(Available with any tier)
• Promo templates for social & launch graphics
• Book mockups for web & store display
The Mighty
Oak
*Most comprehensive, fully guided option
Full-Service Self-Publishing Package
Ideal for: Authors who want a fully guided, start-to-finish publishing experience with one creative partner.
A start-to-finish creative collaboration — everything from illustration to lay out and publishing preparation, handled with care.
What’s included:
• All services from The Growing Oak + The Sprouting Acorn
• Final print-ready files for IngramSpark, KDP, or your preferred printer
• Optional launch graphics & creative guidance
• Custom back matter (Dedication, Author Note, etc.)
Timeline: 10–16 weeks
Add-On Options
(Available with any tier)
• Promo templates for social & launch graphics
• Book mockups for web & store display
Everything is handled for you — so you can focus on your story, not the process.
📚Not sure if you need a book designer? Here’s when it makes a difference.
Professional Memberships
I am a proud member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC).
These affiliations reflect my commitment to professionalism, community, and ethical practices in both illustration and independent publishing. Being part of these organizations helps me stay connected to industry standards, creative peers, and the ever-evolving world of children’s literature — so I can better support the authors and stories I work with.
These affiliations reflect my commitment to professional, heart-led publishing & Design.
