Question 1

What are the four main children's book categories and how do they differ?

Accepted Answer

Picture books are ages 3 to 7, 32 pages standard, 500 to 1000 word count, illustrations on every page. Early readers are ages 5 to 8, 32 to 48 pages, 1500 to 4000 words, simpler vocabulary. Chapter books are ages 7 to 10, 64 to 96 pages, 6000 to 12000 words, illustrations every few pages. Middle grade is ages 8 to 12, 25000 to 50000 words, novels with occasional illustrations.

Question 2

How do illustrations factor into the editing process?

Accepted Answer

A great picture book editor reads the manuscript with illustration in mind. They mark which sentences should disappear because the illustration will carry that information. They suggest page turn moments where the visual reveal builds suspense. They flag scenes that need stronger visual cues. Editing without illustration awareness produces wordy picture books.

Question 3

How long should a picture book be?

Accepted Answer

Modern trade picture books target 500 to 1000 words spread across 32 standard pages. The standard 32 page count is driven by printing economics (one signature). Longer than 1000 words and the book starts losing the read aloud rhythm that makes picture books work. Shorter than 300 words usually feels thin unless the illustrations carry exceptional weight.

Question 4

Do I need a separate illustrator or can the editor coordinate that?

Accepted Answer

You need a separate illustrator. Children's editors are not illustrators. Nova maintains a roster of children's book illustrators across styles (watercolor, vector, mixed media, collage) and connects you with the right one for your book's tone. Illustration cost is separate from editing and runs from 3,000 dollars for simple chapter books up to 12,000 for fully illustrated picture books.

Question 5

What about diversity, sensitivity, and age appropriateness checks?

Accepted Answer

Children's book editing always reviews for vocabulary appropriateness for the age band, themes that match developmental readiness, depiction of family structures and characters from underrepresented groups, and sensitivity around difficult subjects. For specific cultural or identity content, we work with sensitivity readers from those communities as a separate step.

Question 6

Can I publish a children's book on Amazon KDP?

Accepted Answer

Yes for paperback. Hardcover children's picture books are limited on KDP because dust jackets are not available there. For hardcover with dust jacket and durable binding, IngramSpark is the standard route. Most successful indie children's authors use both: KDP paperback for Amazon and IngramSpark hardcover for school and library distribution.

Question 7

Are picture books a viable indie publishing path?

Accepted Answer

Viable but harder than other formats. Picture books are illustration heavy (cost), depend on bookstore and library presence (slow channel), and rely on word of mouth from parents and teachers. Authors who win usually combine school visit programs, library outreach, and a strong author website with curriculum tie ins.

Question 8

What about audiobook for children's books?

Accepted Answer

Picture books rarely work as audiobooks (too short, too dependent on illustration). Chapter books and middle grade audiobooks perform very well, especially with strong character voice narration. Many middle grade indie authors release audiobook within 90 days of print launch. Royalty share narrators are easier to attract on series than single titles.

Children's Book Editing & Publishing