Creating a Kid's Book: Layout and Template Design
Creating a Captivating Children's Book: A Guide to Layout and Design
Writing a children's book can be an exciting journey, and the layout and design phase is an essential step in bringing your story to life. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate this stage effectively.
Choosing the Right Format
When it comes to hardcover books, platforms like IngramSpark allow for shorter formats, including 32- and 40-page options. However, it's worth noting that traditional hardcovers or those made using offset printing are usually the focus of the discussion.
Preparing for the Layout Phase
Having a handle on typical word counts, page counts, and your target age group is crucial before moving into the layout and design phase. This early structure can save time and help your story come together faster. Aim for around 30 words per page in a children's book.
Illustration Notes and Visual Variety
Clear illustration notes can save time and reduce misunderstandings when working with an illustrator. Mixing layout options like full-bleed pages, full-bleed two-page spreads, vignettes, and spot art pages gives your book visual variety while supporting the pacing of the story. Every page or spread in a picture book should carry a small piece of the story.
Front Matter, Story Start, and Back Matter
Front matter, such as the title page, copyright, and dedication, typically occupy the first few pages. The story can start on an odd-numbered right-hand page (Page 3) or an even-numbered left-hand page (Page 4), each option offering a different visual impact. The back matter usually includes things like a “Next in the Series” page or an author bio. The very last page (Page 32 in a 32-page book) is always left blank for barcode placement.
Creating a Book Dummy
Creating a book dummy or a rough storyboard can help visualize the flow of the story and how it will sit on the pages. This can be particularly useful when planning the placement of text and illustrations.
Practical Considerations for Self-Publishers
For most self-published children's book authors, sticking with paperback and ebook formats is the more practical (and cost-effective) option. Amazon KDP Print requires a minimum of 76 pages for hardcovers, making it less practical for most children's books.
Final Thoughts
These layout structures are designed with printing and reader experience in mind. Placing the story either on the left or right alters whether it opens with a single page or spreads, affecting pacing and visual impact. Using a 32-page format accommodates front and back matter efficiently while leaving space for illustrations throughout. So, take the time to plan and visualize your book's layout, and watch as your story comes to life on the pages.
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