1. Name the intended reader
Write one sentence that identifies who the book is for and what experience it should create. Age range affects vocabulary, visual pacing, page density, and the way the book is described when published. Amazon notes that an appropriate reading age helps children’s books qualify for age-specific categories and search results.
2. Finalize and proofread the text
Read the manuscript aloud. Confirm spelling, punctuation, character names, repeated phrases, and the title. Mark text that must appear on a specific page. Major rewriting after layout begins can change illustration needs and page turns, so production should start from final text.
3. Build a simple page-turn plan
Divide the story into moments rather than trying to design finished pages. Note where suspense, surprise, a change of setting, or an emotional beat deserves a page turn. Include title, copyright, dedication, or activity pages in the total plan if you need them.
4. Write only useful art notes
Add a note when the image must communicate something the words do not: a hidden clue, a required prop, a character attribute, a historical detail, or an action that makes the next line work. Avoid describing every object or camera angle unless it is essential.
5. Gather visual references
Collect examples for mood, palette, setting, clothing, and level of detail. Explain what you like about each reference. Do not ask an illustrator to copy another living artist’s exact style. For recurring characters, provide stable details such as age, proportions, clothing, color, and important props.
6. Choose the intended format
Decide whether the first edition is paperback, hardcover, ebook, or a combination, and choose the publishing platform before final art. Trim size and bleed affect every page. Amazon’s KDP guidance says trim size should be set before margins and that page-count limits vary by size and print choices. Use the children’s-book size guide to make this decision.
7. Confirm rights to every submitted item
List any photographs, logos, trademarks, character references, quotations, or existing artwork you plan to use. Confirm that you created them or have permission to publish them. Never send account passwords, tax details, or bank information to an illustrator.
Copyable project brief
- Working title and author name
- Intended reader and reading age
- Final, proofread manuscript
- Simple page-turn plan
- Essential art notes only
- Character and setting references
- Preferred mood, palette, and visual examples
- Publishing platform, format, and trim-size preference
- Needed front matter and back matter
- Rights status for every submitted item
Platform details can change. Check Amazon KDP’s current trim, bleed, and margin guidance and reading-age guidance before publishing.