Children’s Book Publishing Checklist for First-Time Authors
A first children’s book involves several different jobs. Use this checklist to see what is ready and what needs your attention next. You do not have to complete every step today.
Story and page plan
- Identify your intended reader and the feeling you want the story to leave them with.
- Write a beginning, a problem and an ending.
- Read the draft aloud and revise awkward or repetitive lines.
- Map story moments across pages, with notes for both words and pictures.
Illustrations and layout
- Choose the final print format before building finished pages.
- Plan consistent character details and a readable text style.
- Build one test page and check it at a realistic size.
- Review every page for readability and important details near the edges.
Book files
- Check KDP’s current trim size, bleed and margin requirements for your chosen format.
- Review paperback submission requirements before exporting.
- Open the exported interior and inspect every page.
- Prepare the paperback cover to fit the final book configuration.
Preview and proof
- Review the uploaded book in KDP’s preview tools and resolve flagged problems.
- Inspect a physical proof for text, image placement and page turns.
- Correct the source files and review the updated version.
Help readers understand your book
- Write a description that explains the reader, story and experience.
- Show the real cover and a useful interior preview.
- Make the purchase link easy to find.
- Share something helpful about the book with the audience it was made for.
Pick one next step
Circle the first unfinished item and give it a small task: write the three story sentences, sketch one page or check one print requirement. That is enough to move forward.
Our free 4-page sample gives you a publishing roadmap and planning pages. The full $4.99 guide + workbook brings the process together in 36 illustrated pages, with lessons from creating Aw Shucks.