Create your children's book layout in Canva the RIGHT way

[@Jackpotstat]

In Canva go to file-settings- grids-custom-put 0.25 in in margins. Chose 1 for columns and 1 for row. All your margins are now set.

[@HeatherCashArt]

OMG 🤯 is this a new feature or am I just completely blind?!

[@Jackpotstat]

🤷🏻‍♀️ I don’t know. I just stumbled on it. I’m formatting my first children’s picture book. I’m glad I could help. Quill Town Books- Bonnie

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@Jackpotstat That's amazing! You're my hero! Thank you so much!! 💕

[@Jackpotstat]

I’m glad I could help

[@donnamarrillo4234]

TY both❤

[@chrysostomarulnayagam1470]

I enjoyed using your KZbin. To add margin easily in CANVA, after creating the new design Go to file - > click on settings - > click on add guides - > click on custom - > column = 1, Gap = 0, Margin = 0.375 becomes 0.38 Row = 1, Gap = 0, margin = 0.375 becomes 0.38 Add guides this will result in perfect Margins. ENJOY fast designs.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Beautiful thank you!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

I tried this and there's one drawback... When you do it, it clears out any existing guides you already had. So you aren't able to do it for both bleed and safe zone. But you can do it for one of those, and then set the other manually.

[@esquiland]

@@HeatherCashArt It does have a "show print bleed" option under settings, so if you use the setting for the safe zone, Canva automatically will show the other

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@esquiland you shouldn't use Canva's bleed settings because they are not the same as kdp's bleed requirements.

[@ranaalicrochetproducts903]

​@@HeatherCashArtWhat bank cards does Amazon KDP accept? Can I skip a step because I do not have a foreign bank account as an Arab seller and designer?

[@tanya09singh]

Hey, I was trying to set the bleed and I figured out that if you zoom the page and then try to set the guides, you can get the exact value 😊

[@HeatherCashArt]

I'm still not always able to get the exact value even when I zoom in all the way! But, I can get close enough that it doesn't really make a difference. Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@dframp5152]

Loved the video. Senior citizen attempting to publish some childrens stories I wrote years ago. Very impressed at how you answered most/all questions below/above. I'll be asking some soon. Nice work!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Aww thank you so much!

[@mckennaschaller4050]

For the bleeds, you can likely create a rectangle in the size of the final page and the guides may "snap" to those :)

[@HeatherCashArt]

That's a great idea!! Thank you for the tip!

[@AdamRaper]

That worked. Thanks McKenna! Great editorial video Heather!

[@rsai1058]

Thank you so much ! You have a lovely, calming voice and it is so easy for me to follow you. You have made it so easy for me. My sincere gratitude to you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Aww, thank you so much for your kind words! 💕

[@ashrodders]

honestly im not just saying this to be nice that was the most straight foward helpful video i have watched so many others trying to make it more complicated than it already is your genuine vibe actually teaches me not just trying to sound smart and then when i work it out im like why didint they say that hahah rant over as you can see i was gunna give up thank you so much really helpful i finally know what im doing now !

[@HeatherCashArt]

Oh I'm so glad!! Thank you for your kind words. I'm so happy to help ☺️☺️☺️

[@JenG-g2y]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Quick tip: if you zoom out the page as far as it can go without losing the edge, you can set the grid lines closer to 0.125. I hope this helps! Definitely subscribing!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thanks for the tip! ❤️

[@sarinagabrielle5044]

Thank you so much! Because of you I was able to publish two books for the very first time on Amazon just by watching your videos!!!!!! Couldn’t have done it without your help 💙

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay!!! Congratulations!! I'm so glad my videos helped you!! Thank you for letting me know ❤️

[@PNW_Mama]

What are the titles of your book so we can buy one? :)

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@PNW_Mama aww you're so sweet!! My KDP book is called Mouse's Great Discovery and the book I published with IngramSpark is called Platty's Perfect Day ☺️ My Amazon author page is www.amazon.com/stores/Heather-Cash/author/B006WGMIXS

[@ArchSood44]

Dear Heather, A warm hello and thank you from the UK. A huge thank you for your wonderful, easy to follow videos on producing a children's book with Canva. I started on a Monday and had completed my book by the Thursday. The next week it was published on and on Amazon! I am so happy as writing a book has been one of my wishes for a long time. Thank you, thank you, thank you x

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay that's awesome! Congrats on successfully publishing your book! I'm so glad that my tutorials helped! ❤️

[@arielaw4]

Most Clear, well spoken tutorial. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're welcome!

[@cryptojedii]

Such a warm, easy-to-follow-along presentation! Thank you so much for making the 'complex' uncomplicated. Looking forward to seeing more works of art. Thank you!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay, thank you so much!! That's exactly what I aim to do, so that makes me so happy ☺️

[@chrisbray-cotton5005]

your generosity with information is so very kind (love emoji)

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@FaithWest]

Love your calm, clear instructions. You made it seem easy. And I love that you covered the bleed and safe zone, things that most others don't. It's the little things that count. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words ❤️

[@AuthorBeckySusanAdams]

This video is so incredibly helpful! You, my good lady, are doing hero's work here 😊💜

[@HeatherCashArt]

Aww thank you!!

[@wizzyprodizzy3836]

Thank You So Much... This Is iszzy Prodizzy And I have been uploading my first book wrong all week for 3 days

[@Phranklean98]

To get the actual ruler margin I use the ctrl key and the scroll wheel of my external mouse to increase or decrease the page to get the accurate ruler margin

[@G.R.I.T.S.]

Heather, so delighted to have found your channel. It is an answer to a prayer. I have been diligently working on a book of short stories for my granddaughter. The stories are some of our most cherished memories together. But we also meet each night in our dreams on a beach called Whispering Sands and it is in these pages that I will share my hopes and dreams for her future. I didn’t know how to put it together and I felt such anxiety because my time here is limited. It is with tears and a heart full of gratitude that I thank you for this video and others on your channel which have illuminated my path forward. ❤

[@HeatherCashArt]

Oh wow, that sounds like such a special book that she will cherish forever. ❤️ I am glad you found me too 🙂 If you have any questions or issues along the way, just send me an email at [e-mail] ❤️

[@openheartmusicals7733]

Thanks!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Aww thank you so much! I appreciate it! 💞

[@Ash-wl8up]

I couldn't have worked this out without your help! Thanks so much,! I tried so many videos and yours really takes the viewer through each step, so helpful, Thanks!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay!! I'm so glad!! Thank you for your kind words ☺️

[@universaluncle3724]

Your tutorial was super helpful and easy to mirror. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thank you, I'm so glad you liked it!

[@MarinaDeLeon-c3r]

I've seen on Ivy Hang's tutorial that she uses a square from the Canva elements to size needed for the margin then drags the tool to match up, clicks on L margin, then top and bottom as well.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes that is a great method! That's what I do now too!

[@GR-mw1tk]

Your amazing Heather! You’ve given so much help ! My first book published !I am going to give canva a try but need to determine if I need to flatter my pdf prior to uploading to canva. So that I don’t loose my personal font

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes definitely flatten!!!

[@GR-mw1tk]

I think I’ve ruined something as the font is a mess in canvas 😩

[@laurobelrecordingstudio]

Thank you for presenting this subject matter in such a precise and focused manner. Well done!

[@laureendonato5838]

Thank you so much for doing this series! It is exactly what I need to get started since I have no experience yet with Canva! I look forward to your next video!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay!! So glad you like it!! ☺️☺️☺️

[@anissapapadakos7759]

This was amazing. Thank you ever so much. You are incredibly helpful 🙏❤️

[@HeatherCashArt]

Aw, you're so welcome! Thank you for the kind words!

[@TheDondodi]

Awesome video with very clear instructions. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@Ruthie888]

Excellent answers to my head banging questions!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay, I'm so glad!

[@samp4050]

Thanks for teaching us this Heather. Im in my 60's and busy with my first book but not sure how to do the cover, cos it comes in 2 pages? 😊

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! The cover isn't two pages, it is going to be a separate file. Here is my tutorial for the cover! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4DWi2t-lpyBmas I also sell templates on my website for the inside pages and cover with the correct bleed size and spine width etc just in case you're interested!

[@sallysmith3885]

Excellent video. I finally understand bleed.

[@HeatherCashArt]

I'm so glad! ❤️

[@nathanielscott6324]

thank you so much heather :)

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're so welcome ☺️

[@nathanielscott6324]

@@HeatherCashArt i'm working on my book now :)

[@seaniamss]

I seen you can insert a box make it the size of the first two bleed lines and then put that box in the other corners so you have a reference for the location of the other bleed lines that give you the hard numbers on the other end correct

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes that's what I do now! 👍

[@cathyhulet441]

What a helpful video! I’m trying to figure all of this out and it’s a lot for my old brain. New to Canva and your video gave me valuable info!😊

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay! I'm so glad! Thank you for watching and for your kind words ☺️

[@lornapierce8488]

Thanks so much Heather, I was able to follow your instructions easily with a great outcome. I appreciate you passing on your knowledge.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Awesome!!! So glad my video helped you 🙂

[@shelleydawnsiddall5782]

HOT Diggity Dog! Thank you so much Heather. I'm creating my first children's book based on my amazing great grandchildren so this is exactly what I need. I'll be looking at the rest of this series for sure!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Awesome! So glad you like it!! ❤️

[@lauraantos3105]

A really clear and easy explanation. Appreciate your extra insights as well. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're welcome! Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@tiffanymoore6796]

Thank you! This is very helpful! I look forward to viewing the rest of your videos.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching ☺️

[@jackiejoy810]

Thank you for all your help

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're welcome!

[@shayneutter8593]

If everyone hasn't noticed, Canva now has all these functions in the view settings menu! Woohoo!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Wait which functions??

[@aldrinwilding-west7017]

Easy to follow and gave me exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. Subscribed 🙂

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay!

[@moriahm9643]

very helpful, thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're very welcome!

[@LindaJones-ru3jx]

So easy to follow - excellent!

[@samp4050]

How do I include/ add, the spine to the book cover? Canva shows 2 separate pages so I don't know how, where, to add the spine. Also, I don't know how to work out the spine size for a 8.5 x 11 inches coloring book. Great tutorial. 😊

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! The cover isn't two pages, it is going to be a separate file. Here is my tutorial for the cover! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4DWi2t-lpyBmas I also sell templates on my website for the inside pages and cover with the correct bleed size and spine width etc just in case you're interested!

[@patriciadanna7433]

Great explanations. Very clear instructions. Thanks.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thank you, so glad you like it!

[@wannijohn8704]

Thank you sooooo Much, Please I have a question , How did you make the same grapgic on both pages beside each other ? the same line on page 5 for ex was continuied on the page beside it like one big page next to each other. Thanks I hope you know what I mean.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJrWopl5r7CYf6s And also this one: kzbin.infoAJVz05wUJoY?feature=share

[@breanat1508]

Very helpful tutorial. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're so welcome!

[@miaumi8014]

Thank you for your videos. I have a question I changed colors to in my book from RGB to CMYK. Is it always necessary to check the box FLATTERN PDF? Thank you.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! Yes you should always check the box to flatten your PDF!

[@AnthonynAthens]

Great video. Looking forward to watching your video on how to do front and back covers.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Awesome! They'll be coming! Thank you!

[@leonelvilela5531]

Hi Heather, Once I export the the whole book on pdf, do I loose the editable project on Canva? I want to order a proof copy on KDP before publish it. I would like to keep that project on Canva so I can do further amendments if needed. (Thank you for creating this channel!).

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! No you definitely don't lose the editable project! After you export your PDF, then you can always go back to Canva and make any edits, and export a new PDF. 🙂

[@Honglee_books]

Hey ,heather. What file do you recommend for the illustrations (png or jpg)? I plan to upload the illustrations onto canva and do my book layout there. Thanks!

[@yuniartidewi5069]

Hii heather 11:04 i wanna ask about this, how you put the art for 2 pages??

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! It's in the next video of this series! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJrWopl5r7CYf6s

[@carolynlarson7908]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial. Do you have a video on how to do the copyright page and title or dedication page? Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi, glad you liked it! You would basically just follow the same steps as in this video but don't put any art on the page, you would only be adding text. If you want some sample copyright text, you can find some on my website, www.heathercash.art

[@carolynlarson7908]

@@HeatherCashArt Thank you! I’m so glad to visit your website and KZbin channel as I found so many new videos I’m looking forward to watching. I wasn’t able to find a copyright page sample; Is there a specific video I should look for with it? I’m just unsure on what verbiage I should use on mine. I think I understand the illustrations and inserting text, I’m just not sure how to phrase everything on the copyright page. What do you suggest? Thank you very much!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@carolynlarson7908 yay I'm so glad! Here is the blog post on my website with sample copyright text: www.heathercash.art/post/sample-copyright-page-text Hope that helps!

[@carolynlarson7908]

@@HeatherCashArt this is perfect! Thank you so much! I very much appreciate the assistance 🙏🏼🌟

[@lizbarbee7468]

if I didn’t do CYMK and now can’t publish to ingram sparks, a hardback, can I just load it into Canva and change that setting? I did my first two books in word and want to look for something more user-friendly!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You can, but exporting from Canva to bring into IngramSpark will actually result in an error because IS needs the PDF to be PDF/X-1a. You can convert it using Adobe Acrobat Pro (costs $$ though) OR I also have a free tool on my website that does it for you: www.heathercash.art/pdf-converter The tool also converts to CMYK so you can just skip the Canva step and just upload your RGB PDF to the tool and it will convert it for you.

[@adrianfernandez7458]

I’m confused. If my book size is 8.5x8.5, why is the page size with bleed not equal in width and hight based on the kDP chart you used?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! It's because the extra .125 for bleed is only added to the outer edges of the page. So it won't be added to the inside edge of the page. So it's added to the top and bottom (which is why we add .125 + .125 to the height) and to the outer edge of the page but not the inside edge (so only add .125 once to the width). Does that make sense?

[@herbsandgifts]

Thank you for this!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're so very welcome! 💖

[@Sihamaccad]

Thank you Heather!! Very cute work! I was wondering as you mentioned, if you can send me here the link of the book cover size of the book above I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thank you!! Is it the link to the Amazon KDP help page that you want?

[@amymonroe3706]

Thank you so much for your videos on canva and kdp! They are so helpful! I have a question: canva has an option for print bleed which (if I understand correctly will be where the book is trimmed), so can I put the first 1/8th guide for the safe zone? My title is big and I don’t want to cut it off but I also want to use as much space as I can. Thx!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! You shouldn't use Canva's settings for bleed - they are different than those for KDP. Instead, you'll need to create your pages as the correct trim size yourself and add your own guides.

[@amymonroe3706]

@@HeatherCashArt I understand now because we used kdp trim size for the page so canva bleed would make it incorrect. Thank you!

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@amymonroe3706 even if you didn't use KDP trim size for the page (if you used the actual page size without bleed) it would still be incorrect using Canva's bleed settings. This is because Canva will add the same amount of bleed to every edge. But for KDP, you're adding a different amount to the height vs the width. You're adding .25 to the height (2x.125) but only .125 to the width (since the side of the page that sits against the spine doesn't get trimmed off). Does that make sense?

[@amymonroe3706]

@@HeatherCashArt Yes, it makes sense thank you so much!

[@PerriMcMahon-b1o]

Hey, what about the bleed option in the settings? It seems to be preset….

[@HeatherCashArt]

When you export, make sure you *don't* select "with bleed" since you are adding the bleed yourself. Also - the reason we are adding the bleed ourselves instead of using Canva's bleed option is because Canva's bleed is different from KDP's requirements.

[@RootedToys]

I used this video to format my ebook but there is a small thin white line on the edges that i can't get rid of when I launch the KDP previewer. Any help as to why this is happening would be much appreciated... maybe Im supposed to be using different dimensions in Canva for an ebook. Please help! 🙏 Also thank you for your videos. They are great!!!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Did you use Kindle Kids Book Creator to make your ebook? Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKumept6bp5pmZo

[@EmmanuelGakiza]

Hi Heather, do we need to add a page for the inside front and back cover? Basically, my pages have a certain colour and I don't want to have inside front and back covers to be plain white

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! Unfortunately you aren't able to change the inside covers in KDP. If you want custom inside covers, consider IngramSpark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXK7e4iIq6hoeJI

[@EmmanuelGakiza]

@@HeatherCashArt Got ya. Thanks

[@nisnomani52]

Thankyou so much for this helpful video i have one question as i am doing my first book how to get images pictures is it good to create from from mobile do we need to download images

[@HeatherCashArt]

I don't recommend doing it in mobile, I think it's much easier to do it on the computer... But if you have no other option, then you can try to make it work. If you don't have illustrations for your book and need images, here is a video to show you how to use Canva images to create your book: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2iWqn1tat2afpY

[@MelodyMiroir]

Fantastic ! Thank you for this great video. Questions. Is there a maximum image size allowed and a maximum size allowed as PDF when exporting? I work my illustrations by hand so I have to scan everything (my scanner is 300dpi). For example, are 8Mo images ok to import? And can the final PDF file be heavy (like, I don't know, 4Go )? Thank you so much

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! The maximum file size for your KDP PDF is 650 MB. When you export your PDF from Canva, you'll do "Print PDF", so it will export as 300dpi, and it will need to be in the dimensions of the book (plus bleed), so even though the image file is huge it should end up exporting from Canva at a smaller size. So you should be ok 🤞 Also - be sure to check the "Flatten PDF" box, that will make your file size smaller (because it's not saving all the text/font info) and also ensure that everything shows up correctly when imported into KDP. If for some reason your PDF is larger than 650 MB, you can try Adobe Acrobat, it has a compress PDF function and you can mess around with that to try to get a better file size. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions! You can also email me at [e-mail] 🙂

[@MelodyMiroir]

@@HeatherCashArt oh thank you so much ! Yes it helps a lot !

[@r.a860]

Hello Heather- I purchased a service from you on your website, (I'll Fix Your KDP Errors/Troubleshoot Your PDF), but everytime I try to email you- it doesn't work and my email bounces back- I need help! Thanks

[@HeatherCashArt]

Oh no! You can try these email addresses: [e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]

[@cooksbooksplantnooks]

Hi! This was extremely helpful! I saw somewhere (but can't find it now), that there is a layout that we should stick to or else we may end up with multiple blank pages at the end of our book. Do you have information on that? I can't seem to find it and want to make sure I set up everytyhing correctly before printing. Many thanks!! xx

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! The only reason you would end up with blank pages at the end is if the number of pages in your PDF that you upload (a.k.a. number of pages in your book) is not a multiple of 4 (e.g., 24, 28, 32). Because of the way the books are printed (4 pages to a sheet, then folded and stapled together). But honestly it's really not that big of a deal, I have a couple of blank pages at the end of mine and I don't think it's super noticeable. Hope that helps!

[@Apostleemmanueleffaclips]

Thank you so much for this well-explained video

[@maryprater9218]

Thanks for this video, extremely helpful. Once the bleed and margins are set do you duplicate the page to how many you want so that the bleed/margin shows up on every page? Also, why not use the bleed setting so you only have to do a margin? The bleed setting seems to be set correctly for whatever size page is made.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes, you duplicate your page for however many times you need it. Whenever you create a guide in Canva, it always shows up on all pages. The reason we don't use Canva's bleed setting is because the page would be the wrong size. Canva adds 1/8" bleed on every side, but actually when we calculate our document size we are only adding bleed to the top, bottom, and outer edge of the page. (We add guides on every side just because in actuality that's the only way we can really do it, since everything will get duplicated on every page - you can ignore the right guide on a left-side page, and ignore the left guide on a right-side page) So for example - if your final book size is 8.5x8.5, then your pages need to be 8.625 (which is 8.5 + .125 outside edge) wide, by 8.75 high (which is 8.5 + .125 top + .125 bottom). Whereas Canva would make it 8.75x8.75, because it would add .125 onto EVERY edge. Does that make sense?

[@maryprater9218]

Hi Heather, thank you for taking the time to explain it. I'm still not getting it. Are you saying that on this example the bleed is ⅛, but that is not always the case depending on the size of the book? @@HeatherCashArt When I used the bleed on Canva it has the same size as when I dragged the ruler over.

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@maryprater9218 the bleed is always 1/8 but it's only on 3 sides of the page, not all 4 sides. Canva will add it to all 4 sides making the page too wide. If it's the same whether you let Canva add it vs you adding it yourself, then you might be calculating it wrong. Make sure you're only adding 1/8 to the width, but 1/4 to the height. Your final file size needs to be page width + 1/8 by page height + 1/4 (because 1/4 is 1/8 times 2)

[@lorissarinehart5933]

LIFE SAVER. GREAT TUTORIAL!!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yay!!!

[@PerriMcMahon-b1o]

Hey, what about the bleed option in the settings? It seems to be preset…. Thanjsn

[@HeatherCashArt]

When you export, make sure you *don't* select "with bleed" since you are adding the bleed yourself. Also - the reason we are adding the bleed ourselves instead of using Canva's bleed option is because Canva's bleed is different from KDP's requirements.

[@PerriMcMahon-b1o]

@ thanks so much!

[@yuragigames]

Hi! I was wondering if i could just flip the canvas if i want my book to be a horizontal rectangle ?? :( I used 8.375" x 11.25" but i want my book bound by the shortest end and not the longest!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! You can do a custom size BUT keep in mind that the width cannot be greater than 8.5". Also if you do a custom trim size your book won't be available for expanded distribution (so it won't be available for bookstores) but that might not matter to you (for me it didn't matter bc I just figured what are the chances a bookstore is going to want it, that's like winning the lottery 🤣)

[@TheMusicgirl78]

Hello! First, I want to give you a HUGE thank you for your amazingly easy to follow, clear and concise videos!! They are the best I have found in KZbin and have helped me tremendously! 😊 I have a question. All 15 of my images for my story are saved in a Word doc. When I tried uploading the Word doc to Canva and dragging it over, I get an error message that says: "Canva Docs can't be embedded or added." I am thinking maybe I need to go into the word doc and save each image as a jpeg or a some other picture format? I can't figure out why I can't just take the whole word doc of all 15 of my illustrations and drag it right into a new Canva project :( Any advice would be amazing!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi Leigh, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you like my tutorials 🙂 yes you'll need to save those pictures out as jpgs or pngs! They shouldn't be in a word doc. What I would do is copy them (select one and do Ctrl+C) from Word, and then go into Photoshop (if you have it... Or whatever photo editing program you use) create a new document, paste it in, & save as a jpg. Then import that jpg into Canva. Alternatively, I wonder if you can copy the image from the word doc and paste it directly into Canva? I would test it but I am in bed right now 😂 but maybe try that first because it would be simpler! Hope that makes sense - if it's confusing, email me at [e-mail] 🙂

[@nancypreto3334]

I'm just starting, and have a quick question. Do I need to put the artwork in first? Or, can I put my text in so I can think about the pages and what art I'll need?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes you can definitely start with the text and then put the artwork later!

[@StephanieDavis-p3n]

Hi Heather - Thank you for sharing your video. My book concept needs a square format. I don't see that KDP allows square hardback books. Am I missing something? Thanks for you reply.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! For hardback books, unfortunately there are very limited sizes and no square ones. But you also need at least 75 pages in your book - is yours that long? My book is paperback. There are a couple of square options for paperback books.

[@Leistungsstark]

Thank you for the video, how do I know the value for the bleed?

[@HeatherCashArt]

It's always going to be .125" on the 3 outside edges of the page (the side against the spine doesn't get trimmed off so technically doesn't have bleed - but I always just put the guides on all 4 edges anyways for simplicity). For your page size, the width is your book width + .125. The height is your book height + .25. Hope that helps!

[@roseannatroche]

when you zoom in you can get the numbers more precise

[@HeatherCashArt]

True, but still not exact. But I've found the best solution is to create a rectangle .125" (you can set the size manually in the position tab) and then place it along the side and set the bleed guides so they snap to it! And then increase the size of the square to .25" and align it inside of those guides, and then make new guides to snap to that, for the safe zone.

[@jelenakopanja40]

Hi Heather! I created a children's book in Canva using single pages (not spreads), like you show in this tutorial. Are spreads necessary (if I understood this tutorial correctly, you can make a book using single pages?) And if spreads are necessary, is there an easy way to convert a layout like this one in this video to a spreads layout? Thank you!!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! The necessary format is *not* spreads, i.e. it needs to be single pages, so you should be good! If you DO make a spread, you end up having to cut it into two separate pages in order for it to be the correct format for KDP anyways. So creating all single pages is the way to go 👍

[@jelenakopanja40]

Thanks so much!@@HeatherCashArt

[@KimMcInnes]

Great video! I was wondering if you are supposed to keep the text and images centered on each page? Or do you need to alternate with right and left alignment of the pictures and text so when it's printed it looks centered? Would be stoked if anyone knows this! :)

[@HeatherCashArt]

It's really up to you and what goes best with your illustrations! I recommend going to the library and browsing the children's books there and seeing what layouts you like. Check those books out and bring them home so you can refer to them while you are designing your layout 🙂

[@ElvisJnr74]

Hi Heather.. I was wondering about your thoughts on punctuation. I have written my 1st kids book and my punctuation is fine but it's prob not perfect.. Does punctuation matter much in a children's book, does it still need to be spot on? I use the free version of pro writing aid which is really good but only limited.. Garamarly is another great tool but there is no free version.. Thank you..

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! In my opinion I think it does need to be spot on. If not, it just doesn't feel as professional. I'm kind of a grammar nerd so if you want to email it to me I'd be happy to take a look 🙂 I have to warn you though, I am an adamant supporter of the Oxford comma 🤣 You can email me at [e-mail]

[@cmax0424]

I followed your tutorial and finished my book but I am continuing to get error messages from Kdp saying I need to add the .125 and .25 to my page sizes when I did the pages to the 8.375 x 8.5 already so not sure if I am putting something in wrong or not. I did go back and click flatten pdf this time before uploading it again to see if that makes a difference.. my art goes beyond the page so i chose with bleed.. what am I doing wrong?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! Please watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH-adKZjr7Cpiq8 If you watch that video and still can't figure it out, then email me at [e-mail] 🙂

[@lamamiDR]

I love your content is really informative, definitely appreciate it. How do we get past the 24 page minimum for KDP?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Thank you for your kind words! If you're having a hard time reaching the minimum, you can add a couple blank pages (not too many though) and add some extra pages like cover page, copyright, about the author, maybe a page at the end listing other books you have for sale, add activity or coloring pages at the end, etc. I definitely plan to make a video with these ideas!

[@kokeauxramonh115]

Tip for viewing them kinda side by side! On the app on your phone, they are side by side and not above and below 🎉🎉 hope this at least gives some kinds way to see it better 🥰🥰🎉 thank you for the tips!!

[@kokeauxramonh115]

Oh and you can actually minimize the boxes AND SEE THEM SIDE BY SIDE!! Has to be on the phone in the app!🥰‼️🎉

[@HeatherCashArt]

That's really cool, thanks for sharing that tip! What I've been doing lately which works awesome, is previewing in Simplebooklet flip (there's an app in Canva which makes it really easy - it's under the "Share" menu) Then you get to flip through and see what it will look like as a real book!

[@ghanacryptogurl3574]

How do you create consistent images

[@Oh_ItsClips_ItsClips]

Hi Heather. I have recently found your video and I cannot thank you enough. I have written 4 adult fiction novels but now want to try children's books. I use canva Pro which is brilliant and simple to use, but your video really helped me too. The only thing is, I am having trouble uploading to kdp, following downloading from canva as pdf, flattened etc. It takes forever to upload it just spins around and then tells me error, but without any details. Am I doing something wrong. I'd be so grateful for some advice. Thank you x

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hmmm, that is really weird if it is happening even when you flatten. It is hard to tell without having the actual file. If you'd like you can email me the file to [e-mail] and I can take a look. One thing that I've done in the past with the mysterious upload error is remove some pages and try again, until you figure out if there was a "problem page"

[@Diamond-zt2dc]

Dear Heather, are the safe zone (1/4th of an inch) and trim zone (1/8th of an inch) values relevant to the Amazon KDP requirements for any book size? From what I have researched there is an entire page dedicated to that on KDP guidelines and I felt it is something better understood from experience. Thank you!💜

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes that is the same no matter what your book size is. 🙂 Hope that helps!

[@Diamond-zt2dc]

@@HeatherCashArt Yes, it very much does. Thank you 💜

[@Laikina_Art]

oh thank you for this amazing video ❤ very useful information! and how many empty sheets should be done at the end of the book?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! Your don't really need any empty sheets, but you can add a couple if you need them to get to the minimum page count. The last page of the book will be on its own, to the left of the spine, so just keep that in mind. 🙂

[@9bytehub]

How does designing the book cover and back work?

[@HeatherCashArt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4DWi2t-lpyBmas

[@mtc343]

It's super helpful. Thank you.

[@christinetriffitt907]

This is great thank you so much! One question - do your number your pages in your children’s book?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! No I don't number children's book pages. I feel like that's more for chapter books. 🙂

[@mossberg129]

Thank you so much Heather!!

[@HeatherCashArt]

You're so very welcome! ☺️

[@joyfullearningriba93]

Hi ms Heather. My book is 8.25×8.25. (8.375×8.5). Kdp emailed me, asking me to increase the inner margin. (interior). How i can do it please.kindly, Guide me

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! If you got that email but you are sure you did the trim size correctly (it sounds like you did) then you probably have some text close to the margin, or your illustration isn't going all the way to the edge of the page (you have a white border). In the error email that Amazon sent, it will list the page #s that have the issue, at the end of the paragraph. Look for those page #s and those are the ones that need fixed. Hope that helps!

[@eleniantoniou8287]

Hi Heather, thank you so much for your reply to my email, you have made things so clear, you really do make a difference 🙏🏼❤️🦋

[@HeatherCashArt]

Aw! You're so very welcome ❤️❤️❤️

[@deloreshillcreative]

Heather, thank you for this video, I learned a lot. I have one question. You said the first page is blank because it goes on the back of the cover page. As far as I know Amazon doesn't want a blank page without anything on it. Should I put the copyright on that page? or having one blank page with nothing on it is ok? I have been doing coloring books, and I remembered that I had to put a blank page in between each coloring page, but I had to add color to it or a border. I just want to be sure, I have been doing children's books now for the first time, and the ones I did, I did not put a blank page as the first page, but for now on I will make the first page blank. Thank you so much for your video, I really learned a lot. I am going to watch the series, and I subscribed to your channel.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! The first page isn't the back of the cover, it is to the right of the cover (so back of cover on left, first page on right). It doesn't *have* to be blank, you can definitely put the copyright or whatever you'd like there. You are totally ok putting blank pages in your book. You don't need to add a border. Just don't put a bunch of blank pages in a row because then they are not there for any reason and that may cause issues with Amazon. But I have a coloring book with a blank page between each page and I haven't had any issues. And I've also had a couple of blank pages in the beginning and end as well.

[@Yvonnesther]

Does the illustration have to go on the right and text on left side

[@HeatherCashArt]

Nooo, it can be any format you want!

[@introvertspeakers]

Hello Heather, I have a question, does it possible to publish a book on kdp which is only have 16 pages? I'm currently doing illustration for picture book for author, she doesn't know about the standard, so do i. Lol Some people say that's still possible but in ebook only TYIA

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! You're right, you can only do a book that small in ebook format. The minimum for paperback is 24. BUT, there are a couple of things you can do to beef up the book (I've been meaning to make a video about this!). One is that you can have all of your pages only on the right hand side of the spine (for non-spread pages). If you put a blank page between each one then basically the left side will be white and right side will have an image, i.e the pages are single sided. Does that make sense? (I did the same thing in a coloring book I made, so that the ink wouldn't bleed through if you color with markers). Then you're basically doubling the number of pages in your book. You can also add filler pages like copyright, title page, dedication, this book belongs to, in the front of the book. In the back of the book you can add about the author, about the illustrator, covers of other books you've done with QR code to their Amazon page, even activities! Hope that helps!!

[@LittleQuizverse]

we can also use the story book template in canva 🤔

[@HeatherCashArt]

Last I checked, that doesn't have the correct settings for page size with bleed. Update: just double-checked - it indeed does not have the correct measurements for kdp's specifications.

[@artgalsal]

Thank you for sharing your expertise Heather! I have a few questions. What file format of your artwork do you upload to Canva? Can you do a trial print on Kdp before publishing? With regards to the book size, I would like to create an ebook for kdp but also a regular hard copy print version of the same book. Do those book sizes translate into the print version? Thank you!❤

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi, thanks for your questions! From Canva, you'll want to export as a Print PDF, flattened (do not select "include crop marks and bleed"). If you have Canva pro, select CMYK version (otherwise, RGB will be fine). Yes you can do a trial print - you have the option to order a print proof. Hardcover KDP books do require 75 or more pages, so your book will have to be long! For the ebook, you use the same PDF but bring it into Kindle Kids Book Creator to add text pop-ups for accessibility. I have a separate video that shows you how to do that. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂

[@MyHarmony0_0]

@@HeatherCashArt first thank you for the video it really helps, and I have a question please, Canva has option auto Bleed and margin (show bleed, show margin), so should I do it as the video? and if I do it as Cnava says why I can't choose (do not select "include crop marks and bleed") when I export the file? Thanks again for your time

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@MyHarmony0_0 hi! You should not use Canva's bleed settings because they are not the same as KDP's. If you use Canva's, then your file will end up as the wrong size. Hope that helps!

[@MyHarmony0_0]

@@HeatherCashArt Thank you so much❤❤

[@BowPeralta]

I followed the sizes correctly but I’m still getting the interior problem emails after submitting. Do you have any ideas?

[@HeatherCashArt]

If the sizes are definitely correct, then you probably either have text too close to the edge, or your background doesn't extend all the way to the edge (leaving a white strip near the edge of the page). Look at the last sentence of the error message to find the specific page numbers that have the error.

[@DreemeLife]

Where did you get your illustrations? Whom did u use?

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! I drew these ones myself. If you're looking for a children's book illustrator, I have some recommendations on my website: www.heathercash.art/hire-a-children-s-book-illustrator

[@deborahcicconi5600]

How do you add text to a blank page with the illustration on the other page next to it?

[@HeatherCashArt]

You would just need to know which pages are next to each other (the first page will be on its own, to the right of the spine. Page 2 &3 are next to each other, 4 & 5, etc). Then just add your text to, for example, page 4, and drop your art into page 5. Does that make sense?

[@alessandrasouth7288]

Hello Heather, Do you have to make sure your pages have 300 dpi? Thank you 😊

[@HeatherCashArt]

Yes definitely! When you export your book as a PDF, just make sure you choose PDF Print, and flatten PDF. 🙂

[@alessandrasouth7288]

​@@HeatherCashArt thank you. So, would I have to upscale it too or just make sure it is 300dpi, pdf and flattened? Thank you for your help

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@alessandrasouth7288 No, when you save out from Canva as PDF Print, it will be 300 dpi. So just make sure you do that and make sure you check the box for flattened PDF, and your PDF will be good to upload to KDP.

[@alessandrasouth7288]

​@@HeatherCashArtthank you xx

[@IcerArchives]

Hi Miss Heather. I have 3 questions if you don't mind. 1. I want to create a story book. Should I be using the default size "Story book" on Canva instead? 2. I have prepared all story images. Should I expand the images to fill the page in "story book" format in Canva? Or leave a blank space for text? 3. Some of the images are either too contrast and bright colors. Would white colored texts with shadows help so that people can read? 4. I'm planning to make an e-book only. Should I concern about the grid at all? Because I'm not planning for a physical copy. Please advise. Thanks Miss H.

[@HeatherCashArt]

Hi! My answer to #1 was going to be no, definitely don't use Canva's story book template because you need to create the book at the correct size for KDP. BUT, since you're doing an ebook, then it doesn't matter. You can use any size. #2: I personally like the look of the image filling the whole page, but it is up to you and also what works for your illustrations. If they are very detailed and there isn't really a good place for text, then you can put the text below. OR, what I like better is to have the text on the left page, and picture on the right, or vice-versa. #3: Yes you can definitely experiment with other text colors like white! And a subtle shadow can help. But I try to make it very subtle and not even noticeable, just enough to help out stand out on the page. #4: No, you don't need to worry about the grid/bleed/etc if you're doing an ebook. Hope that helps!

[@IcerArchives]

@@HeatherCashArt Beautiful. Thank you so much Miss Heather. Actually I don't know what to ask you, so I just typed it anyway what come across my head. That was very helpful. Subbed!

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@IcerArchives Yay!!