Written a children’s book but unsure what happens next?
Download the free guide:
The first-time children’s book author starter pack
A practical, no-nonsense guide to turning your manuscript into a professional, publish-ready book.
Enter your email below and I’ll send it straight to you.
If you’ve written a children’s book, you’re already further than most people.
But the next stage can feel confusing.
You might be wondering:
How many illustrations do I need?
What does it cost to illustrate a children’s book?
Should I self-publish or contact publishers?
What size should the book be?
What happens before printing?
These are the exact questions most first-time authors ask.
That’s why I created this starter pack.
It’s designed to give you a clear understanding of the process before you invest time or money.
What you’ll learn inside
The guide walks through the key decisions every first-time author needs to make, including:
✔ Word count guidance for different age groups
✔ How children’s books are structured
✔ The illustration process explained step-by-step
✔ Realistic illustration budgets in the UK and US
✔ The most common mistakes new authors make
✔ Publishing routes including Amazon KDP
✔ Practical tips for preparing your book launch
It’s written in plain English and designed to remove the uncertainty around the process.
This guide is perfect for you if:
You’ve written a children’s book but aren’t sure what happens next
You’re considering self-publishing your book
You want to understand illustration costs before hiring an illustrator
You want your book to look professional and properly structured
You’re a first-time author navigating the process
Even if you’re still early in the journey, this guide will help you understand what lies ahead.
About the author (me)
Hi, I’m Nathan Shelton.
I’m a UK-based children’s book illustrator and designer who works with first-time authors to turn their manuscripts into professionally illustrated books.
Over the years I’ve helped authors navigate the entire process, from early manuscript planning through to illustration, layout and publishing preparation.
One thing I hear again and again is:
"I've written the story… but I don't know what happens next."
This guide was created to answer that question.
A simple guide you can read in under 15 minutes
Clear, practical advice without unnecessary jargon.
Download it today and you’ll immediately have a clearer understanding of how children’s books actually come together.
Download your free copy
Enter your email below and I’ll send you ‘The first-time children’s book author starter pack’.
You’ll get practical guidance on illustration, publishing and planning your next steps.
Ready to talk about your book?
If you’d like to discuss your manuscript, explore illustration options, or get a free no obligations quote, you’re very welcome to message me or book a short call.