Behind the Scenes: Self-Publishing a Picture Book

When I first decided to turn my childhood story, How the Platypus Became, into a real picture book, I had no idea just how much I would learn along the way. Self-publishing a children’s book is a creative adventure - sometimes daunting, often exciting, and always rewarding. Here’s a look at what really happens “behind the scenes” when you decide to bring your own book to life.

The original hand-made book vs today's published book

Editing: Turning Childhood Scribbles into a Real Story

The first step was taking my hand-written story from childhood and turning it into a polished manuscript. I wrote, rewrote, and then rewrote again. I sought endless feedback from friends and family - especially those with young children. Editing meant clarifying the story’s message, simplifying the language for young readers, and making sure each page had the right rhythm for reading aloud.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to revise your story multiple times. Getting a second pair of eyes (or several) is invaluable. Also, start to think about how the words will appear on the page, this can have a big impact onhow you structure your story.

Finding an Illustrator: Bringing the Characters to Life

Picture books are as much about art as they are about words. Finding the right illustrator was crucial. I explored platforms like Reedsy, browsed portfolios, and reached out to artists whose style matched the story’s spirit. When I found Ffion, I knew I’d found the perfect creative partner. We worked closely on character sketches and page layouts, tweaking everything from the platypus’s fur to the duck’s bill.

Tip: Communicate openly with your illustrator and share reference images, character descriptions, and your vision for the story.

Another tip when self-publishing and working with an illustrator is to keep in mind costs beyond just their fee. Things like fonts will need to be purchased. A good illustrator can help you better understand these sorts of things early in the process.

ISBNs and Imprints: Making It Official

Next up: the “business side” of being an author. I purchased a block of ISBNs (the unique numbers that identify each book edition) from Nielsen, and registered my publishing imprint, River & Sky Books. This step was surprisingly exciting - it made the book feel truly official!

Tip: If you’re self-publishing, buy your own ISBNs so you retain control over your book’s distribution and metadata. If publishing through Amazon KDP you can skip this step and use their own version of an ISBN, however, this can limit where the book is found and give you less freedom of ownership.

Printing and Distribution: Choosing KDP and/or IngramSpark

For printing, I used IngramSpark to reach bookstores and libraries. Amazon KDP is also an excellent channel, however, the did not print in the size and spec I was looking for - though printing through Ingram will mean you still show up on Amazon marketplace. Each platform has its quirks (file specs, cover templates, etc.), so be prepared for some learning curves. I made sure to select the right trim size, paper type, and upload files with the correct bleed and margins.

Tip: Double-check all your files before submitting! And don’t be afraid to reach out to platform support or author communities for help. Also, you’ll need to buy an additional ISBN if you plan to publish digitally on platforms beyond Amazon. 

The Little Details: Barcodes, Back Matter, and More

I generated a barcode for my ISBN using a free online tool, created a fun “Platypus Facts” page, and added a heartfelt dedication to my sister. Every small decision, from the layout of the copyright page to the placement of the my website, helped shape the final book.

Tip: Give yourself time for these details. They make your book feel complete and professional.

What I Learned

Self-publishing a picture book is a journey of creativity and persistence. You’ll need to wear many hats: writer, editor, project manager, and sometimes tech support! It can be overwhelming, but seeing your story become a real, printed book makes every step worthwhile.

Thinking of Writing Your Own?

If you’re dreaming of publishing a children’s book, my best advice is to take it one step at a time - and ask for help when you need it. The indie author community is welcoming and generous, and there are more resources than ever before. And try to enjoy the process! It's often a long one so if you are to make it to the end you've got have fun along the way.

Want to see the finished product? How the Platypus Became is now available now! And if you have questions about self-publishing, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.