Publishing a high-quality board book for young children can be a rewarding yet challenging process. As a professional board book printing manufacturer, I’m often asked, “What’s the best way to publish a board book?”
So in this post, I’ll share my top tips for successfully publishing board books in 2024, from writing compelling stories to finding a reputable printer.
Why Publish a Board Book?
Board books are beloved by babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for good reason – they withstand rough handling! With thick, sturdy pages perfect for little hands, board books introduce young children to the joy of reading.
As an author, you have a special opportunity to create stories and illustrations that delight these young minds. Plus, parents and grandparents are always seeking out engaging new board books to bond with the little ones in their lives.
So if you have an idea for a board book that could capture children’s imagination, it may be time to make that story come alive!
How to Publish a Board Book
Step 1: Plan The Concept
Before diving into the writing and illustration, spend time developing a focused concept. Simple stories or concepts centered around things like:
- Colors
- ABCs
- Numbers
- Shapes
- Animals
- Common first words
Usually make delightful board book topics.
You’ll also want to decide if you’ll handle both writing and illustrations yourself or partner with an illustrator. This partnership between writer and illustrator brings the story fully to life.
Step 2: Write a Compelling Story
Resist the urge to overload board book stories with too many details. These short stories shine when focused around:
- A single central character
- Engaging yet simple narrative arc
- Short, rhyming text – rhymes aid memorization
Keep sentences ultra-short – just a few words per page. This allows the pictures to shine while creating a story pacing appropriate for young kids with short attention spans.
And be sure to have the story critiqued by early childhood education specialists to perfect it before illustration.
Step 3. Add Eye-Popping Illustrations
Vibrant full-bleed illustrations are central in board books, so vivid artwork can make or break your book’s success.
Important illustration tips include:
- Hire an experienced children’s book illustrator if you lack artistic skills
- Focus illustrations around a central, recurring character children identify with
- Allow illustrations to build onto the simple narrative
- Include engaging small details for children to discover during re-reads
Step 4. Work With a Book Designer
Now you’re ready to work with a professional book designer (or do it yourself if you have the skills) to layout illustrations and text into a cohesive board book design.
Key layout tips:
- Organize content in easy-to-follow narrative order
- Position words relative to illustrations for flow and emphasis
- Leave breathing room around illustrations and text – avoid clutter
- Use clean, easy to read fonts sized appropriately for age group
Remember, board books feature printing on the inside covers – so don’t leave them blank!
Step 5. Find a Reliable Board Book Printer
Printing high-quality board books requires specialized equipment, so researching board book printers is key. When researching:
- Verify they regularly print board books – this specialized process differs from standard book printing
- Ask to see board book samples to assess paper, print quality, construction
- Get quotes for different quantities – price breaks often come at 1k+ copies
- Clarify if pricing includes copyediting, proofs, shipping
- Be sure they comply with safety standards for children’s products
I recommend connecting with printers early so you can collaborate on templates and technical considerations through the design process.
Reputable printers focused on board books, like Go Book Printing, are invaluable partners that guide you through the publishing process.
Step 6. Plan Distribution and Marketing
With printed books in hand, it’s time to map out how you’ll sell your board book! This distribution and marketing planning can make or break sales, so key strategies like:
- Launching an author website with book sales capabilities
- Getting your book into popular marketplaces like Amazon
- Producing book trailers and building social media buzz
- Contacting schools, libraries, and niche bookstores to setup bulk orders
- Attending trade shows that connect with children’s booksellers
Should all be part of your game plan.
Ideally, you mapped out distribution and marketing strategies even before printing to gauge demand and print appropriate quantities.
Final Thoughts
The children’s book market keeps growing, but launching a successful board book still requires skillful planning paired with commitment and patience.
But by focusing your concept, fine-tuning storytelling, collaborating with talented illustrators, designing effectively, printing quality books, and relentlessly promoting – you give your book its best chance at delighting children for years to come.
Your story can spark a lifelong love of reading – making all the effort worthwhile. So polish up that special board book idea and make it a reality today!