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Turn Your Story Into a Beautiful, Publish-Ready Children’s Book

Professional illustration, layout and publishing guidance for first-time authors - from manuscript to finished book.

You’ve written the story. I’ll help you turn it into a book you’re proud to publish.

Written a children’s book… but not sure what happens next?

You might be wondering:

  • How many illustrations do I need?

  • What size should the book be?

  • How much does this actually cost?

  • How do I publish it on Amazon?

  • What if I choose the wrong illustrator?

That’s completely normal.

Most of my clients are first-time authors. They have a brilliant idea - but need someone experienced to guide them through the process.

That’s where I come in.

I don’t just illustrate. I guide.

I help new authors:

  • Plan their page layout properly

  • Develop memorable characters

  • Create consistent, professional illustrations

  • Format files for Amazon KDP or print

  • Understand the publishing process

No overwhelm. No guesswork. No “I wish I’d known that earlier”.

You’ll always know what stage we’re at, what happens next, and what the investment is.

Your book journey

  1. Manuscript review & planning

    Editing advice, page layouts, illustration types and book size.

  2. Character & style development

    I create sample character concepts for approval.

  3. Full illustration & layout

    Double or single-page spreads, spot illustrations, cover design, text layout.

  4. Print-ready files delivered

    Print-ready files for KDP or your chosen printer.

  5. Self-publishing & marketing guidance

    Advice on ISBNs, uploads, pricing and launch strategy.

Recent children’s book projects

What other authors say…

  • “Nathan guided me from a rough manuscript to a fully published book. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

    Lyndon

  • “The illustrations were better than I could have hoped, but the publishing marketing advice was invaluable.”

    Sarah

  • “Nathan turned my manuscript into something beyond what I imagined. The illustrations are beautiful.”

    Mike

How much does it cost?

Every book is different. However, most fully illustrated 24-32 page children’s books typically range between:

£2,750 - £6,000

This depends on:

  • Page count

  • Illustration complexity

  • Cover design

  • Layout options

  • Formatting preferences

  • Marketing requirements

  • Yes, most of my clients are first-time authors.

    I guide you through the entire process, from planning your pages to preparing files for print or Amazon KDP. You don’t need any publishing experience at all.

  • Yes - I often provide feedback on pacing, pagination and flow as part of the planning stage.

  • Every project is different, but most fully illustrated 24–32 page books typically range between £27500 and £6,000 depending on complexity, page count and style.

    Once I’ve reviewed your manuscript, I’ll provide a clear, tailored quote - no obligation.

  • Most books take between 8–16 weeks from planning to final files.

    The timeline depends on illustration detail, revisions and how quickly feedback is provided. I’ll always give you a realistic schedule at the start.

  • Yes - you retain the copyright to your story (not the illustrations).

    Illustration usage rights are agreed clearly at the start of the project so everything is transparent. If you plan to expand into merchandise or other products, we can discuss extended licensing.

  • Yes.

    I provide print-ready files formatted specifically for Amazon KDP and can guide you through the upload process, ISBN options and pricing setup.

  • Before any full illustration begins, we develop character concepts and style samples for approval.

    This ensures we’re aligned early - so there are no surprises later in the project.

  • Projects can be developed for any age group, and I can tweak the style to suit. I can advise on suitability and tone once I’ve read your manuscript.

  • This depends on your page count and pacing.

    A typical 32-page book might include 12-30 illustration made up of:

    • Double-page spreads

    • Single-page spreads

    • Spot/vignette illustrations

    • A fully illustrated cover

    I’ll advise you on the best structure during the planning stage.

  • Most projects are split into staged payments across the project timeline.

    This helps make the investment manageable while keeping the process moving smoothly.

  • Simply send me your manuscript using the quote form.

    I’ll review it and come back to you with:

    • Suggested structure

    • Illustration plan

    • Timeline

    • Clear pricing

    No pressure - just clarity.

  • Yes - and this is something many first-time authors ask about.

    While my main focus is creating your book and preparing it for publication, I can guide you on:

    • Amazon KDP setup and optimisation

    • Choosing keywords and categories

    • Pricing strategy

    • Launch timing

    • Basic promotion ideas

    Whatever marketing support you need I can do my best to help and advise.

  • Yes.

    As well as illustrating your book, I can design professional promotional assets to support your launch, including:

    • Amazon A+ Content graphics

    • Social media launch images

    • Website banners

    • Posters and bookmarks

    • School visit materials

    • Pull-up banners

    • Press kit visuals

    • Websites

    • And much more

    This ensures your branding stays consistent and professional across every platform.

    We can discuss what you need once your book is nearing completion or at any time during the process.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to start your children’s book?

Let’s bring YOUR story to life.

Contact me

Send me a message. No pressure, no obligations, just a simple chat to start your journey.