Find the Perfect Publishing Solution for Your Journey
Choose the support that matches your needs—from powerful self-publishing software to comprehensive guided programs
Why authors choose Made Live:
Our specialized platform for visual storytellers combines powerful tools with expert guidance, helping you create professional children’s books that captivate young readers — without the overwhelm.
Choose Your Publishing Path
Select the level of support that matches your needs—from powerful self-publishing software to comprehensive guided programs. All our solutions are specifically designed for visual storytellers.
Software
Self-directed publishing tools
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All-in-one workspace to plan, write, and design your book
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Made Live Assist AI guidance
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Visual spread layout tools
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Cloud storage for projects
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Regular updates & features
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7-day free trial, cancel anytime.
Self-Publishing Club™
12-week guided program
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12-month access to Made Live Software ($290 value)
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12 weekly live sessions ($1,200 value)
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Exclusive Online Community Access
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Comprehensive learning curriculum
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All Session Recordings
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Program Resources & Materials ($150 value)
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Limited spots available
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20% discount on coaching sessions
One-on-One Coaching
Personalized guidance
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60-minute personalized session
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In-depth focus on chosen topic
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Session recording for reference
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Follow-up email with action steps
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Expert publishing guidance
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Flexible scheduling
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SPC Members: Save 20% on all sessions
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Multi-Session Packages Available
Learn More About
Better Together: Our Publishing Solutions Work Hand-in-Hand
Our core offerings are designed to work seamlessly together or stand alone, depending on your needs:
Software Platform
$29/month
The foundation of your publishing journey with AI-powered tools and guidance
Self-Publishing Club™
$697*
Community-based learning with 12 months of software access included
*Regular $797
One-on-One Coaching
$150/session
Personalized expert guidance when you need it most
SPC members save 20% on all coaching sessions
Choose the path that works best for your publishing journey, or combine options for maximum support.
Limited Time
Community Builder Discount: Early Cohort Special Offer
- Save $100 with early bird pricing
- Become a founding member of our author community
- Lock in pricing before future rate increases
- Shape the future of our program with your insights
Offer available for a limited time and limited to 15 participants. Don’t wait! Savings will decrease in subsequent cohorts.
Why Choose a Complete Solution?
Faster Progress
Accelerate your journey with integrated tools and expert guidance
Better Results
Create a higher quality book with professional support at every stage
Greater Confidence
Move forward knowing you have expert guidance and community support
Better Value
Save money while getting more comprehensive support
Comparing Publishing Paths for Illustrated Books
See how Made Live compares to other publishing options specifically for illustrated children’s books. Each path offers different levels of support, cost structures, and timelines—find the approach that best matches your publishing goals.
| Made Live | Traditional Publishing | DIY Publishing | Assisted/Hybrid Publishing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | Starting at $29/mo; support from $$150 | $0 upfront | $2,000 - $6,000+ | $5,000 - $20,000+ |
| Royalties | 100% to author | 5% - 15% typically | 70% + (minus costs) | Variable (40 - 70% typically) |
| Print Costs | Moderate (POD options) | Covered by publisher | High for quality color printing | Moderate to high |
| Creative Control | Complete, with expert guidance | Very limited | Complete, but challenging | Partial |
| Timeline | 90+ days | 2-4 + years (after contract) | 9-18 + months | 8-18 + months |
| Illustration Process | Streamlined coordination tools | Publisher selects illustrator | Author finds & manages illustrator | Basic coordination services |
| Editing Costs | Guidance included (software), services at member rates | Included | $1,000 - $2,800 additional | Basic included, premium costs extra |
| Technical Requirements | Guided with specialized tools | Handled by publisher | Author responsibility | Basic assistance provided |
| Post Publishing Support | Ongoing community access; optional support at member rates | 3-6 months, diminishing | None unless separately hired | Limited timeframe (30-90 days) |
| Marketing Support | Strategic guidance & templates | Basic package, limited for new authors | 100% author responsibility | Generic approach, extras cost more |
| Best For | Visual storytellers wanting efficient, guided publishing | Authors willing to wait and surrender creative control | Tech-savvy authors with project management skills | Authors with large budgets wanting hands-off approach |
Made Live
Upfront Cost: $29/month (software only), $697 (guided program), or one-on-one coaching from $150/session.
Timeline: 90 days with structured approach specifically for visual books
Creative Control: Complete creative vision with expert guidance to execute it effectively
Illustration Process: Streamlined coordination tools, direction templates, and expert guidance
Editing Costs: Developmental feedback included in program; professional services available at member rates
Technical Requirements: Guided process with specialized tools for illustrated books
Post-Publishing Support: Ongoing community access and resources for children’s book promotion
Marketing Support: Launch strategy guidance, children’s book-specific templates, and community support
Royalties: 100% — you keep all your royalties
Best For: Picture book authors wanting efficient publishing with specialized visual storytelling support
Traditional Publishing
Upfront Cost: $0 upfront (but typically only 5-15% royalties)
Timeline: 2-4+ years for illustrated books (significantly longer than text-only)
Creative Control: Very limited—publisher typically selects illustrator with minimal author input
Illustration Process: Fully managed by publisher with limited author involvement
Editing Costs: Developmental, copy editing, and proofreading included
Technical Requirements: Completely handled by publisher
Post-Publishing Support: Moderate to limited, diminishes significantly 3-6 months after launch
Marketing Support: Basic marketing package, but limited for new authors; author expected to handle significant promotion
Royalties: Typically 5-15% of sales
Best For: Authors willing to wait years and surrender creative control over visuals in exchange for traditional publisher credibility
DIY Self-Publishing
Upfront Cost: $2,000-6,000+ (illustrator: $1,500-5,000, design: $500-1,500, printing setup: $500+)
Timeline: 9-18 months, with significant delays in illustration coordination
Creative Control: Complete, but challenging to execute effectively
Illustration Process: Author must find, hire, and manage illustrator relationship
Editing Costs: Developmental ($500-1,500), Copy Editing ($300-800), Proofreading ($200-500)
Technical Requirements: Author must learn and manage all technical specifications for print/digital
Post-Publishing Support: None unless separately hired
Marketing Support: 100% author responsibility with no structured guidance
Royalties: 70%+ (minus ongoing platform fees)
Best For: Authors with project management experience, technical skills, and ability to coordinate visual elements
Assisted / Hybrid Publishing
Upfront Cost: $5,000-15,000+ (higher than text-only due to illustration coordination)
Timeline: 8-14 months for illustrated books
Creative Control: Partial, depending on package and provider
Illustration Process: Basic coordination services, often with limited visual expertise
Editing Costs: Basic editing may be included; premium services often cost $800-2,000+ extra
Technical Requirements: Basic assistance, but often with additional costs for specialized needs
Post-Publishing Support: Limited timeframe (typically 30-90 days)
Marketing Support: Basic package included; comprehensive marketing costs $1,000-3,000+ extra
Royalties: Variable (typically 40-70% depending on contract)
Best For: Authors with large budgets who want a hands-off approach but are willing to accept less specialized guidance
Want to understand the difference between publishing options? Check out the definitions in our comprehensive publishing glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our pricing, packages, and payment options. If you don’t see your question answered here, send us an email or schedule a free consultation with our team.
If you've explored our software platform, Self-Publishing Club, and coaching options but still aren't sure which is the best fit, we recommend starting with a free consultation. Our team will discuss your project goals, experience level, and learning preferences to help you choose the option that best matches your needs.
Yes! You can upgrade or change your products or services at any time. If you start with our software platform and decide you want more support, you can easily add coaching sessions or join the next Self-Publishing Club cohort.
For our software platform, you can cancel your monthly subscription anytime and your access will expire and the end of your paid period. For the Self-Publishing Club, you can request a full refund within 7 days of the program start if you determine it's not the right fit. Coaching sessions can be rescheduled but are non-refundable once booked.
The prices listed include all features and benefits described. There are no hidden fees or mandatory add-ons. The only additional costs would be if you choose to purchase additional coaching sessions beyond what's included in your package, or services like professional editing that are offered at member rates.
Yes! We offer a 7-day free trial of our software platform with no credit card required. This gives you full access to explore all the features and tools to see if it's the right fit for your illustrated book project.
Our platform is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, requiring no special technical skills. If you can use basic word processing software and navigate websites, you'll be comfortable using our tools. We also provide comprehensive tutorials and support.
The program runs for 12 weeks with weekly live sessions, structured assignments, and ongoing community support. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of the publishing journey, building progressively toward your completed book.
Yes! All SPC members receive 20% off coaching sessions.
We limit each cohort to 15 participants to ensure everyone receives personalized attention and has the opportunity to ask questions during live sessions.
We accept all major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. All payments are processed securely through Stripe.
SPC members receive 12 months of full access to the Made Live software platform, valued at $290.
Ready to Start Your Publishing Journey?
Transform your illustrated book from concept to published reality with Made Live's comprehensive platform and expert guidance.
No credit card required • 7-day free trial • Cancel anytime
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project goals and get personalized recommendations from our publishing experts.
