Thank you for this video! I cannot tell you how many videos I watched looking for how to format and all I could find was about loading it to KDP or just the writing aspect of children’s books. I appreciate your thorough direction and help! As a newcomer to the children’s book game, this video just made things so much clearer!
Thank you for this. I offered to format a friend's book for him because I create novels all the time--but who knew children's books were such a different animal! Kids are so complicated! lol. This was REALLY useful.
Thank you so much for this video! Thank you for sharing about how the book must be divisible by 4, its a great tip! Also thank you for letting us know about the last page needing to be blank, its helping me set up my book properly for KDP. I started with 32 pages with a spot illustration as the end page, but seeing that it would probably add 4 blank pages, I have separated the activity section at the end to make it 36 with page #36 being blank. Thank you so much Emma!
Finally! I have been struggling with page size. I confused it with image size so I got back reject letter after reject letter. Literally 20-30. Last night it broke me. I cried over my computer, I sobbed. I just couldn't figure it out. UNTIL YOU! It's not the image size I needed to increase, it was the entire document page size. DUH!!! I'm about to submit again and should probably give you credit in my book. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
After formatting the children's book manuscript with the illustrations in either pages or Canva, do you upload the file directly to Amazon KDP or does it need to be converted?
Kirk Dodson I infer from your reaction that you use Clip Studio Paint yourself. Do you know how to change the extension .clip from the drawings made in CSP into .pdf so I can import the drawings into Pages?
You can scrub the background from an image in Canva now. Not sure if that was an option when this video was created as I am new to both Canva and writing and illustrating picture books.
I had NO idea that Fonts could require a Commercial license. Wow! Thanks for tipping me off to that. Sheesh!! Everyone is trying to get a piece of the action.
Hi Emma, your videos are so incredibly helpful, thank you for making them. I noticed you made a video on BookVault publishing recently, any chance you could possibly make a similar video to this one, on formatting a hardcover but for BookVault printing using Canva. I need help with formatting both the hardback Cover and Interior file. I'm trying to work it out, but for the life of me it doesn't seem to look right in the BookVault preview.
Thanks for your video I found this extremely useful. Also I've watched the video like 5 times and I only just noticed you have the most beautiful eyes.
What template did you use to do all of this? I was on Word, then switched to Google Docs because I have no idea which to use to put my illustrations and then the text. I'm new at this and am confused.
QUESTIONS: You mentioned blank pages and multiples of 4. 1. Are those blank pages extra? A. So, say 16 story pages AND an extra blank at the end or are the blank pages included in the multiples of 4? B. How does this work with the copyright, publisher page and title page? C. If I’m self publishing do I add that? 2. I currently have 14 pages for my story. Should my story start on the right side and finish on the left making a blank page at the beginning and one at the end? A. Does it not matter what side I start/end on as long as I have blank pages at the beginning and end? B. Should I make 2 more pages to make it a multiple of 4? Thank you for any help!
Basically, your 14 page story will probably have 2 extra pages added at the end to make it 16 when it is printed. The back single page has to be blank for them to put a bar code on, so make sure to have that included in your set up. You can choose to have a blank one at the start or not, but you would have to include that in your formatting. Personally I added a 'this book belongs to' page. Does that make sense? x
Hello, thank you for your video it is really helpful. I have a question wondered if you could help - I would like to have a back page with a book description but you mention to leave the back page blank? Could you clarify? Do we leave space for a barcode and have an image and book description? Or do I leave last page blank?
I’m sure I’m missing something obvious. I have downloaded my cover template from KDP but when I got to upload to canva it is telling me it’s too large to upload?
you don't need it to be a particularly good quality file, so maybe see if you can adjust the file size? As long as you can see the guide lines it's fine
Thank you for your very well informed video. I have a few questions, I hope you can help me. I don't have a Mac so can I set up a 28 page book on Canva as well as the cover. And I get confused with what actually will be cut off with trim lines, bleed lines, and safe zone. Will I lose everything that extends to the bleed line as well as trim line? Thank you.
Thanks Emma! If I were formatting my book solely as an Ebook, would I still need to add in the bleed margins or do I just leave the trim size as is, eg 8.5 x 8.5? I already have the pdf for my paperback done but no matter which way I convert it to make an ebook, the resulting files aren't so good. Don't want to be tied down to KKBC, so will try and make a Word document following your steps here. Actually there's very little out there about making children's storybooks as ebooks other than using Kindle apps. Definitely done my head in!
Hi Emma! Thanks for the precious video! I have a little question. When your friend save the images in Photoshop, he saved a format with RGB settings for virtual version of your book and another version with CMYC settings for the printed book? Or for both versions the pattern was CMYC?
Hi! It has been a dream of mine to publish my children’s stories. I have been using Procreate for my illustrations and pages to do the manuscripts on my iPad Pro. Now, kdp says I can’t use my iPad to upload a cover with my iPad and if I can find a way...it will come out poor quality. Is this true! What can I do? Only other thing I have is an old window 7 laptop. I love apple products, but they are expensive! I really would appreciate your help. I am not the most technologically minded person, but I am learning! Thank you!
Can you export them to pdf/jpg and then email them to yourself to upload on your laptop? PDFs are vectored so shouldn't lose quality and a Windows machine can read them
Love your easy explanation but why is my Pages not set up like yours? I have no settings to the side and have spent hours trying to find ‘where they are’… help!!
Sadly yes and only get the robotic answers. Even tried google. I have already 14 or so books illustrated and written (and printed in Bali) but all in the wrong format for publishing it seems and I wanted so much to use your ideas!
Thankyou so much for all of these videos. I have this poem that I made for English class on my first day at secondary school and I still know it and would love to make it in to a childrens book, not sure
@@EmmaRosenBooks thankyou, can you do a video talking about what costs are involved and how long it takes to get a book out there from start to finish?
I get an idea in my head for a story. Once i start writing, scenes, conversations are gone. My mind isccx a blank. I also cant hardly draw a straight line. So pictures for a picture book are impossible.
How do you find the different size options? I am looking everywhere and am overwhelmed and confused. I am illustrating a book for an author and we talked about doing it long ways. Like a landscape in dimensions. I can't find whether we can do that or not and if we can what the exact dimensions need to be.
@Elwood Blues Morris no, you need to go to whoever you're publishing through and find out what they require for a cover. They may generate a template depending on who you use. You then import that into canva
Hi Emma, I have a question - Did you create your cover as a one page file (Width 438mm x Height 222mm) or was it a 2 page spread (Width 219mm x Height 222mm) before you created it as a pdf to upload to KDP? Thank you :)
Any reason why (for Microsoft users) you'd use word over powerpoint? I did a book I made as a gift in powerpoint and created the pdf files from there. It came out great from the printer. As far as I know, the options you showed are not available in Word, but they are in powerpoint. Just wondering if it'd be ok to use ppt.
Everytime I upload my cover to KDP it looks a bit blurry. However when I open the same file on my computer it’s clear and crisp. Do you have any ideas what I’m doing wrong ? My interior imagines are fine . FYI my cover is with gloss
Thanks for the help! For Ingram spark- can the text be included in the images from my illustrator, or does it have to be embedded when I am formatting it on pages? I am publishing paperback, and ebook. Thanks again!
@@EmmaRosenBooks hello Emma! I don't have any idea how to make text embedded (I'm illustrator haha) How can I do that if I put the text in Photoshop? Could you please help?
Hi great video ....lm starting my own picture children's books and illustrating myself for an audience of. 8 year olds and above ...32 pages now lm a bit confused about word counting can l write an extra 150 words more than the 1000 word limit is it ok will l be able to publish it at Amazon and KDP publishing cause that is my goal ....or is it a Absolute Must that it be up to a thousand words in books ...does iit matter can l still publish .. whats your advise ???please ...thank you ve very much
I'm guessing the needed blank page at the end for a barcode applies only to people who use ISBN supplied by amazon, right? If I have my own ISBN and barcode they will go on the back of the cover, am I right?
Hi, sorry I missed your comment - no this is a different barcode that they add to the back inside cover - funnily enough it's also a telltale sign of an indie book if you're ever wondering!
Hello Emma! For the Paperback cover, I didn't understand where I should get the page dimensions, which I can put in Canva. I saw that for the Hardback cover you took them from the left corner at the bottom of the page. I'm struggling to make a paperback cover for Ingramspark and I can't. Can you help me please? Thank you in advance!
Hello Emma! Thank you very much for your answer! I am on the first book that I publish on IngramSpark and I would appreciate any advice! Public, however, on KDP, but on Ingram it is different!. I haven't downloaded the templates yet, because I haven't bought an ISBN yet, so I don't know if anything is written there. I didn't understand how you calculated the dimensions for Canva, or where you got them from. I've been struggling for several days to learn how to make a paperback cover for Ingram on Canva and I can't find explicit materials anywhere, the video you made is the best, only I didn't understand how to do it with these dimensions! If you are so kind, please write to me in a few words about how I could do this. Thank you in advance!
Thank you very much, it will help me! I wouldn't want to upset you and abuse your kindness, however, I have one last question, please tell me, for the author's name, can I use the pen name from KDP? Or do I have to pass my real name?
Hello Emma, thank you for all the help! I am publishing through Ingram and I also got a generated cover template for my book dimensions (8in x 8in). I am using Canva for the entire book because the updated Pages does not offer facing pages anymore, and I think you confirmed that Canva downloads a compatible version of PDF with Ingram too. My question is that I set the page in Canva with the 3 mm extra width and 6 mm extra height, and doubled the width for the cover. Obviously the Ingram cover template for my dimensions do not fit the Canva canvas perfectly because I allotted bleed room. Will that be a problem? Furthermore, for the interior of the book, should I format the book on a page to page basis instead of the spread format that the cover is in? I know this is complicated! Thank you!
Hi, Yes Canva was compatible when I did it - the pages files I had to get a friend to convert to a different pdf type. however I don't know how easy it will be to set up for multiple pages (which is what you need to do, rather than in pairs), which is why I used pages. Pages does still support facing pages, at least mine does and I believe it's up to date. The IS template generator should include bleed margins? Good luck!
First, thank you so much for the thorough instructions!! I’m working with an illustrator and they’re creating landscape illustrations for the spreads and portrait for the single pages. I’m planning on 8x11 book. We are both new. If we’ve messed up sizes can they be reformatted later? Can the landscape illustrations be ‘sliced in half’ and separated so I can each image to one of the two pages for the spreads? I’m so nervous she’ll finish with all the illustrations and they won’t be sized correctly. She’s looking to me for guidance and I’m clueless. TIA!!
@@udesigns7785 I have not. The illustrations are just finishing up. I’ve played around with some of the illustrations in Canva but I think the learning curve will be too time consuming. I assume you do this type of thing?
How about artful/illustrated end pages? Do you have a video or can you make one on how to add on and format end pages with art on them? Thank you so much for this video - super helpful!
If I want to publish on both Ingramspark and KDP can upload the same file ? Or do I need to make changes ? If I can upload the same file would it be easier to use Ingramspark’s templates and upload to them first then upload to KDP? Also, do you know if I can upload to both sites the same day or do I need to pick one and then wait a certain amount of days to upload to the other ?
Hi Emma, thanks for those interestings instructions, ..question please, can I use a stylistic pen to draw directly on a touch screen using microsoft paint, please,?..Thanks Sincerely Joseph.
When you say that the number of pages should be divisible by four for KDP, does that include or exclude the last page which you say should be blank? This is such a helpful video! Thank you.
@@EmmaRosenBooks thank you for your reply. But you said the last page should be blank. Is that last, blank, page counted in with the number divisible by four? Or is it added in by Amazon later for their barcode?
Maybe this is a year-late comment but I saw this video today. First, thanks for this informative and helpful video. Second, there are actually many free open-source apps that can be used for professional books publishing and illustrations. (1) Scribus for desktop publishing (www.scribus.net/downloads/) and (2) Inkscape for illustrations (inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.0.1/). Both are great professional apps and are totally free.
Hello!! Thanks for the helpful video! I noticed your header and footer margins are top: 0.49in, bottom: 0.59in, inside: 0.79in and outside: 0.79in. Is there a reason for those specific numbers? Sorry if that's a dumb question! Thank you!
It's no longer available in the States, so that'll be one of those strange seller things where the prices are a bit bananas. I do need to figure out a way of supplying the USA that's cost effective.
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thanks! I am really relying on your videos these days and appreciating your efforts. There are two options to choose from, no bleed and bleed (only PDF). What does only pdf mean?
One more question, do we have to set up the text to make sure its not cut when printed? Any way to set margins? I am confused while putting text and worried it might not align with everything. looking forward to hearing back from you! Thankyou.
Hi Emma, I was wondering is after creating your cover and manuscript as a pdf, do you have to download the Kindle Kids Book Creator software in order to be able to upload your book as a .mobi file? Or can you just upload straight into KDP with your pdf's? Thank you
It needs to be Mobi format, but whatever program you're using might be able to do that? I have made a video on the Kindle kids book creator if it helps - It's on my home page in the same playlist as this one.
Hi Emma, I'm sorry I worded my question incorrectly. I didn't mean to refer to an ebook, I meant to ask about uploading my print book to KDP? Thank you
You just mentioned Microsoft Word, so I wanted to add that I had great results creating my print book layout in Microsoft PowerPoint. Word may behave the exact same way, I am just more familiar with PowerPoint, and I also did not experience the pixelization problems I had with my Word attempt. The bleed also easy to setup. I am as set to go as I possibly can be. Just waiting on my ISBN registration to be complete (Takes about 10 days here) and then I can publish..and badger all of my friends to start buying..lol
Hi Emma, I was wondering how KDP produces the spine of a children's book. You indicated that you chose Ingram Spark because they provide a saddle stitch? Could you let me know what KDP does for the spine? Thank you again :)
Hello! Watching your videos have been most helpful for me. I have a question. I wrote a children’s book and now I have to format it. I have 24 pages exactly with the tile page, copyright page, etc. Do I still need to add an extra blank page at the end to make it 25 pages altogether?
Hi. What program were the illustrations done on? I'm writing and illustrating a childrens book and I have drawings, as well as illustrations done in Illustrator and am trying to figure out how to make it all blend well. Thanks for this informative video!
This was SO helpful!! Thank you! When you export from pages to bring your images into canva, what file type are you exporting from pages? For example, if you designed your cover images in pages and exported to canva to finish creating your cover. Is it a jpg? Or png?
Very helpful video Emma!!! Keep up the great work. Could you please let me know from where we can find such images that you use in the above video that can be redistributed?
@@EmmaRosenBooks Also, when using the template for IS, when I save it, am I uploading it with all that extra white around the template? Or cropping the pink and blue area and saving the size?
Hi Emma, I'm sorry I worded my question incorrectly. I didn't mean to refer to an ebook, I meant to ask about uploading my print book to KDP? Thank you
Thank you for this video! I cannot tell you how many videos I watched looking for how to format and all I could find was about loading it to KDP or just the writing aspect of children’s books. I appreciate your thorough direction and help! As a newcomer to the children’s book game, this video just made things so much clearer!
Thank you for this. I offered to format a friend's book for him because I create novels all the time--but who knew children's books were such a different animal! Kids are so complicated! lol. This was REALLY useful.
spent a whole day to find a clear good video like this! thanks! (there aren't many videos explaining how to format picture books on Mac!)
You're welcome ☺️
I'm loving font squirrel BTW! thank you!
You can make transparent backgrounds in Word... insert picture > remove backgrounds > select the areas you want to remove > Accept changes
You are an absolute LIFE SAVER. I seriously cannot thank you enough Emma!! You are such a good teacher. xoxo
You're welcome 😊
Thank you so much for this video! Thank you for sharing about how the book must be divisible by 4, its a great tip! Also thank you for letting us know about the last page needing to be blank, its helping me set up my book properly for KDP. I started with 32 pages with a spot illustration as the end page, but seeing that it would probably add 4 blank pages, I have separated the activity section at the end to make it 36 with page #36 being blank. Thank you so much Emma!
I'm glad it helped - good luck!
@@EmmaRosenBooks thank you!
Finally! I have been struggling with page size. I confused it with image size so I got back reject letter after reject letter. Literally 20-30. Last night it broke me. I cried over my computer, I sobbed. I just couldn't figure it out. UNTIL YOU! It's not the image size I needed to increase, it was the entire document page size. DUH!!! I'm about to submit again and should probably give you credit in my book. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
I'm glad I could be of help - it can be so frustrating x
Thanks so much for this. This is such a clear and comprehensive explanation and the best I could find. Good work!
Thank you 🤗
using microsoft powerpoint you can remove the background of images, or can even get a background changer app on your phone or mac
that's interesting!
After formatting the children's book manuscript with the illustrations in either pages or Canva, do you upload the file directly to Amazon KDP or does it need to be converted?
Clip Studio Paint is an affordable art program that works great for putting children’s books together :-)
I really enjoy using Canva. But I have to check this one out
Can i use photoshop?
@@fkfkfkfh yes
DarthVaderAnakin yup!
Kirk Dodson I infer from your reaction that you use Clip Studio Paint yourself.
Do you know how to change the extension .clip from the drawings made in CSP into .pdf so I can import the drawings into Pages?
You can scrub the background from an image in Canva now. Not sure if that was an option when this video was created as I am new to both Canva and writing and illustrating picture books.
I had NO idea that Fonts could require a Commercial license. Wow! Thanks for tipping me off to that. Sheesh!! Everyone is trying to get a piece of the action.
you can take out the background on preview on your Mac
Hi Emma, your videos are so incredibly helpful, thank you for making them. I noticed you made a video on BookVault publishing recently, any chance you could possibly make a similar video to this one, on formatting a hardcover but for BookVault printing using Canva. I need help with formatting both the hardback Cover and Interior file. I'm trying to work it out, but for the life of me it doesn't seem to look right in the BookVault preview.
@@TeresaGrandison I’ll add it to my list
Thanks for your video I found this extremely useful. Also I've watched the video like 5 times and I only just noticed you have the most beautiful eyes.
What template did you use to do all of this? I was on Word, then switched to Google Docs because I have no idea which to use to put my illustrations and then the text. I'm new at this and am confused.
In sketchbook on desktop,laptop or on a tablet/iPad you can save illustrations or images as a png it is a free app.
QUESTIONS: You mentioned blank pages and multiples of 4.
1. Are those blank pages extra?
A. So, say 16 story pages AND an extra blank at the end or are the blank pages included in the multiples of 4?
B. How does this work with the copyright, publisher page and title page?
C. If I’m self publishing do I add that?
2. I currently have 14 pages for my story. Should my story start on the right side and finish on the left making a blank page at the beginning and one at the end?
A. Does it not matter what side I start/end on as long as I have blank pages at the beginning and end?
B. Should I make 2 more pages to make it a multiple of 4?
Thank you for any help!
Basically, your 14 page story will probably have 2 extra pages added at the end to make it 16 when it is printed. The back single page has to be blank for them to put a bar code on, so make sure to have that included in your set up. You can choose to have a blank one at the start or not, but you would have to include that in your formatting. Personally I added a 'this book belongs to' page. Does that make sense? x
Amazing video teacher and voice love u😘😘but I have one problem how can I have the pictures thats go on whith story? From where I should get pics
Great video, I wish I came across this a few months ago when we were struggling with KDP and our children's book
It's not easy!
When you work with the illustrator, do you give them the dimensions 8.5x 8.5 to use or the bleed dimensions (8.75x8.75)
I did - and linked to the specifications on Ingram Spark so they could check the detail
Very clear instructions. Thank you very much
When you move from pages to canva ... dos the text convert to an image?
This video was extremely helpful!! Thank you!
You're welcome
Hello, thank you for your video it is really helpful. I have a question wondered if you could help - I would like to have a back page with a book description but you mention to leave the back page blank? Could you clarify? Do we leave space for a barcode and have an image and book description? Or do I leave last page blank?
I’m sure I’m missing something obvious. I have downloaded my cover template from KDP but when I got to upload to canva it is telling me it’s too large to upload?
you don't need it to be a particularly good quality file, so maybe see if you can adjust the file size? As long as you can see the guide lines it's fine
Thank you for this. Cant wait to finish my book and format it this way.
What is the name of the formatting site she's using?
Clipping Magic is good for creating transparent background!
My son draws his pictures in pencil..do he need go back color is pictures?
Thank you for your very well informed video. I have a few questions, I hope you can help me. I don't have a Mac so can I set up a 28 page book on Canva as well as the cover. And I get confused with what actually will be cut off with trim lines, bleed lines, and safe zone. Will I lose everything that extends to the bleed line as well as trim line? Thank you.
Super helpful Emma! Thanks so much for these videos! Hope your book is a smashing success!
thank you!!
Thanks Emma! If I were formatting my book solely as an Ebook, would I still need to add in the bleed margins or do I just leave the trim size as is, eg 8.5 x 8.5? I already have the pdf for my paperback done but no matter which way I convert it to make an ebook, the resulting files aren't so good. Don't want to be tied down to KKBC, so will try and make a Word document following your steps here. Actually there's very little out there about making children's storybooks as ebooks other than using Kindle apps. Definitely done my head in!
What company did you use after you exported your pages to make the actual hardcover book? Thank you!
I used to use Ingram spark when k made this video. I now use mixam.
Hi Emma! Thanks for the precious video! I have a little question. When your friend save the images in Photoshop, he saved a format with RGB settings for virtual version of your book and another version with CMYC settings for the printed book? Or for both versions the pattern was CMYC?
No it was only for print. The settings are to do with how print compares to what you see on screen, so the ebook was fine.
Hi! It has been a dream of mine to publish my children’s stories. I have been using Procreate for my illustrations and pages to do the manuscripts on my iPad Pro. Now, kdp says I can’t use my iPad to upload a cover with my iPad and if I can find a way...it will come out poor quality. Is this true! What can I do? Only other thing I have is an old window 7 laptop. I love apple products, but they are expensive! I really would appreciate your help. I am not the most technologically minded person, but I am learning! Thank you!
Can you export them to pdf/jpg and then email them to yourself to upload on your laptop? PDFs are vectored so shouldn't lose quality and a Windows machine can read them
I was unsure if it would be a problem uploading a pdf to KDP that was one page (Width 438mm x Height 222mm)
Thank you!
Love your easy explanation but why is my Pages not set up like yours? I have no settings to the side and have spent hours trying to find ‘where they are’… help!!
It’s quite an old video so may have changed in an update. Have you tried typing into the help bar?
Sadly yes and only get the robotic answers. Even tried google. I have already 14 or so books illustrated and written (and printed in Bali) but all in the wrong format for publishing it seems and I wanted so much to use your ideas!
@@annettewhite5762 Mine still looks the same, I click on format or document and the side bar appears
You can try Krita. It is a free open source software that is easy to use and can basically do anything you would do on Photoshop.
I'll look that up
Thankyou so much for all of these videos.
I have this poem that I made for English class on my first day at secondary school and I still know it and would love to make it in to a childrens book, not sure
Thank you! Give it a go and see how it looks?
@@EmmaRosenBooks thankyou, can you do a video talking about what costs are involved and how long it takes to get a book out there from start to finish?
@@KellyC77 I'll put it on my list 😊
I get an idea in my head for a story. Once i start writing, scenes, conversations are gone. My mind isccx a blank. I also cant hardly draw a straight line. So pictures for a picture book are impossible.
use Fiverr hire someone else to illustrate them
I'm a book illustrator, drop me a reply if interested and I'll send some samples :D
how to download the fonts?
How do you find the different size options? I am looking everywhere and am overwhelmed and confused. I am illustrating a book for an author and we talked about doing it long ways. Like a landscape in dimensions. I can't find whether we can do that or not and if we can what the exact dimensions need to be.
These are the ones from Ingram Spark - they don't do landscape www.ingramspark.com/plan-your-book/print/trim-sizes
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thanks and aw that's disappointing. :/
Amazing teacher! Thank you, Emma🥰
You're welcome x
@Elwood Blues Morris from your publishing platform.- so I generated one from Ingram spark
@Elwood Blues Morris no, you need to go to whoever you're publishing through and find out what they require for a cover. They may generate a template depending on who you use. You then import that into canva
@Elwood Blues Morris Good luck, there's a lot to it, but it's completely achievable
Phenomenal, I am extremely grateful 🙏🏾
Emma Thanks for this wonderful demo
What version of Word are you using? Mine looks very different from your's. I have Version 16.43
Never mind, I missed where you said you were using Pages. Carry on!
@@CareyGrayson word should be similar ☺️
Hi Emma, I have a question - Did you create your cover as a one page file (Width 438mm x Height 222mm) or was it a 2 page spread (Width 219mm x Height 222mm) before you created it as a pdf to upload to KDP? Thank you :)
It has to be the full wrap, including spine.
@@EmmaRosenBooks Great. Thank you :)
Any reason why (for Microsoft users) you'd use word over powerpoint? I did a book I made as a gift in powerpoint and created the pdf files from there. It came out great from the printer. As far as I know, the options you showed are not available in Word, but they are in powerpoint. Just wondering if it'd be ok to use ppt.
No, you could definitely do it on PowerPoint x
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thank you! Loving your videos. You got me all inspired to get going.
please what software or app did you use to format your children's book
Apple Pages
Did you use RGB colour mode for illustration or CMYK?
They were hand drawn then saved as CMYK pdfs
Hi, did you design the template for cover in ingramspark? Is there any other way?
I downloaded it - they have a template generator. If you look at my hardback cover tutorial I show that stage
Everytime I upload my cover to KDP it looks a bit blurry. However when I open the same file on my computer it’s clear and crisp. Do you have any ideas what I’m doing wrong ? My interior imagines are fine . FYI my cover is with gloss
I would check the resolution, it should be 300dpi.
Thanks for the help! For Ingram spark- can the text be included in the images from my illustrator, or does it have to be embedded when I am formatting it on pages? I am publishing paperback, and ebook.
Thanks again!
The illustrator can do it,but make sure that it's embedded in the file they give you. They should be able to do that.
@@EmmaRosenBooks hello Emma! I don't have any idea how to make text embedded (I'm illustrator haha) How can I do that if I put the text in Photoshop? Could you please help?
Hi great video ....lm starting my own picture children's books and illustrating myself for an audience of. 8 year olds and above ...32 pages now lm a bit confused about word counting can l write an extra 150 words more than the 1000 word limit is it ok will l be able to publish it at Amazon and KDP publishing cause that is my goal ....or is it a Absolute Must that it be up to a thousand words in books ...does iit matter can l still publish .. whats your advise ???please ...thank you ve very much
You can write however many words you like 🙂. Just think about whether it will hold their attention.
When I try to upload my book it says it need. Minimum of 72 pages and my book is 18 pages if anyone has advice or info please and thank you
Hardcover had a minimum? Could be that?
I'm guessing the needed blank page at the end for a barcode applies only to people who use ISBN supplied by amazon, right? If I have my own ISBN and barcode they will go on the back of the cover, am I right?
Hi, sorry I missed your comment - no this is a different barcode that they add to the back inside cover - funnily enough it's also a telltale sign of an indie book if you're ever wondering!
If I just use canva to create my children's book and I download it in pdf, how do I format it for kindle? Also, is the cover uploaded separately?
I've made a guide to the KDP kids book creator. You can upload your cover separately or as part of the book :)
Hello Emma!
For the Paperback cover, I didn't understand where I should get the page dimensions, which I can put in Canva. I saw that for the Hardback cover you took them from the left corner at the bottom of the page. I'm struggling to make a paperback cover for Ingramspark and I can't. Can you help me please? Thank you in advance!
It should be the same - somewhere on your template?
Hello Emma!
Thank you very much for your answer! I am on the first book that I publish on IngramSpark and I would appreciate any advice! Public, however, on KDP, but on Ingram it is different!. I haven't downloaded the templates yet, because I haven't bought an ISBN yet, so I don't know if anything is written there. I didn't understand how you calculated the dimensions for Canva, or where you got them from. I've been struggling for several days to learn how to make a paperback cover for Ingram on Canva and I can't find explicit materials anywhere, the video you made is the best, only I didn't understand how to do it with these dimensions! If you are so kind, please write to me in a few words about how I could do this. Thank you in advance!
@@liviuachim9427 I got the dimensions from the template. Alternatively you can use your book dimensions plus 3mm bleed on all edges.
Thank you very much, it will help me! I wouldn't want to upset you and abuse your kindness, however, I have one last question, please tell me, for the author's name, can I use the pen name from KDP? Or do I have to pass my real name?
@@liviuachim9427 you can use whatever name you would like for the book, but you will need your real name in the account details
Hello Emma, thank you for all the help! I am publishing through Ingram and I also got a generated cover template for my book dimensions (8in x 8in). I am using Canva for the entire book because the updated Pages does not offer facing pages anymore, and I think you confirmed that Canva downloads a compatible version of PDF with Ingram too.
My question is that I set the page in Canva with the 3 mm extra width and 6 mm extra height, and doubled the width for the cover. Obviously the Ingram cover template for my dimensions do not fit the Canva canvas perfectly because I allotted bleed room. Will that be a problem? Furthermore, for the interior of the book, should I format the book on a page to page basis instead of the spread format that the cover is in? I know this is complicated! Thank you!
Hi,
Yes Canva was compatible when I did it - the pages files I had to get a friend to convert to a different pdf type. however I don't know how easy it will be to set up for multiple pages (which is what you need to do, rather than in pairs), which is why I used pages. Pages does still support facing pages, at least mine does and I believe it's up to date. The IS template generator should include bleed margins? Good luck!
First, thank you so much for the thorough instructions!! I’m working with an illustrator and they’re creating landscape illustrations for the spreads and portrait for the single pages. I’m planning on 8x11 book. We are both new. If we’ve messed up sizes can they be reformatted later? Can the landscape illustrations be ‘sliced in half’ and separated so I can each image to one of the two pages for the spreads? I’m so nervous she’ll finish with all the illustrations and they won’t be sized correctly. She’s looking to me for guidance and I’m clueless. TIA!!
Did you guys manage to figure things out ?
@@udesigns7785 I have not. The illustrations are just finishing up. I’ve played around with some of the illustrations in Canva but I think the learning curve will be too time consuming. I assume you do this type of thing?
Thank you for making this, it's really helpful
How about artful/illustrated end pages? Do you have a video or can you make one on how to add on and format end pages with art on them? Thank you so much for this video - super helpful!
do you have a video that shows how to set up a children's ebook sizes?
I used the kindle kids book creator - I have a video here on how I used that ua-cam.com/video/7AhLtXHyJ2s/v-deo.html
If I want to publish on both Ingramspark and KDP can upload the same file ? Or do I need to make changes ? If I can upload the same file would it be easier to use Ingramspark’s templates and upload to them first then upload to KDP? Also, do you know if I can upload to both sites the same day or do I need to pick one and then wait a certain amount of days to upload to the other ?
As long as it fits the requirements for both you should be ok. Might need tweaking. You can upload them whenever depending on your preferences
Hi Emma, thanks for those interestings instructions, ..question please, can I use a stylistic pen to draw directly on a touch screen using microsoft paint, please,?..Thanks
Sincerely Joseph.
This is such a good tutorial thank you so much
You're welcome
Thank you so much for this, very informative!
When you say that the number of pages should be divisible by four for KDP, does that include or exclude the last page which you say should be blank?
This is such a helpful video! Thank you.
I think KDP are ok with any even number of pages. X
@@EmmaRosenBooks thank you for your reply. But you said the last page should be blank. Is that last, blank, page counted in with the number divisible by four? Or is it added in by Amazon later for
their barcode?
@@loricalass4068 just always leave a blank page at the end. If you don't they'll add some in so they have space for a barcode
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thanks. And thanks for your very helpful video.
Maybe this is a year-late comment but I saw this video today. First, thanks for this informative and helpful video. Second, there are actually many free open-source apps that can be used for professional books publishing and illustrations.
(1) Scribus for desktop publishing (www.scribus.net/downloads/) and
(2) Inkscape for illustrations (inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.0.1/). Both are great professional apps and are totally free.
Thank you!!! Your video is so helpful and informative. You are Amazing!!!!!
You are so welcome!
Hello!! Thanks for the helpful video! I noticed your header and footer margins are top: 0.49in, bottom: 0.59in, inside: 0.79in and outside: 0.79in. Is there a reason for those specific numbers? Sorry if that's a dumb question! Thank you!
No, just whatever they were set for (goodness knows why) - I wasn't using the page margins x
So I went to your Amazon page.... just curious why does your paperback version cost $75.00?
It's no longer available in the States, so that'll be one of those strange seller things where the prices are a bit bananas. I do need to figure out a way of supplying the USA that's cost effective.
If we choose no bleed in amazon kdp for inside, the page setup should be 8.5inchx8.5inch?
yes. But if they cut inaccurately you may have visible white lines around your page.
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thanks! I am really relying on your videos these days and appreciating your efforts.
There are two options to choose from, no bleed and bleed (only PDF). What does only pdf mean?
@@mariumnabeel2611 I'm glad you're finding it helpful! I'd imagine that you can only do bleed if you use a pdf file
One more question, do we have to set up the text to make sure its not cut when printed? Any way to set margins? I am confused while putting text and worried it might not align with everything.
looking forward to hearing back from you! Thankyou.
A really helpful video. Thank you
Hi Emma, I was wondering is after creating your cover and manuscript as a pdf, do you have to download the Kindle Kids Book Creator software in order to be able to upload your book as a .mobi file? Or can you just upload straight into KDP with your pdf's? Thank you
It needs to be Mobi format, but whatever program you're using might be able to do that? I have made a video on the Kindle kids book creator if it helps - It's on my home page in the same playlist as this one.
Hi Emma, I'm sorry I worded my question incorrectly. I didn't mean to refer to an ebook, I meant to ask about uploading my print book to KDP? Thank you
Thank you, Emma for your time and this video
I just ordered my Lily the Limpet Gets Lost from Amazon thanks to Dane Reads Review.
Thank you! Dane is great!!
You just mentioned Microsoft Word, so I wanted to add that I had great results creating my print book layout in Microsoft PowerPoint. Word may behave the exact same way, I am just more familiar with PowerPoint, and I also did not experience the pixelization problems I had with my Word attempt. The bleed also easy to setup. I am as set to go as I possibly can be. Just waiting on my ISBN registration to be complete (Takes about 10 days here) and then I can publish..and badger all of my friends to start buying..lol
Good tip!
Heaven sent! Thank you, thank you, thank you:-)
You’re welcome
Hi Emma, I was wondering how KDP produces the spine of a children's book. You indicated that you chose Ingram Spark because they provide a saddle stitch? Could you let me know what KDP does for the spine? Thank you again :)
They're perfect bound ☺️ - which is also an option with IS
Hello! Watching your videos have been most helpful for me. I have a question. I wrote a children’s book and now I have to format it. I have 24 pages exactly with the tile page, copyright page, etc. Do I still need to add an extra blank page at the end to make it 25 pages altogether?
Thank you! You do for KDP or IS, but it needs to be an even number of pages (1 page at start, several double spreads, 1 blank page at end)
what size should i paint my illustrations for my picture book? thanks.
It depends how big you want the book to be :)
@@EmmaRosenBooks I want to go with 8x10
Hi. What program were the illustrations done on? I'm writing and illustrating a childrens book and I have drawings, as well as illustrations done in Illustrator and am trying to figure out how to make it all blend well. Thanks for this informative video!
They were just scanned animates - the originals are water colours x
This was a great video Emma very informative!! I have a question where can I get free illustrations?
thanks a lot, i recommend krita or photopea
Yes, I tried photopea recently. It's a good site!
@@EmmaRosenBooks yes! AND free but online, krita it's Windows only but downloadable 😃
Very informative - you might switch to decaf.
This was SO helpful!! Thank you! When you export from pages to bring your images into canva, what file type are you exporting from pages? For example, if you designed your cover images in pages and exported to canva to finish creating your cover. Is it a jpg? Or png?
PNG is better as it keeps the quality, jpg will lose a little every time.
Where did you get your illustrations from
I commissioned them from an artist
Hi Emma, how can I add the space for the spine, so I can print the name of the book there? Thanks for your help
If you have a look at my hardback formatting video I explain it there :)
@@EmmaRosenBooks I’ll check it out, thank you very much. Happy New Year ✨👼🏼🎉
Thanks for the amazing video 💕
Amazing video. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Very helpful video Emma!!! Keep up the great work. Could you please let me know from where we can find such images that you use in the above video that can be redistributed?
Thank you! Do you mean the art work?
@@EmmaRosenBooks Yes the picture of chimney, beach?
@@syedbilalwasim I used an illuatrator
I am going to see if it is worth it to update my old lap top and do just that. Are the illustrations supposed to be a png?
Sorry, I can't remember offhand x
Do the images have to be changed to CKYM in photoshop before they are put into InDesign?
Sorry, I haven't used InDesign,but I'd think not. It's just for the final files when they go to IS
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thank you!!! One more quick question, when I export the PDF file for Ingram, will that exact file work for KDP?
@@EmmaRosenBooks Also, when using the template for IS, when I save it, am I uploading it with all that extra white around the template? Or cropping the pink and blue area and saving the size?
Do you have a video using word?
Sorry, no. But it should be similar.
Hi Emma, I'm sorry I worded my question incorrectly. I didn't mean to refer to an ebook, I meant to ask about uploading my print book to KDP? Thank you
Ah ok - yeah you can just upload as a pdf x
@@EmmaRosenBooks Thank you again for your help
Super clear explanation. Thank you! Might one say that Pay on Demand is more eco-friendly precisely because they don't use all the gloss and spines?
It's more eco-friendly because you don't print more than you need
Thank you for sharing.