Self-publishing has opened the door for more voices and gives authors creative freedom. It also means we're not just authors. Once we've produced a "final" manuscript, it's time to step into the role of publisher and shepherd the book from manuscript to market—overseeing editing, design, production, distribution, and promotion. As authors AND publishers, we are solely responsible for quality control. That's a tall order, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Investing in quality adds minimal time and cost and will ensure that you can feel proud of the books you're putting into the hands of young readers.

In children's books, amateurish self-publishing often shows up in clunky layouts, unprofessional illustrations, typos and grammatical errors, and stories that haven’t been polished through editorial or reader feedback. In a crowded market, a well-crafted, meticulously produced book stands out and shows respect for your audience. 

As a strong writer, experienced publisher and graduate-level university writing professor, I know how to write and edit to high editorial standards, but that doesn't mean I go it alone when it comes to my own books. On the contrary, experience has taught me that even the most polished drafts benefit from an outside perspective and one final, tactile check. I'm a demon for quality, and with my reputation on the line, these are three steps I never skip:

Hiring an Editorial Reviewer Who Knows Kid Lit

Picture book manuscripts are written for an audience with a notoriously short attention span, so they're usually under 800 words. Easy, right? Yeah, not so much. Once I get the story on the page, it's not unusual for me to grind through a dozen or more drafts before I consider a manuscript almost final. Then I hire someone else to review my manuscript. Why? Because I’m too close to the work to see its rough spots, opportunities to strengthen the story, or ways to give the reader a richer experience.

For me, this step isn’t about catching typos (I can do that myself). It’s about making the story the best it possibly can be. The right editorial feedback makes every book better.

Tip: Look for someone who writes or edits in your genre and age group. Their insights will be more precise and actionable. I typically budget $300 for a manuscript review or edit.

Making Time for Beta Readers

Once I’ve revised based on independent editorial feedback, I share the manuscript with a small group of trusted beta readers. Ideally, these are parents, grandparents, librarians or educators reading to actual children. Their job isn’t to edit line by line, but to react as readers. What made them smile? Where did they lose interest? Did the kids stay engaged? This kind of feedback helps shape the final draft in ways no solitary revision can.

Tip: Give beta readers some guiding questions focused on the experience. You’re looking for honest reactions, not formal critique. There's no extra cost, just your time and effort. Download my free guide to working with beta readers.

Proofing a Printed Copy—Always

I love the economy of print-on-demand and use IngramSpark and KDP, which provide a digital proof after you've uploaded your files. Having spent years in publishing, however, I know there’s no substitute for holding a printed proof in your hands. No matter how sharp your eyes are or how many times you’ve reviewed a digital file errors can slip through that will make you cringe if you don't catch them: typos, color issues, layout quirks, text placement that looks fine on screen but feels off on the printed page. The last thing you want to do is release a book that has the telltale signs of shortcuts or inexperience.

Seeing your book in print also helps you experience it the way your readers will. You can feel the rhythm of the page turns, sense how well the pacing works, and decide if the physical product meets your standards. Until I’ve seen it in print, it’s not final.

Tip: Budget time and the minimal amount of cost for this step—it’s worth a short delay to catch a mistake you can’t unsee later. To have a single copy shipped to you should cost less than $25 and will add about 10 days to your production timeline (unless you need revisions). If you're printing in hardcover and paperback, order copies of both.

The Bottom Line

I truly believe that anyone with a story to tell can turn that story into a beautiful book. Publishing quality books is within reach, but it requires an awareness of your strengths and an openness to seek help when you need it.

Need guidance or support on your publishing journey? At Finch and Squirrel, we offer manuscript reviews, coaching, and resources for aspiring children’s book authors. Let’s work together to make your story the best it can be.