Because I host writer’s workshops for kidlit writers, I often meet folks who are interested in self-publishing their picture books.

Some writers are just not interested in waiting years for a traditional publisher. They’ve poured their hearts and writing souls into a manuscript and they want to see it in a book, sometimes for family and friends, and sometimes, the dream is bigger. Still, producing a picture book—a good picture book—and getting that book into the hands of readers, is not exactly child’s play. And so these writers ask me about self-publishing their picture books and I have very little good advice or resources to offer. I’ve just never come across a good how-to for those PB writers who may not have a lot of experience in design or publishing.

And then Eve Heidi Bine-Stock asked if I’d take a look at her recently released book, How To Self-Publish a Children’s Picture Book (The Easy and Inexpensive Way to Create a Book and Ebook for Non-Designers).

Would I? Here was a book specifically addressing the needs of the writer who wanted to produce a picture book. I couldn’t wait to read it!

And here’s what I loved about this book (and I’m going to do a list because you know I love lists, too):

1. It’s easy to read, easy to understand. Yes, you’re going to be introduced to everything you’d possibly need to know about the publishing world but she explains every term, every step along the way. It really is a manageable process to learn how to publish a picture book!
2. There are a ton of illustrations! I like illustrations; I’m a visual learner. It takes the guesswork out of the process, and I like that, too.
3. Eve has done all the legwork for you, comparing the big things like prices and publishers. But she’s done the homework on the little things, too, like fonts. She covers it all.

This is a book for the writer who’s a do-it-yourself type, who wants to use a print-on-demand publisher and save money. So if you’re thinking of self-publishing your picture book, you don’t need to spend your time chasing down information from one link to another or in books on self-publishing in general. Eve Heidi Bine-Stock has the specifics you want in one great primer, How To Self-Publish A Children’s Picture Book.

And yes, I often give away my writing how-to books after I review ‘em, but sorry, y’all. I’ve got a couple of picture books of my own—this one’s a keeper! (You can get your own copy here, either in paperback or an ebook. And happy self-publishing!)