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(866) 944-2999 |
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info@artbookbindery.com |
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Writing a Children's Book |
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Most authors who have undertaken the task of writing a Children's Book will often say that computer software posed a significant challenge to them. This is why at the outset, we recommend using software that you are familiar with. Take time to familiarize yourself with basic keyboard functions and toolbar commands.
Do not use two or more varieties of software to produce your manuscript. Choose one type of software and stick with it. If the software you have originally chosen is causing problems, we would suggest copying the files to a Microsoft Word document. While Microsoft Word is not a perfect software, we have found it to be among the most stable.
Use a single computer. Using two or more computers or a variety of software can cause a number of problems with your file, the most serious being Text Re-Flow. Text Re-Flow is the repositioning of text on the page. For example, if the word “afternoon” appears as the first word on a page on your computer, that same word may end up on the last line of the previous page when we print the proof of your book. This problem is not insurmountable but in most cases is avoidable. Using a single software on a single computer will minimize the risk of developing problems like this later on. |
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Writing Software |
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We have listed a variety of the most common software used to create your Children's Book. We have rated each type of software according to its performance.
| Microsoft Word |
Most common program for writing manuscripts. Microsoft Word accounts for approximately 90% of our submissions. |
4 out of 5 |
| Microsoft Works |
Microsoft Works is similar to Microsoft Word in many aspects, but is less stable when dealing with larger files. |
2 out of 5 |
| Microsoft Publisher |
Very serious text flow issues; so much so, that many printers will not accept Microsoft Publisher files. |
1 out of 5 |
| Adobe PageMaker |
Adobe PageMaker has a large learning curve, and proves difficult when transferring larger files. |
2 out of 5 |
| Adobe InDesign |
The ideal software to use is Adobe InDesign, due to its incredible flexibility and professional status. Unfortunately, the software has a steep learning curve and is quite costly. |
5 out of 5 |
| Corel WordPerfect |
Corel WordPerfect is very user friendly, but completely incompatible with modern printing presses. |
1 out of 5 |
| Google Docs |
Google Docs is a very flexible application that handles word processing very well. Because Docs is exclusively online, it autosaves all of your work so you never lose any important files.
Docs is completely free, and you can access it here. |
4 out of 5 |
Unfortunately for users of Corel WordPerfect, font restrictions built into the software make it very difficult to print the file on our large commercial presses. We would strongly recommend copying the file into Microsoft Word before proceeding.
If you are interested in purchasing software to write your children's book, we would suggest you search online at Amazon.
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Editing Your Manuscript
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Editing is a term which simply means To prepare (written material) for publication, as by correcting, revising, or adapting. We would strongly advise having your file edited before you submit your manuscript to be produced. This is to avoid delays in printing due to last minute corrections and the added cost of printing several proofs.
Many authors use the services of a friend or family member who is qualified to edit their book. Another popular option is to hire a student from a local college or university to do the editing. A third option is to hire a professional editor. Although we do not provide an editing service, we would be able to recommend a qualified editor.
As the author, you should never do the final edit. If there are mistakes you probably won’t catch your own mistakes, no matter how many times you read through the manuscript. |
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Illustrating Software
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Illustrating digitally is becoming more and more popular as the digital age continues to grow. We often get asked about software not just for writing, but also for imagery. We've rated some of the most popular applications for this purpose.
| Adobe Photoshop |
Most common editing tool, has a large user base and strong community for tutorials and assistance. |
4 out of 5 |
| Adobe Illustrator |
Very robust illustraton software, considered industry standard for professional illustration. |
5 out of 5 |
| Paint |
This software is bundled with every copy of Microsoft Windows, but due to its extreme limitations, makes for generally poor image quality. |
1 out of 5 |
| Corel Draw |
A good alternative program, not the most popular software but has good support and function. |
3 out of 5 |
There's a huge collection of drawing and art software that you can get both for free and paid, but we can only list so many. This list is simply the most popular software used for children's book illustration. |
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Finding an Illustrator |
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To those who are getting their children's book published, searching for an illustrator can be a difficult and frustrating process. When looking for an illustrator, you should ask to see a portfolio of his or her work. When selecting an illustrator for your book, you should discuss the terms of your arrangement, including price, then put these terms into writing.
This will prevent the terms from changing half way through the process. We keep a list of qualified illustrators, and we would be happy to refer illustrators to anyone requiring this service. Please contact us toll free at 1-866-944-2999. |
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Choose a Page Size / Binding Style
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Most Children's books we produce are in the 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" saddle stitch format. Saddle stitch is the type of binding that looks like a paperback book but instead of the paperback style adhesive binding, the book is held together with two staples on the very edge of the spine. A saddle stitch book should have no more than 52 pages.
Most saddle stitch children's books are approximately 24 pages plus cover. The 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" page style is excellent for allowing the placement of illustration and text. Having said that, there really are no hard and fast rules as to what page size or page layout style is best. |
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