10 Comments
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Alyssa Reynoso-Morris's avatar

Very informative. I'm not self published but am considering it because traditional publishers are decreasing their acquisitions. This is great information to have.

Karen Ferreira's avatar

Yes, self-publishing is a more definite and faster way to get published.

OCD Peer Support's avatar

D2D does not publish color photos the last time I checked. Can you recommend a tech friendly formatting program. Kindle kids did not work for me.

Karen Ferreira's avatar

Hi. Canva is an option. I've shown people how to design books on there and it works. Affinity Publisher is also a good option now. I haven't used it, but it's essentially a free alternative to Adobe InDesign. It exports to professional publishing formats. It's a bit more complicated than Canva.

OCD Peer Support's avatar

I tried InDesign and was absolutely clueless.

Karen Ferreira's avatar

Yes, InDesign is a steep learning curve.

OCD Peer Support's avatar

Does Canva have a free layout template for children’s books. I am reluctant to pay for a trial if it does not work for me.

Karen Ferreira's avatar

You can do it with a free Canva account. They don't have a template. You need to create your own custom file, which includes bleed: 0.125 on each side, but not on the gutter side. So e.g. for an 8.5 x 8.5", you need to create a canvas of 8.75 x 8.625. Then place all the images and text and export as a PDF print. I do have a course that shows it all in great detail: https://ferreira.thrivecart.com/create-your-own-picture-book-course/

Camden S. Holley's avatar

Wonderful article!

Karen Ferreira's avatar

Thanks, Camden!