Author Resources

Practical tools, guides, and publishing help for independent authors.

Children’s Book Formatting Starter Kit

Children’s Book Formatting Starter Kit

A quick reference and checklist for authors preparing a children’s book for print-on-demand. Get practical guidance on trim sizes, font sizes, paper and binding choices, bleed, margins, and KDP and IngramSpark considerations.

Have a Publishing Question?

Independent publishing comes with a lot of questions. If you’re stuck on something or looking for help with part of the publishing process, feel free to get in touch. Tell me what you’re working on and where you’re running into trouble.

9 + 1 =

Featured Publishing Insights

Why Write a Book? 6 Reasons Authors Keep Going

Writing a book is hard. It takes time, effort, patience, and a willingness to keep going even when nobody seems to be paying attention. Most books never become bestsellers. Many authors never earn enough royalties to justify the hours they invested. So why write a...

How Many Pages Should a Children’s Picture Book Be?

One of the most common questions new children's book authors ask is: How many pages should a children's picture book be? The good news is that there isn't one single correct answer. However, there are industry standards that can help you create a book that feels...

How to Order Your First KDP Proof Copy (And What to Look For)

Publishing a book is exciting, but before you click the final "Publish" button on Amazon KDP, there's one step I highly recommend: Order a proof copy. A proof copy is a printed version of your book that allows you to inspect everything before your book becomes...

How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Children’s Picture Book?

If you've ever dreamed of creating your own children's picture book, one of the first questions you're probably asking is: How much does it cost to self-publish a children's picture book? The answer depends largely on how much of the work you do yourself. For authors...

How to Make and Publish Your Own Children’s Picture Book

When inspiration strikes, sometimes the hardest part is getting out of your own way. When I started working on Where Do Pirates Poop?, I expected the project to take at least a month. Instead, I completed the book in just two days because I couldn't stop working...

Common Formatting Mistakes in Children’s Books (and How to Avoid Them)

If you’re writing or publishing a children’s book — whether a picture book, early reader, or middle-grade chapter book — formatting can often be one of the trickiest steps. Many authors invest in illustration, cover design, and story, only to run into issues when...

The Freedom to Write What I Want: Why I Chose the Indie Path

As an indie author, I’ve chosen a path of freedom—freedom to write the stories I want to tell, without being confined to the constraints of trends, formulas, or narratives dictated by others. It’s a path that comes with challenges but also one that allows me to stay...

Unleash Your Creativity: How to Write a Book That Shines

Writing a book can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The secret? Just start writing. Forget perfection, forget the pressure of making it “good enough,” and instead focus on putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and getting your ideas out of...

Can You Make Money Self-Publishing Children’s Books? A Practical Guide

Self-publishing children’s books has become a popular and accessible way for authors to bring their stories to life, but many wonder: Can you actually make money doing it? The short answer is yes—but success requires planning, strategy, and persistence....

Unleash Your Creative Voice: Why the World Needs Your Unique Art

In a world filled with creativity, your unique voice and individual style hold immense value. When you embrace your authentic self, you offer something special to others who are searching for connection and originality. Your words, your art, your ideas — they are...

How to Make and Publish Your Own Children’s Picture Book

When inspiration strikes, sometimes the hardest part is getting out of your own way. When I started working on Where Do Pirates Poop?, I expected the project to take at least a month. Instead, I completed the book in just two days because I couldn't stop working...

read more