The 1:1 Retail-Ready Children's Book Course
To ensure that every book is the absolute best it can be, I only offer one course for chapter books and picture books. This allows room for correcting the foundational aspects of the manuscript and making sure that your goals and your book align.
The Right Fit
You want to publish your own books or books by other authors. You value having a veteran publishing coach and book production designer on your team to reduce the learning curve. You want to learn the professional processes for creating a retail-ready book that competes alongside traditionally published titles.
Credentials
Since 2012, I have designed and assisted in the development of 1,000+ books across multiple genres and layout complexities. Creating books that put the reader’s experience first is my one true love.
Course Overview
This course provides the framework, the resources, and the foundational knowledge of the publishing industry you need to make the right decisions in your business. You’ll be able to replicate this process without me for future books if you choose to do so.
Quick FAQ
- YOU are the publisher. This is not a vanity publishing or a hybrid publishing program. All accounts are setup in your name.
- All three levels of editing are included.
- Illustrations are included.
- Design is included.
- This is a 12-month timeframe.
$14,000
(payable in 12 installments)
What's Included
Here are the highlights of what’s included in the 1:1 Retail-Ready Children’s Book course.
Mentoring
Publishing strategy session
Education at each stage of the process
Manuscript assessment
Mid-project Zoom calls
Email support
Resource connections
Editing
Editor communication
Development edit
Copy edit
Proofreading of print-ready PDFs
Art Direction
Illustrations are included
Creative brief
Illustrator contract
Illustrator communication
2 rounds of storyboarding
2 rounds of line art
2 rounds of color
Book design
Typesetting
Print coordinator
Deliverables
2-minute video showcasing your book
Print-ready PDFs for your printer’s specs
Fixed-format ePub
Digital Advance Reader Copy
Each spread as a JPG file
Cover as a JPG file
Sell Sheet
Cover elements as individual PNG files
3D mock-ups of the cover and 3 interior spreads
Source files
Project Management
Formal copyright in your name
Library of Congress Control Number
PCIP block
ISBN registered in your name
Barcode generation
Additional Info
This program includes educating you on how to go direct to the printer of your choice, regardless of their location.
Although I will coordinate all activity with the printer, no printed books are included in this price.
As of Fall 2025, an offset print run of 3000 picture book units going directly through a reputable printer in China averages $1.75 per unit ($5K total), and that includes shipping.
Prices vary based on trim size, number of pages, and options.
To Help with Your Due Diligence
At the end of each project, I make a 2-minute video to showcase our teamwork. I’m big on due diligence around here, and I highly encourage you to review my work before scheduling a fit call. While each book is crafted with intention and has its own unique vibe, good design principles are always followed. These videos will give you a feel for who I am as a designer.
Okay, now you're ready to schedule your fit call!
During the scheduling process, you’ll have an opportunity to share some information about yourself and your project.