How to Write a Children’s Book: A Step-by-Step Guide from Idea to Publishing

Melissa Munro Boyd
6 days ago
3 min read

book cover B is for Breathe by Dr Melissa Munro Boyd. Image is of an African-American child with arms stretched behind him

Writing a children’s book entails more than just having a great story idea and appealing images.

If you've ever wondered how to write a children’s book, you're not alone. As a psychologist and children’s author, I’ve learned that turning an idea into a meaningful, published story takes more than creativity—it takes planning, patience, and purpose.

It takes several steps to develop a fascinating story that kids will enjoy.

Steps to Writing a Children’s Book

Target the right age group
Be familiar with book categories (i.e. picture book, young reader, middle grade, young adult)
Create characters that are appealing and relatable
Keep the story engaging and exciting
Use age-appropriate language
Create a catchy title
Use an illustrator
Edit your book thoroughly

B is for Breathe in Korean, Cover has Korean child with arms stretched backward. Book by Dr Melissa Munro Boyd

Step 1: Choose Your Audience and Book Type

Target the right age group. Be familiar with book categories (i.e., picture book, young reader, middle grade, young adult).

Step 2: Create Relatable Characters and a Catchy Title

Create characters that are appealing and relatable. Keep the story engaging and exciting. Use age-appropriate language. Create a catchy title.

book cover of Better Together by Dr Melissa Munro Boyd and Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre 4 children sitting outside together

Step 3: Write the Story and Ask for Feedback

When writing a children’s book, your first draft will most likely not be your best. It is important to check for spelling and grammar mistakes and to ask friends and family you trust to review your work. It can also be helpful to join a writing community (online or in person) and to reach out to fellow writers to ask for advice and tips. Be open to suggestions and correction of errors; however, it is important to stay true to your story amidst the feedback process.

Book cover of Keeping it Cool by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd. African American child sitting on yoga mat with eyes closed

Step 4: Edit and Finalize Your Manuscript

After proofreading and finalizing your story, the next step involves publishing your book. Options include traditional publishing or self-publishing if you don’t want to publish your book conventionally.

Step 5: Choose a Publishing Path

Publishing

As a self-publisher, I use Amazon's self-publishing platform called KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and IngramSpark. KDP prints paperbacks, and Ingram prints both paperbacks and hardcover. IngramSpark also allows for expanded distribution to stores like Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble. They are both free platforms and have helpful customer service representatives to assist with questions and concerns.

Book cover for Creating Calm in 5, 4, 3, 2,1 Relaxation Techniques for Kids. By Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd and Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre Cover has 4 children of various races in various yoga poses

Step 6: Collaborate with an Illustrator

Illustrations

I develop the concept and send draft descriptions of each page to the illustrator. I have found my illustrators by looking at other children's books, reviewing portfolios online, and reaching out to inquire about cost and availability.

cover of book Kindness is Cool by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd. The cover has an African American child cuddling a puppy

Step 7: Understand ISBNs and Copyright Protection

ISBN

Purchase an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), which is a book identification number that is unique and found on every single book. Some publishers and other services might offer to provide an ISBN, but it's safer to get your own ISBN/barcodes so that nobody owns them but you.

Copyright

Copyrighting your book prevents another person from copying or printing your book without approval.

Helpful links:

Cover of book called Hair Day by Melissa Munro Boyd. The cover has an African American child sitting in a stylist's chair looking at a magazine surrounded by pictures of hair styles

Why I Write Children’s Books: A Personal Mission

As a psychologist, I write storybooks to engage children in gaining insight into their feelings and teach helpful ways to practice healthy coping skills. Prior to my family and I PCS’ing to Korea in 2019, I published my first children’s book titled B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrated Feelings. I have since published Skills for Kids, which was created to provide children with tools and skills to better understand topics related to feelings, emotion regulation, calming strategies, friendship, and kindness. These books are a wonderful resource for children, parents, educators, counselors, and more.

The Skills for Kids Book Series

B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings
Better Together: The ABCs of Building Social Skills and Friendships
Keeping it Cool: Skills for Coping with Change
Creating Calm in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Kindness is Cool
Hair Day
Pool Day
Color my Hair Coloring Book

Books can be purchased online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in addition to many local bookstores in the United States. Follow Dr. Boyd for more information on Instagram and Facebook.

Website: https://www.skillsforkidsbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissamunro.boyd

Instagram: @melimunro