How It Works
Every kid has a story worth publishing. Your child dreams it up, we turn it into a real, illustrated picture book, and then your child becomes a published author who earns money on every copy sold.
1. Tell us the story
Fill out our story form. Share as much or as little as you like: a finished story, a rough draft, or just an idea. Describe the main character in words. We never need photos of your child.
2. We bring it to life
We create original illustrations for every page and keep your child's words and ideas. We only make small changes so the story flows, and we show you every change.
3. You approve the proof
You see every page, plus the covers, within 7 days of your completed story form. Nothing is printed until you approve it.
4. We print and ship
Your first copy is printed on demand as an 8.5 x 8.5 inch square picture book in premium full color with a glossy cover, then shipped to your door.
5. Your child's book goes on sale
We publish your child's book in our online store as paperback, hardcover, and print at home editions, so grandparents, relatives, and friends anywhere in the US can order their own copies. Every book gets a family edition with your child's real name, and you can also choose to list a pen name edition on our public Bookshelf so new readers can discover it.
6. Your child earns a royalty
You choose a royalty of $0, $3, $5, or $10 per copy. It is added on top of the book price, and your family earns it every time someone else orders a copy. Royalties are paid quarterly by PayPal once your family has earned at least $20. Want the book on Amazon and in bookstores too? Add our Bookstore Edition to Deluxe books.
Young authors become eager readers
Making a book changes how kids feel about reading.
- They read it again and again. Kids love rereading a book they made, and every reread builds fluency and confidence.
- Reading becomes theirs. Seeing their own name on a real cover turns reading into something they're proud of, not something they have to do.
- They learn how stories work. Building a beginning, a problem, and an ending helps them follow and enjoy the next books they pick up.
- Readers inspire readers. Brothers, sisters, and cousins want to read a book written by someone they know, and many decide to write their own.
Pricing
The creation price includes design, illustration, publishing in our store, and your first printed copy.
| Book | Paperback | Hardcover |
|---|---|---|
| Little Story, 12 pages | $59 | Not available |
| Classic Story, 24 pages | $89 | $109 |
| Deluxe Story, 32 pages | $119 | $139 |
Extra copies start at $19.99 and print at home PDFs start at $9.99, each plus the family royalty you choose.
Shipping
We ship within the United States. Standard shipping is $6.99 for 1 book, $9.99 for 2 to 3 books, and $12.99 for 4 to 6 books. Expedited shipping is $24.99, $29.99, and $37.99. Orders are limited to 6 printed books. Need more? Email hello@kidlorebooks.com.