How to Write and Self-Publish a Story for Your Young Family Members this Christmas

Have you ever wanted to write a story for your children, nieces, or nephews? Crafting a personalised book that they can cherish forever is a rewarding project. 

Whether it's for a Christmas gift, for a birthday or simply a heartfelt gift, writing and self-publishing a story for young family members has never been more accessible. Here’s how you can do it, from the initial idea to the final printed copy.

1. Start with a Simple Idea

The first step is brainstorming a story idea that resonates with the children in your family. Think about what they enjoy—whether it's dinosaurs, fairies, or friendly animals. Consider their age and interests, and keep the language and themes simple and age-appropriate.

A great way to start is by focusing on a lesson you want to teach or a fun adventure they can imagine themselves in. Make the story relatable by including family members, pets, or familiar locations. Writing for young readers means keeping sentences short, straightforward, and full of imaginative descriptions.

2. Write and Edit the Story

Once you have your idea, start writing! Begin with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Children’s stories are typically shorter, usually between 500 and 1500 words, so don't worry about writing an epic. Use vivid language that sparks their imagination, and include dialogue or interactive elements if possible.

After writing, it's crucial to edit. You can ask a family member or friend to read over your story, or even get feedback from the children you're writing for (without revealing too much!). Make sure the language is easy to follow, and that the story flows smoothly from one part to the next.

3. Generate and Source Images

Illustrations play a significant role in children's books, bringing your story to life. You have a few options for sourcing images:

Draw Your Own: If you're artistically inclined, drawing your own illustrations adds a personal touch to the book. You can use digital tools like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator if you're comfortable with them.

Hire an Illustrator: There are many talented illustrators available for hire online. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or even social media platforms like Instagram are good places to find illustrators with styles that suit your vision. Make sure to communicate clearly about the story and the characters, so the artist can bring them to life as you imagine.

Use Stock Images or AI Tools: If you don’t want to create custom illustrations, there are stock image websites like Shutterstock or Pixabay, where you can find child-friendly illustrations. Alternatively, AI-powered tools can generate images based on prompts you provide. This can be a more budget-friendly option, though results may vary based on your vision.

4. Designing the Book

Once you have your text and illustrations ready, it’s time to bring it all together into a book format. Tools like Canva or BookWright (by Blurb) allow you to design the layout of your book with ease. You can choose page sizes, add text, images, and design elements.

Remember, children's books often rely on a balance between text and visuals, so don't overcrowd your pages with too much text. Leave plenty of space for the images to shine.

5. Self-Publishing: Digital or Print?

There are two main routes for self-publishing: digital eBooks or physical print copies.

Digital Self-Publishing

If you're aiming to create a digital version of your book, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Apple Books are great options. These platforms allow you to upload your manuscript and illustrations and offer your book as an eBook. Digital publishing is a cost-effective way to get your book out there, and family members can easily download it onto their devices.

Printing Physical Copies

If you want to create a physical book, you have a few options:

Major Companies: Services like Blurb or IngramSpark specialise in printing high-quality books, with the option to distribute them globally. These platforms allow you to print on demand, meaning you can order as few or as many copies as you need. You simply upload your designed book, and they handle the printing and shipping.

Local Print Shops: If you prefer to keep things local, many independent or chain print shops offer bespoke book printing services. You can provide them with the PDF of your book, and they will print, bind, and even help with cover design if necessary. This can be a lovely way to produce a small run of books, perfect for gifting.

6. Marketing Your Book (Optional)

If you intend to share your book beyond just family, consider simple ways to spread the word. You can create a website or blog, share on social media, or upload your book to online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. If it’s a personal family project, you may want to create just a few copies for special occasions without focusing on wider sales.

7. Conclusion

Writing and self-publishing a story for your young family members is a creative and meaningful endeavour. Whether you go fully digital or print physical copies, the result will be something your family can treasure for years to come. The process allows you to not only bond with the children in your life but also leave behind a unique legacy that showcases your creativity and love.

So, grab your pen (or keyboard) and get started on your family’s next favourite bedtime story!