Turn your story into a beautiful, publish-ready children’s book
Professional children's book illustration, design and publishing support - from your first manuscript to the finished book.
I'm Nathan, a UK children's book illustrator and designer with over 25 years' experience. Whether you're writing your first story or you're ready to commission illustrations, I can help bring your book to life.
Your story, brought to life
Creating a children's book is an exciting journey, but knowing where to begin isn't always easy.
I'm here to make the process clearer and more manageable, helping you develop your ideas into a beautifully illustrated, professionally designed book.
As both an illustrator and designer, I can help with everything from planning how your story works across the pages to creating memorable characters, illustrations, covers and finished book layouts.
You'll work directly with me throughout the project, with honest advice, creative ideas and a practical approach tailored to your story.
Whether you need help with one stage or the entire book, we'll work out the best way forward together.
Manuscript Refinement & Book Planning
Get your story ready for illustration with helpful manuscript refinements and a clear page-by-page Book Map. My combined planning package is £370, giving you a practical starting point before committing to a complete book.
How I can help bring your children's book to life
Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or ready to bring your characters to life, I offer professional services to help you create your children's book.
Children's Book Illustration
From memorable characters and small spot illustrations to full-page scenes and detailed double-page spreads, I'll create original artwork that brings your story to life.
Book Cover Design & Layout
Bring everything together with an eye-catching cover, carefully considered typography and professionally designed pages that work beautifully with your illustrations.
Publishing & Print Preparation
I'll help prepare your finished book for publication, including print-ready files for Amazon KDP, other self-publishing platforms or professional printers.
From your story to a finished children's book
Creating a children's book doesn't have to feel complicated. I'll guide you through the process, one step at a time.
1. Share Your Story
Start with a free manuscript review or get in touch to discuss your project. I'll help you understand what your book needs next.
2. Plan Your Book
We'll establish how your story works across the pages, refining the manuscript where needed and deciding on the most suitable illustrations.
3. Bring It to Life
I'll develop your characters and create the illustrations, working with you to bring your story and ideas to life.
4. Prepare for Publication
Finally, I'll bring everything together with professional book design, layout and print-ready files for your chosen publishing route.
Already completed some of these stages? That's absolutely fine. We can focus on the help you actually need.
How much does it cost to create a children's book?
Every children's book is different, so the cost depends on the amount and type of work involved.
Manuscript Refinement & Book Map
£370
A practical first step to refine your story and plan how it will work across the pages, including the most suitable types of illustrations.
Complete Children's Book Illustration & Design
Typically £4.5k-£6k+
For a professionally illustrated 32-page picture book, including artwork, book design and preparation for publication.
The final cost depends largely on the number and combination of spot illustrations, full-page illustrations and double-page spreads, as well as the detail involved.
I'll help you establish an illustration plan that suits your story and budget, so you know what's involved before committing to the full project.
Children's books I've helped bring to life
Every children's book has its own characters, personality and story to tell.
Here are a few examples of books I've worked on, from character development and illustration through to cover design and finished page layouts.
Take a look at my work and imagine what we could create for your story.
What authors say about working with me
Bringing a children's book to life is a collaborative process. Here's what some of the authors I've worked with have said about their experience.
"Nathan guided me through every stage of the process, from a rough manuscript to a fully published book. As a first-time author, having someone who could explain the illustration, layout and publishing journey in plain English was invaluable. I genuinely couldn't have done it without him."
Lyndon - Four Small Boys From Wales
"The illustrations are better than I could have hoped for, capturing the characters and story perfectly. What really helps is the additional support and advice around publishing and marketing, helping me avoid mistakes and giving me the confidence to really move forward with my book."
L. Jeremiah - Gallant St George & The Dragon of Wales
Thinking about writing your first children's book?
Download my free Children's Book Starter Pack
If you've got an idea for a children's story but aren't sure where to begin, my free Starter Pack will help you understand the process.
It's designed for first-time authors who want practical guidance on developing their story, planning their book and understanding what comes next.
You'll also receive occasional helpful advice by email to guide you through the process.
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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Yes - I often provide feedback on pacing, pagination and flow as part of the planning stage.
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Every project is different, but most fully illustrated 24–32 page books typically range between £2,750 and £6,500 depending on complexity, page count and style.
Once I’ve reviewed your manuscript, I’ll provide a clear, tailored quote - no obligation.
Click here for more info on cost and click here for more info on pricing.
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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.
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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.
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Yes.
I provide print-ready files (which can be formatted specifically for Amazon KDP) and can guide you through the upload process, ISBN options and pricing setup.
Click here for more info on self-publsihsing and click here for
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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.
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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.
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This depends on your page count and pacing.
A typical 32-page book might include 12-30 illustrations 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.
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Most projects are split into staged payments across the project timeline.
This helps make the investment manageable while keeping the process moving smoothly.
I have been a professional illustrator for over 25 years, so feel free to talk to me, I am comfortable discussing any budgeting questions you have :)
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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.
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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
Promotion ideas
Marketing materials
Whatever marketing support you need, I’ll do my best to help and advise.
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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 at the start of your joureny or at any time during the process.
Ready to bring your children's book to life?
Whether you've finished writing your story or you're ready to commission professional illustrations, I'd love to hear about your project.
Start with a free manuscript review to get some initial feedback and guidance, or contact me directly if you're ready to discuss illustration and book design.