Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
Designing
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Develop Engaging Characters for Your Book
How to Develop Engaging Characters for Your Book
Creating engaging characters is one of the most important steps in writing a book, especially when it comes to children’s picture books or illustrated stories. Characters are what readers connect with—they drive the story forward and create an emotional bond with the audience. Here’s how you can develop memorable, relatable, and dynamic characters for your book.
Make Your Characters Relatable
For readers to connect with your characters, they need to feel relatable. This doesn’t mean your character has to be just like your reader, but they should possess qualities, emotions, or struggles that are universal. When developing your characters, think about:
- What are your character’s goals and desires? Every character should want something. Whether it’s as simple as finding a lost toy or as complex as saving their kingdom, your character’s desires drive the story.
- What are their strengths and weaknesses? Giving your characters strengths makes them admirable, but it’s their weaknesses that make them relatable. Readers identify with characters who aren’t perfect and who face challenges similar to their own.
- What makes your character unique? While relatability is key, uniqueness makes your characters stand out. Think about what makes your character different from others. It could be a quirky habit, an unusual talent, or a distinctive way they view the world.
Create Characters That Grow
Engaging characters evolve throughout the story. They face challenges, learn lessons, and change in response to their experiences. To create a dynamic character arc, consider:
- What is your character’s starting point? Think about where your character begins in the story. What are their beliefs, fears, or limitations at the start?
- How do they change by the end? Whether your character becomes braver, more compassionate, or discovers something new about themselves, the journey they go on should lead to growth. Readers love seeing characters who change over time.
- What events drive their growth? Your character’s development should be linked to the plot. Think about how key events in the story challenge your character and push them to evolve.
Make Your Characters Memorable
Memorable characters are ones that readers can’t forget, even after the book is closed. To create a lasting impression, focus on making your characters distinct:
- Use a strong visual or physical trait: Whether it’s wild, curly hair or a signature accessory like a bright yellow raincoat, give your character a unique, defining trait that makes them visually memorable.
- Create a unique voice: The way your character speaks or interacts with others can set them apart. Do they use particular phrases or speak in short, clipped sentences? Do they have a special way of expressing emotions?
- Give them a strong personality: Is your character bold and fearless, or quiet and thoughtful? Ensure their personality traits shine through their actions and dialogue. Readers should feel like they know your character inside and out by the end of the book.
Show, Don’t Tell
When it comes to character development, showing is always more powerful than telling. Instead of saying “Lily was brave,” show her bravery through her actions. For example:
- Instead of: "Lily was brave."
- Try: "Lily took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and stepped into the dark cave, her hands trembling but her feet steady."
Let your characters reveal their emotions, strengths, and weaknesses through their behavior, dialogue, and choices.
Build Relationships Between Characters
How your characters interact with others is just as important as their individual development. Relationships reveal more about your characters and add depth to the story. When developing relationships between characters, consider:
- How do the characters feel about each other? Are they best friends, rivals, or family members? Their relationships should influence the story and their development.
- How do they grow through these relationships? Relationships can shape how your characters evolve. Maybe a character learns patience through a sibling, or bravery by standing up to a bully.
- Do they experience conflict or collaboration? Both conflict and teamwork are great ways to reveal more about your characters. Don’t shy away from moments of disagreement or tension—they help develop character depth.
Know Your Character’s Backstory
Even if you don’t share every detail of your character’s past in the book, understanding their backstory can help you write more convincingly. Ask yourself:
- Where did this character come from? What are their past experiences that shape how they behave in the present?
- What motivates them? A character’s backstory often holds the key to their motivations, fears, and desires. This adds depth to their actions and makes their decisions feel more authentic.