Karen Richard, Author at Made Live

Print-on-Demand vs. Offset Printing: Choosing the Right Path for Your Picture Book

By Karen Richard / April 25, 2025

Choosing between print-on-demand and offset printing is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make for your picture book. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the specifications, costs, quality considerations, and distribution implications of each printing method to help you make an informed choice aligned with your publishing goals, budget, and timeline.

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Mastering Page Turns: The Secret Weapon of Successful Picture Books

By Karen Richard / April 25, 2025

Picture books possess a unique storytelling advantage that no other medium can replicate: the physical page turn. This simple act creates moments of anticipation, pause, and revelation that can elevate your story from good to unforgettable. Learn how to harness this powerful technique to create more engaging, memorable picture books that keep young readers coming back for more.

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Creating a Picture Book Dummy: Step-by-Step Guide

By Karen Richard / April 25, 2025

A picture book dummy is the secret tool professional creators use to test their stories before committing to final artwork. This step-by-step guide shows you how to create and use this essential planning tool, helping you identify structural problems early and ensure your narrative fits perfectly within industry-standard formats.

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An illustration of an open book sits in the foreground with visuals of how to plan and layout picture books in the background

Picture Book Layouts: Essential Formats and Structure for Publishing Success

By Karen Richard / April 24, 2025

Before you write a single word of your children’s picture book, understanding layout fundamentals can save you countless hours of revision and prevent costly formatting mistakes. This guide introduces you to essential picture book formats, page structure, and how different publishing paths impact your layout decisions.

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A watercolor style illustration of a stack of papers with a pencil, moving over to a blue arrow pointing to children's book character dragons

Picture Book Writing: How to Think Visually Like an Illustrator

By Karen Richard / April 22, 2025

Most picture book writers don’t realize they’re only telling half the story. Learn how to develop “illustrator vision” with practical exercises that help you see beyond your words, leave room for visual storytelling, and create manuscripts that appeal to editors and engage young readers on multiple levels.

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Why Editors Reject Picture Books: Is Your Main Character Too Passive?

By Karen Richard / April 22, 2025

Are you facing unexplained rejections for your picture book manuscript despite beautiful writing and a compelling concept? The problem might be the “silent manuscript killer” that most authors miss: lack of character agency. Discover why editors and agents immediately notice when your protagonist isn’t driving the story forward, and learn practical techniques to transform a passive main character into an active hero that young readers will connect with. This critical but often overlooked element could be the difference between rejection and request for your children’s book.

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Creating Children’s Picture Books: A Beginner’s Guide

By Karen Richard / April 4, 2025

The journey from initial concept to published children’s picture book involves multiple creative stages, important decisions, and practical considerations. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the children’s picture book creation process, breaking it down into manageable pieces while highlighting key decision points and strategies for success. Whether you’re exploring publishing pathways or wondering if creating a children’s book is right for you, this roadmap provides the foundation to begin your creative journey with confidence.

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A watercolor style illustration of a cute little pink octopus with huge dark rimmed glasses. It sits on an open book beside a cup full of pencils.

PCIP and Cataloging Data for Self-Published Authors: 2025 Update

By Karen Richard / April 2, 2025

Navigating the world of PCIP and Library of Congress cataloging data can be confusing for self-published authors. This step-by-step guide reveals how to get an LCCN, use third-party cataloging services, and make your indie book more attractive to libraries.

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A light teal watercolor style octopus sits beside a young girl child with curly reddish hair and reading a book. They are surrounded by bubbles and flowers.

How to Self-Publish a Children’s Book: A Complete Guide

By Karen Richard / June 14, 2024

Embark on the journey of self-publishing your children’s book with our end-to-end guide. From initial manuscript to reaching young readers, unlock the secrets to successfully navigate the self-publishing landscape and bring your imaginative stories to life.

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Cute pink cartoon octopus wearing dark rimmed glasses, holding a pencil, sitting on an open book with books stacked up all around it.

Top Software Tools for Self-Publishing Success

By Karen Richard / May 24, 2024

Discover the best software tools that can help transform your manuscript into a self-published masterpiece. From writing and editing to design and distribution, learn how to navigate the self-publishing process with ease.

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A light pinkish red octopus illustration. The octopus uses a magnifying glass to look closer at a book laying open on the desk in front of it. It is surrounded by pens, pencils, books, and other office supplies.

A Guide to Finding the Best Self-Publishing Company

By Karen Richard / May 17, 2024

Navigate the self-publishing landscape with confidence using our insider’s guide. Learn how to compare self-publishing companies, understand the importance of services offered, costs, royalties, and read through success stories to find the perfect partner for your book’s journey.

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An AI generated image of an open book. On the left, black and white images flow from the pages. On the right, colorful and bright creatures and flowers flow from the pages.

The Magic of Children’s Book Illustrations: A Guide for Authors

By Karen Richard / May 9, 2024

Uncover the secrets to creating stunning illustrations for children’s books. Learn how Made Live empowers authors to craft visuals that resonate with young readers and complement their narratives.

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Author name: Karen Richard