At DreamScript Publishing, we specialize in helping authors avoid common pitfalls by offering professional guidance every step of the way. In this blog, we will explore the most frequent mistakes made in self publishing a childrens book and how you can avoid them to ensure a successful publishing experience.
1. Not Understanding Your Target Age Group
One of the most common missteps in childrens book publishing is failing to define your target reader. Books for children vary widely depending on the age group, and each category has specific requirements in terms of vocabulary, themes and illustrations.
For instance:
- Board Books (Ages 0-3): Simple, durable, and image-heavy
- Picture Books (Ages 4-6): Short narrative, rhythm, rhyme and repetition
- Early Readers (Ages 6-8): Basic chapters and more text
- Middle Grade (Ages 8-12): Richer plots and deeper character development
By clearly identifying your target demographic, you can tailor your story’s content, language and structure to suit their needs and expectations.
2. Neglecting to Hire a Professional Editor
When it comes to self publishing a childrens book, skipping professional editing is a critical mistake many first-time authors make. While editing might seem like an area to cut costs, it’s actually one of the most important investments you can make in your book’s success. A compelling story idea alone isn’t enough—your manuscript must be polished, engaging and age-appropriate to truly resonate with young readers.
Professional editors do more than correct grammar. They help refine tone, improve clarity, adjust pacing and ensure the language is suitable for your target age group. Children's books require a unique editorial approach, as young readers are particularly sensitive to flow, repetition and word choice.
DreamScript Publishing offers expert editorial services tailored specifically for children's books. Our editors understand the nuances of writing for different age levels and help authors elevate their work to industry standards. In short, professional editing ensures your story connects with readers and reflects your vision at its very best.
3. Choosing the Wrong Illustrator or Illustrating Too Early
In the world of childrens book publishing, illustrations play a vital role in capturing a young reader’s attention and conveying the story visually—especially for pre-literate audiences. However, one of the most common mistakes authors make is choosing the wrong illustrator or beginning the illustration process too early. This often leads to costly revisions, mismatched styles, or artwork that doesn’t align with the final story structure.
To avoid this pitfall, it is essential to complete and finalize your manuscript first. A well-developed story sets the foundation for visuals that truly enhance the narrative. Once your story is solid, you can begin the search for an illustrator whose artistic style complements your vision and appeals to your target age group.
Working with experienced childrens publishing companies like DreamScript Publishing gives you access to a curated network of professional illustrators. These experts understand the nuances of children's literature and can bring your characters and scenes to life in a way that engages young readers. With the right publishing partner, your illustrations won’t just decorate the book—they will become a powerful part of your storytelling.
4. Overcomplicating the Story or Language
When self publishing a childrens book, it’s easy to forget that simplicity is key. Complex sentence structures, unfamiliar vocabulary, or overly detailed plots can confuse or disengage young readers. Keep your language clear, age-appropriate and engaging. Use repetition, rhythm and relatable themes to make your story both educational and entertaining.
5. Skipping Proper Formatting and Layout Design
Children’s books require more than just good writing and illustrations; they demand thoughtful formatting. A poorly formatted book, whether in print or digital form, can ruin the reading experience.
Important considerations include:
- Page size and margins
- Text placement relative to illustrations
- Font size and style
- Color contrast and bleed settings for print
At DreamScript Publishing, our design experts understand the technical nuances of children's book layouts, ensuring your final product meets industry standards.
6. Not Creating a Compelling Cover
The old adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover” does not apply in publishing. Your cover is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab a reader’s attention. A common mistake in self publishing a childrens book is settling for an amateurish or generic cover.
A professional, vibrant cover that captures the tone and theme of your book is essential. Our design team at DreamScript Publishing works closely with authors to create eye-catching covers that appeal to both children and their parents.
7. Misunderstanding ISBNs and Copyrights
Navigating the logistics of publishing—including ISBNs, copyrights and barcodes—can be daunting. Many self-published authors either skip these steps or misunderstand their importance.
- ISBNs help bookstores and libraries catalog and sell your book.
- Copyright registration protects your intellectual property.
As a full-service publishing company, DreamScript Publishing guides authors through these legal essentials to ensure your book is properly protected and ready for distribution.
8. Not Investing in Marketing
One of the most critical yet overlooked components of childrens book publishing is marketing. Simply listing your book online isn’t enough. You need a well-rounded marketing strategy to build visibility and drive sales.
Common marketing mistakes include:
- Not defining a target audience
- Over-relying on social media
- Ignoring email lists or local outreach
DreamScript Publishing offers comprehensive book marketing services tailored to children’s books. From press releases and author websites to school readings and library outreach, we help authors get their books into the hands of eager young readers.
9. Ignoring Print Quality
Children's books are tangible experiences. The feel of the paper, the vibrancy of the illustrations and the sturdiness of the binding all influence how readers interact with your book. Cutting corners on printing can result in a product that looks and feels substandard.
Working with trusted childrens publishing companies like DreamScript Publishing ensures your book is printed to high standards. We help you choose the right paper type, binding, and finishes to enhance your book’s appeal.
10. Underestimating the Time Commitment
Self publishing a childrens book is not a quick process. From writing and editing to illustration and marketing, each phase demands time and careful planning. Rushing through any part of the process can compromise the quality and success of your book.
A clear timeline, realistic goals and expert guidance from DreamScript Publishing can streamline the process while maintaining high quality.
11. Failing to Test the Book with Children
You may think your story is ready, but have you tested it with real readers? Getting feedback from children in your target age group is invaluable. Watch how they react, where they lose interest and what excites them. This insight can help you refine both content and visuals before final publication.
At DreamScript Publishing, we offer pre-publication feedback opportunities, including focus groups and beta reading programs, to ensure your book connects with its intended audience.
12. Not Planning for Distribution
Many authors believe once their book is published, the hard work is over. However, without a distribution plan, your book may never reach store shelves or online readers. Understanding distribution channels is vital.
Options include:
- Print-on-demand services
- Online retailers like Amazon
- Independent bookstores
- Libraries and schools
As a seasoned children's book publishing company, DreamScript Publishing helps authors navigate distribution with ease, ensuring your book gets into as many hands as possible.
Final Thoughts
Self publishing a childrens book is both rewarding and demanding. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration while significantly improving your book’s chances of success. At DreamScript Publishing, we are passionate about bringing your vision to life while guiding you through every stage of the publishing journey.
Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned storyteller, our professional book publishing services offer everything you need to produce a high-quality, market-ready children's book. From editing and illustration to printing and marketing, DreamScript Publishing is your trusted partner in childrens book publishing.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact DreamScript Publishing today to learn more about how we can help you publish a children’s book that young readers and parents will love. Let’s bring your story to life—together.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Publish My Story, we offer a comprehensive range of book publishing services catering to new and experienced authors. Our services include professional editing, cover design, illustrations, marketing, and global distribution. We assist authors with publishing to leading international publishing platforms providing a holistic approach to publishing a book.
At Publish My Story, we offer a comprehensive range of writing and editing services, including ghostwriting, developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to ensure that your work is polished and ready for publication.
Absolutely! We specialize in multi-platform publishing. We assist authors with publishing to leading international publishing platforms providing a holistic approach to publishing a book. This multi-platform strategy enhances your book’s visibility and availability, reaching a wider audience across different reading preferences and geographical locations.
We take pride in our personalized and comprehensive approach to publishing. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to bring your vision to life, and we are committed to delivering high-quality work on time and on budget. We believe that you should retain full ownership of your book and complete control over your work.
The publishing process timeline varies depending on the scope of your project, but we strive to deliver on time and on schedule. Our team works efficiently and effectively to ensure that your book is published in a timely manner.
