How To Make a Children's Book

[@bluebonnet95]

I just got to say how absolutely wonderful and helpful your videos are!!! You didn't know it (how could you lol) but with your help, I finally got my first book done and up on Amazon! We, (me- you and PhotoShop) burned some midnight oil and shed some tears. Well the tears were mine. LOL. Anyway-long story short, thank you! I'm finally a published author. And you truly don't know how helpfully your videos were in making this happen.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m shedding tears NOW. I love this so much. This means the world to me. Thank you.

[@bluebonnet95]

@@IzzyBBooks well I didn't mean to make you cry but I shed a few in this process. :)

[@DRAWTIST1]

You're like the jack black of children's books. You rock dude!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Oh wow. That’s a wonderful complement.

[@felishiarae332]

This is so accurate! He really is!

[@joseromero9933]

I have so many ideas for books my father died last year so im getting into making music which I already did and have out, now im trying to get into writing books as therapy for my soul and spirit to help me in my healing process of mourning grieving my father ;hopefully this will help out in moving on with my life.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I can relate to this! My new book is in honor of my dad. Stay strong. And I hope you make some great books

[@TheMinimalistMom1]

This is beautiful. My dad died too and I wrote a poem. Not a book but I know the grief you are feeling. Trust me, his soul is much happier in heaven than hell on earth.

[@TheMinimalistMom1]

@@IzzyBBooks😢

[@angelamsmith.author]

Those hats are hilarious. Your video is not only entertaining but uber helpful with the information that you share!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I have a lot of hats. It’s always been my thing. If I see a cool hat… I’m buying it.

[@tonibauerlein5806]

You are so much fun to watch and a great teacher! I have been making fantasy photo digital art for years for children's theater, and selling prints to raise money for Make A Wish while raising my kids. Now im a retired grandma, back to painting by hand, and hoping to illustrate some children's books for my grandkids, and maybe do some more fundraising too. Thank you SO much for showing how to begin. VERY HELPFUL!

[@starcitydesigns]

I have been wanting to illustrate a book that my brother wrote, and this video is getting me in the right direction. Thank you so much! :D

[@IzzyBBooks]

That’s awesome! It’s so rewarding to illustrate someone else’s work!

[@DRventura333]

Great characters while you are writing and teaching youtube students how to make a children's book. Final product was very nice. Loved it!

[@IzzyBBooks]

It took me a while to get the character just right.

[@megmathisen9072]

Love the knitted chicken!! Izzy - you are the best! Love your work. ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you. I appreciate that a lot.

[@aliciancume4616]

Oh, my word after going through almost every KZbin video on here, I finally stumbled on yours and you managed to explain everything so simply- All the way from South Africa & wanted to thank you, you're a true ROCKSTAR!!!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m so so glad I could help.

[@straypotatocat_]

There are so many kids around me who spend half of their days on screen, makes me feel sad :( i wanted to make something fun, which can attract them and maybe help them learn some fun things, this helped me a lot, i was stuck where to start :(. THANKYOUUU. P.S. The chickens look adorable! i love them too!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I agree.

[@deloreshillcreative]

Thank you so much for making this video. I am watching it now and just had to stop the video to thank you. I am going right back to watching it. I have been trying all day to put the children's book I am trying to finish together, and I was literally going out of my mind until I saw your video. Very good points, and it has helped me. Thanks to you I don't have to call a psychiatrist.

[@IzzyBBooks]

That makes me happy too. I’m glad I could help. Best of luck

[@mardz229]

Im so excited!!! i just binge watched all your author advice!! Also lmfaooo your wigs crack me up lol I had to rewatch the section when you put the wig on 3 times because i was cracking up and got distracted lmfao it was funny though really made me feel better and i forgout about the overwhelming stressful i was having lmfao

[@IzzyBBooks]

Wigs work wonders

[@sofaanalyst5286]

I really enjoy your humor and good vibes. Although your videos are very educational and informative, it’s your samples that captivate me and make me want to get my hands on your books. I bet that stuff is funny af.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’d like to think so. Mind you molding your humor to work for kids is an art all in itself, but I definitely have to walk to line. Thank you so much for the compliment!

[@MariaGutierrez-dw8od]

You have such great insight! Thank you for making it easy for me to understand and to replicate your process.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad you liked it!

[@claretanime123]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL MAN! Thank you very much! This is very informative, motivating and entertaining to watch! :D Kudos to you man!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Ooooh this is one snazzy comment. Thank you very much. I’m glad it helped

[@lauraantos3105]

Very informative video and the hats and wigs are a fun extra bonus!! Love seeing your personality come out

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad you liked it

[@krystaldegannes618]

This was so helpful Thanks so much for posting this

[@IzzyBBooks]

Wonderful! I’m so glad it helped you.

[@ramonbritton5831]

I love your videos. I will keep them for future reference. I really appreciate the help for us new beginners. 🎉 Thank you!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m glad you liked it

[@felishiarae332]

What! I’m so glad I came across your channel!! Super pumped to comb through your library of helpful videos like this one as I begin my children’s book illustrating journey! I’m so close to finishing my first book and this is going to be so helpful to have in my resource playlist! I’ve picked up some of your books in the library before with my boys and I never knew you did things like this for the public! So thanks for sharing your gift and talent with us 🫶

[@IzzyBBooks]

Oh! That’s awesome. Thank you for sharing. Best of luck to you

[@jennyb-aeternabitart7436]

Love the chicken ❤ Thank you! Going through your back catalogue here... 😊

[@IzzyBBooks]

I love the chicken too

[@RMMethven]

Thank you so much for this! it's amazing. I'm already working on my first children's book following your method.

[@ddandgigi3109]

I love this! You're so talented and your videos are so informative and funny and entertaining at the same time. I love this! Thank you for doing what you do! Your amazing!

[@IzzyBBooks]

You are a super positive person. You keep doing what you’re doing too.

[@wildwild_chicken]

Great information! It seems like we think alike in terms of the creative process in general so this should be an easy format to follow! The hats are also a fabulous touch! 😂

[@JumpingFencesbyMsLaura]

Wow! You make it looks so easy. Thank you for sharing.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’ve been doing it for 15 years

[@psgambat]

Thank you for putting this together Izzy! This is very helpful!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad I could help

[@elesehumpal8477]

Purple chicken was cool, and the hats a wigs were a nice touch.

[@Loves12343]

I love your videos in I and then second grade at the tornado school. I love your books and your bunny puppet. Your were my favorite.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I’m glad you had a great time

[@daphyneshine3222]

Diana Soss (Sauce)!!! That is funny. You’re talented!! Keep up the good work and super thanks for the tips.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I try to keep it light. I mean it’s a kids book after all!

[@edmoses2657]

Thanks for this great information, I appreciate it!

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’re very welcome

[@TheBookofAssistance]

Love the hats!

[@quinn12]

I had no idea you could draw on Photoshop. So cool

[@IzzyBBooks]

It’s my main thing to use

[@kidsacademy735]

You are so creative 😅❤❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@yapper80]

I love your changing hats😂😂😂

[@sheyllaagitaputri2820]

how many hats do u haveee 😭😭😭 love them all! it suit well on ur fun personality ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

I collect silly hats. This is barely scratching the surface

[@dennisking7469]

Great presentation 👏

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@davidokon]

Lovely! Thanks so much. It was helpful. Please what is your font size? For the inner story. I love it.

[@IzzyBBooks]

The font size is 23. I used a font I purchased off of Etsy for commercial use.

[@davidokon]

@@IzzyBBooks Thanks so much. I have subscribed. You are doing a very great work here.

[@IzzyBBooks]

@@davidokon hit me up with anymore questions you have. I'll answer them all!

[@sharonc7031]

I like your different styles added on your head 😊 cute.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you!

[@abbyandme6824]

Hi Izzy, amazing video thank you so much for creating such an informative video. What printing company you use for your hardcover books. I am looking for one for my book thank you. again.

[@joelwcrumbley]

Good on you using the pilot pen

[@IzzyBBooks]

😁

[@lydialyons9009]

I've just recently stumbled upon your channel and appreciate that you share your expertise with us newbies. I'm wondering if you illustrate for other authors, and if not, do you have a video or suggestions on how to find the right illustrator?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I do illustrate for others. I don’t take on as many now but I do that

[@hanaal-radai5406]

You have a lot of weird hats there😂 enjoyed the video 🤣 I'm definitely subscribe your channel👍 even your video is awesome 😎 I struggle a lot in my children illustration but your video is detailed. Thank you very much 🥰

[@IzzyBBooks]

I plan on releasing some videos on illustration I just need to figure out the best way to go about it. Illustration isn’t as cut and dry because so many people have so many different styles.

[@laurenurrutia]

Thank you so much, this video is so helpful! What resource did you use to get the book printed with the hard or paperback cover and the pages inside?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I printed from a bulk printer I discovered. I shopped around for good rates first

[@janedoe5229]

Thank you! That was very helpful! :)

[@sweetteasippen]

I just realized your hair styles were in reference to your chicken wig book 😂 this is an awesome video I keep coming back to for inspiration and motivation! ❤🎉🎉

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@grammykathysbigbackyard2427]

Great info Izzy! I want to know where you get your fun hats! 😄

[@IzzyBBooks]

I collect weird hats. So just about everywhere

[@varshneydevansh]

Just loved your channel

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@JohnSmith-ux5lt]

Great video. Question please: when you draw on Photoshop, what kind of drawing tablet and pen pressure do you use? (there are so many to choose from).

[@IzzyBBooks]

I use a WACOM intious pro. I have a HUGE WACOM but I don’t use it as often.

[@internet_pixie]

I can't with the multiple hairdos 🤣

[@paulamcnulty6750]

At 4:25 you say, "you can find this template on my web page under author resources,." I searched through your website but I could not find author resources or the template. Please help me find it I can't wait to use it. Thank you for making it available.

[@IzzyBBooks]

izzybbooks.com/authorresources

[@IzzyBBooks]

I had to make it a bit different to help keep it constant but it’s on there as storyboard template

[@sheilarivera5955]

Thank you so much for this information! If I wanted to send something to a publisher, how much of this process would I have to complete? I'd love to illustrate my books someday, but I'm not there yet. I have the words, but I don't have an illustrator. I'm fine with drawing out what I'd like for each page, but I'm not sure where to go from there.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Great question! If you’re wanting to get an agent it’s actually VERY frowned upon to find an illustrator. You see, publishers have their own illustrators they love to work with. As a matter of fact, all you need to send to an agent is the words. Now it’s smart to include illustration marks on the manuscript. I usually do mine in blue underneath. This way you can 1. Show the agent that you understand the visual part of making a kids book and 2. It helps them better visualize what you’re trying to do.

[@IzzyBBooks]

So your next step is to research agents. Find an agent who is looking for the books you’re making. Then write a query letter with a solid pitch. In the letter talk about your book, talk about your chops as a writer, and last talk about how your book would compete in the market. Comparing your book to a current book doing well in sales is smart, so do some research there as well! GOOD LUCK! I know I threw a lot of information out there, but I hope it was helpful. Maybe I should make a video about this…

[@tylersdailybible]

hi im trying to figure out how you were able to color those images that you uploaded to photoshop. i have some drawings i made on my remarable 2 and can convert to pdf. but am unsure of how to transfer it over

[@ArtzyPriyal]

Love it so much to learn from.you

[@IzzyBBooks]

It’s why I do it

[@sunshine90ss]

Hi there this is very heplful when u say sent to the printer so you mean amazon printer or can you recommend printers

[@IzzyBBooks]

I use Signature Printing

[@sunshine90ss]

@@IzzyBBooks thank you sorry that you had to decode this comment. You did great decoding nevertheless.

[@sunshine90ss]

I will do some research I have not heard of signature printing

[@emiliabertin3478]

Hello...love your video and learning quite a lot. Any chance you can send me a link to your template? I just can't seem to find it. Thanks!!

[@IzzyBBooks]

For sure

[@Saro-Karo]

Very impressive, question? For your illustrations do you hand draw them and then upload them to the computer or do you let a software illustrate for you, if so what software do you use? Thanks

[@IzzyBBooks]

I draw everything and paint everything using digital software. The program doesn’t really do it for me. It’s just a tool.

[@ScofieldPublishing]

“You put TRASH in the gutter!” you have me laughing!!! Lol😂

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad you liked it

[@ineffable0ortcloud]

Thanks for this

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’re welcome

[@skylight7827]

My ADHD brain is very grateful for your crazy wigs and hats

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m here to help

[@UnknownDiver]

What resolution are the picture of pages you upload to amazon? I want to make something like a cookbook with a similar layout as your book. Every page would be 100% full with some sort of image, like a kitchen background or food texture patterns, then there would be some text over it. Im worried it could be pixelated somehow or text poorly readable. Any specific resolution and file format you like to use?

[@IzzyBBooks]

300 dpi

[@UnknownDiver]

@@IzzyBBooks what is that equal to, if you took a normal sized printer paper sheet? or your average children's books?

[@XoliswaCarr]

Hello there. You make this look so easy, thank you for that. Please help me. I have written three children's stories and am now stuck with not having funds to do the rest. May I send them to you please for the rest! I have already applied for ISBN numbers but not for barcodes. I would be greatly indebted to you. ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

Send them to me to finish? What do you want to send them to me for? And I’m honestly just trying ti decipher what you need help with?

[@GR-mw1tk]

I have illustrated and written two books and scanned but my current program software has failed. I’m trying to figure out what adobe to use with windows 10 .

[@IzzyBBooks]

If you’re scanning artwork use Photoshop and Adobe InDesign

[@thanjilajannat1890]

hi izzy! great video. I had a question. Im not much of an artist and illustrators are costly. Are there any alternatives to create illustrations without being good at drawing? Thanks!

[@jennyb-aeternabitart7436]

Have a look at some similar books. There are a wide range of art styles out there, from fine art type to scribble to line art to collage to digital to... I know (from experience) that it is really frustrating when you have a perfect vision in your mind and can't make it happen on the paper. I still have it happen - and I draw photorealistic art as part of my job. So you can't afford to (or don't want to, and that's fine too 😉) hire an illustrator. No problem. You can do it yourself - if you believe you can. Just like with the writing, everyone has a starting point and can practise and get better. You already have a vision of what you want to create, so you are already ahead of the curve. 😊 Start with putting what you can do on paper. Can you draw a line, a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle (or oblong, depending on when and where you learned math/s), a wavy line, a zigzag, and a dot/spot/splodge? Perfect! Now draw them, and a blob person. Are there any special features of the characters? Use them so you can easily see who's who - like the character who only wears red or the one with frizzy hair or the one whose name starts with a P, or however you can make them individual. This is your key. Keep it safe, and away from prying eyes; it is only for you. 😊 Starting with your characters as these blob people, using arrows and simple shapes, just draw out what happens in your story. The first sets of pictures are for your eyes only, so make the storyboard however you can. Once you have that stage of storyboarding complete, you can practice and work on just the one picture (or just one part of the picture - go down as small as you need, until you reach the 'I can do it' point). Yes, this will take longer. But you will have your own pictures - and you may end up finding an extra side of talent you never knew you had! 👍 If it helps you, most of my characters are based on a few triangles, and I use my kids' soft toys to act out the story and be models for the poses I can't quite figure out... 😊

[@thanjilajannat1890]

@@jennyb-aeternabitart7436 thank you so much! I really appreciate your advice and encouragement will defo try it out.

[@Thegooddeedgang]

Are you getting always a proofreader, how are you publishing your books? BTW love the hat idea!!🤣

[@Thegooddeedgang]

Please also share again how you have made the UV features on the cover. I still try to find special effects for my first book, but I want to self-publish it. Which printer do you recommend?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Yes! Proofreaders are a must. When I spend $10,000 printing books in bulk I CANT make mistakes. I have a list of trusted individuals I rely on. They’re my go to

[@elinabuchukova6912]

Hey, love your video :) How long does it take you to make one book? Roughly of course, all a different :)

[@IzzyBBooks]

Typically it takes me 4-6 months to finish a book

[@monicarondino3983]

Very interesting, thanks

[@loribrokke8862]

You have a taco hat. And a new subscriber. Love your channel!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Let’s taco bout it

[@kristywhilden3772]

U bring me joy😂❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

😁

[@jeffbabies7428]

Great videos. I’m curious why you opt for composing your book in Photoshop rather than composing the text and layout using InDesign, placing the the Photoshop illustrations directly into to the page, then exporting the full book to PDF. Photoshop is notoriously bad for resizing and exporting text compared to InDesign and Illustrator. From the looks of things in this video, I can see the kind of text issues I’m speaking of… but perhaps that’s just the video quality. Have you ever tested that method with KDP? I design a lot of posters and cover art and I’ve never liked the way text prints when it originates in Photoshop. I thought it was universally understood in publishing and print that Photoshop text is a big no-no. The reason I ask is because KDP has been an interesting experiment with unpredictable results, depending on software choice. I printed two author proofs of the same book through KDP, first using Word on a Mac and then using Pages on a Mac. The Pages copy had horrendously blurry text even though the PDF quality was identical to the Word file. It leaves me very apprehensive to use anything except the KDP Word templates, much as I loathe Word as professional publishing tool.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I use indesign. But most people can’t afford it all, so I decided to show the most common way. It’s a lot to purchase all the Adobe software. I just wanted to keep it simple. But you’re right. Indesign is best for design for offset printing because you have to use a 1 color black for printing purposes. You can actually make text 1 color in photoshop too. But it’s easier in indesign. So this video isn’t intended for designers. It’s intended for people starting out trying to learn basics. I have formatted books for a lot of printers. And they’re very picky. So this wouldn’t work for most of them. But it does work for KDP

[@TheMinimalistMom1]

Is this all done in Microsoft word?

[@IzzyBBooks]

No. I don’t use that at all. I’ve heard people use that to format novels. But not for Kidlit

[@ellenCarroll-d4e]

Where do you print your hardback books? Thanks!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I have a few options. I have a printer in the US and one over seas

[@andeegirl]

I am still struggling. My children's picture book is landscape (11x8.5) but I am unable to figure out how to turn it where it is not portrait size (8.5x11). Am I able to change it?

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’d probably be better off with 8.5 x8.5.

[@k1ng_chicken]

Nice shelves back there (especially WALL-E) :^]

[@IzzyBBooks]

Haha I’m a sucker for a good Pixar movie!

[@ThoughtDaughterRegan]

So as far as legal and publishing do you have a video for that?

[@IzzyBBooks]

No. But with the way technology is copyright isn’t as difficult as it used to be

[@elizabethj3171]

Great video! Is there a reason you prefer Photoshop vs. Illustrator for drawing?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I know how to use both, but photoshop allows me to paint freely. I use illustrator to do more graphic design projects like logos, but photoshop is better for me to draw how I’d draw traditionally. I do know people who use illustrator to well… illustrate haha. But I wanted my illustrations to look more organic. My goal in illustration is for it to NOT look digital, and I get that look best through photoshop.

[@Honglee_books]

What file format do you use to save your illustrations?

[@IzzyBBooks]

CMYK 300 DPI. I save them as PNGs.

[@AaroneStefano]

You’re amazing

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@varshneydevansh]

Thank You and I subscribed

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you so much

[@KJ-zr2ko]

Your funny. Thanks for the video❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’re welcome

[@SondraFowler]

Where do you get the kindle template, I spent all day yesterday searching for the kindle template, I am using Adobe software. I get the standard storyboarding... I get the process .... I don't get the kdp template. HELP!!!!!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I found them on kindle direct publishings main website. If you still can’t find it I can email you one

[@SondraFowler]

@@IzzyBBooks I am good now, thanks!

[@kamartaylor2902]

What age range do you write for. I was thinking I wanted to write for ages 7-12. So how many words per page would that be?

[@IzzyBBooks]

If you’re doing children’s books for that age you’ll probably want to lean more toward the graphic novel side. Which is VERY popular. But picture books don’t sell as well the older you get. It’s definitely possible! But I tend to stick to elementary

[@zuko_lockett19]

This is probably a common question but do you have illustration services because I assisted my wife in writing a magnificent children's book but we need pictures to bring it to life, please help, thanks

[@IzzyBBooks]

I do illustrate books. It’s my full time job

[@carolgolden78]

Who does the final art work

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m an illustrator. It’s my full time job to do the art work and format the books.

[@ConfettiandCo-x6q]

❤📖❤📖❤📖

[@msllubin8]

What printer are you using? I highly doubt my little HP can do any of this lol

[@IzzyBBooks]

No. Paperbacks I use KDP and hardbacks I have a printer in the states who only does bulk printing

[@noorallhibi6254]

where can i start sharing my books ?? i really don't have money but this is my dream to become a books children writer

[@IzzyBBooks]

Kindle direct publishing is FREE to use and put your book on. I’d start there

[@TobiLotta]

thank you so much for this nice video. you look nice too

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you! That means a lot

[@TobiLotta]

@@IzzyBBooks i dont know why but i feel happy after looking your videos because oyu git such a kindly energy. i love what you make. greetings from switzerland. jesse

[@michaelt7209]

I thought I was seeing things when you changed your hair, I only realized when you wore the cone and beard lol

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m a magician.

[@fatimam69]

👌👌

[@joshgriffin6434]

Are you still illustrating books?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Yes I am

[@zivamariediva8082]

Too cute

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@ThoughtDaughterRegan]

My book is extremely short it’s 10 pages very simple for 3 year olds lol! I feel like maybe I’m not editing enough?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Sounds like a board book to me. Which are difficult to profit on but marketable

[@ThoughtDaughterRegan]

@ I actually got it to 24 pages lol!!! Thank you just looking for an illustrator now.

[@ScofieldPublishing]

Diana Sauce!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@IzzyBBooks]

I can’t wait to finish this book

[@steevzstubs]

How much ballpark does it cost for you to illustrate a book for someone?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Usually around $5000

[@lussoclean1599]

can I pay you to format my book

[@IzzyBBooks]

I do format books for others

[@lussoclean1599]

@@IzzyBBooks how can I contact you ?

[@thecanman132]

How much would you charge to do a book for me ?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Depends on the length and how detailed you want it.

[@thecanman132]

@@IzzyBBooks can I write it all on regular paper for you and do little drawings also and ship it to you?

[@emiliabertin3478]

Never mind,, I found it!!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Good to hear

[@symbolizeme]

You’re so cute ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you

[@internet_pixie]

die-in-a-sauce? 😮

[@IzzyBBooks]

Diana Sauce haha