Joshua Tallent, of eBook Architects offers a great explanation of the options you have when creating a Childrens book.
One of the most common questions [eBook Architechts] get is about their ability to create children’s eBooks. As the eBook market grows, and devices like the iPad and NOOKcolor become more common, parents are looking for more options in purchasing eBooks for their children. There are four main types of childrens eBooks in the current eBook market:
* Standard ePub and Kindle files
* Fixed-layout ePub files in iBooks
* Other types of fixed-layout files (like Blio and NOOKkids)
* Standalone eBook Apps
Standard ePub and Kindle Files
A childrens ebook is very different than a traditionally published book. The main different is the layout and design. With digital books you can no longer take advantage of the two-page spread. Each page needs to be designed individually to fit on the smaller screen.
Images need to be adjusted and cropped to fit the digital layout. The images also need to fit within the text that continues the flow of the story. While the layout will change the story continues to flow and can be easily followed.
Also, ebook Architechts creates one file, and that same file loaded on the Kindle, and displaying in black and white, will display in color when displayed on the Kindle for iPad screen.
Fixed-layout EPUB files in iBooks
“In December 2010, Apple introduced a new format for ePub files in their iBooks app: “fixed-layout” ePubs. Unlike the standard eBook files described and shown above, these eBooks can keep the same layout and designs as their print book counterparts. These eBooks are not PDFs. They are fully-functional ePub files in every way, however, the specific styles and layouts used in these files will only work in iBooks.”
Conclusion
The process of layout and design may be beyond your scope or ability. If that is the case, then I recommend you hire a professional. Joshua Tallent of eBook Architechts is one such professional I recommend.
Resources:
- Basic Book Construction: Shows layout for a traditional book
- Ebook Architects
Hi Joshua,
My friend and I have embarked on writing a series of children’s books. We have aimed at boys and girls aged 7-9 years old, where we believe there is a significant gap in the market.
Our manuscript has been submitted for a first edit, however for it to be an e- book, do we need to get it illustrated before it goes to the next stage?
Looking forward to hearing from you
Cheers
Dawn
Dawn,
(Joshua was our podcast guest, so I will be answering your question. If you would like to talk with Joshua directly, you can visit him at his site eBookArchitects.com)
I agree there is a huge gap in the market for 7 to 9 year olds So Congratulations on your children’s book venture.
For ebook formatting: It is always best to have all the images ready when formatting for print or e-book. Makes the process go a lot faster and your formatter doesn’t have to recode sections to add the image. HOWEVER, it isn’t required. Adding images is a simple coding process for a professional e-book formatter, but make sure you check to see if they will charge an add’l cost for adding the images later. It does take more time so they may charge you.
I also recommend you size the images between 500 x 700 pixels at 72-dpi, and make sure they have enough contrast so they display well in both color and in black and white (for Kindle and Nook e-ink devices).
Congratulations again. I would love to see your book when it is completed.
— Suzanne
Hi Dawn, I can help you with the illustrations if you like. I am a published children’s book illustrator, who is fast and flexible. Check out my site at http://www.claudiawolf.com, and my kid’s page at : http://www.claudiawolf.com/cwolf_kids_art/cwolf_kids_art.html Let me know if you like what you see.
Claudia, Your artwork is wonderful. — Suz