Karen Richard, Author at Made Live : Page 2 of 5

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.

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

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.

Creating Children’s Picture Books: A Beginner’s Guide Read More »

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Top Software Tools for Self-Publishing Success Read More »

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.

A Guide to Finding the Best Self-Publishing Company Read More »

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.

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

Watercolor-style illustration of a child, wearing a robotic-style helmet, holding hands with a robot and a futuristic looking red-faced girl

Creating Powerful Children’s Book Characters with Agency: A Complete Guide

By Karen Richard / May 4, 2024

Character agency—the ability of protagonists to make meaningful choices that drive the story forward—transforms children’s books from simple entertainment into powerful developmental tools. When young readers see characters their own age solving problems through their own decisions, they absorb crucial lessons about their own potential. The most memorable children’s book characters don’t just have things happen to them; they actively shape their stories through choices that feel both authentic and empowering.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Creating Powerful Children’s Book Characters with Agency: A Complete Guide Read More »

Watercolor style illustration of a happy looking octopus working on a laptop, surrounded by scrap papers, pencils, and a coffee cup

Print-on-Demand Children’s Books: A Complete Guide for Authors

By Karen Richard / April 27, 2024

Discover the ultimate guide to print-on-demand platforms for children’s book authors. Learn about the best POD services, trim sizes, pros, cons, and how to successfully publish your illustrated book.

Print-on-Demand Children’s Books: A Complete Guide for Authors Read More »

An AI generated image of a cozy and warm bedroom. Bookshelves and hanging lights sit near an open book. Fantastical and magical creatures float out from the pages of the book.

Crafting Enchanting Themes in Children’s Books

By Karen Richard / April 20, 2024

Explore the essential elements of creating captivating themes for children’s books. Uncover tips for integrating emotion, imagination, and learning into your stories, and discover how to make your book a cherished part of a child’s reading journey.

Crafting Enchanting Themes in Children’s Books Read More »

A digital illustration of a nature scene. Dark trees in the foreground, sun setting over a valley and stream. Dusk.

Children’s Book Illustration Guide – Styles of Illustration

By Karen Richard / April 18, 2024

From whimsical watercolors to dynamic digital art, choosing the right illustration style can set your children’s book apart. Explore our guide to the most popular children’s book illustration styles and find inspiration for your next project.

Children’s Book Illustration Guide – Styles of Illustration Read More »

An illustration of a red octopus holding a pencil and standing in front of a board covered in papers. He looks like he's planning a story.

Crafting the Climax of a Children’s Story: Engaging Young Readers

By Karen Richard / April 16, 2024

Dive into the art of crafting the climax in children’s stories. Explore how to heighten tension, unify narrative threads, and deliver a memorable peak moment that captivates young readers.

Crafting the Climax of a Children’s Story: Engaging Young Readers Read More »

Author name: Karen Richard