Picture books are what we publish most. We can find you an illustrator, edit and lay out your story, and print your first copies.
Most of our picture books come to about £1,350, including illustration and 150 printed copies.
How it works
- We read your story and talk through what it needs.
- You choose an illustrator from our range of trusted artists, and we help you put together a detailed brief.
- We liaise with the artist, and you see and comment on the artwork before anything goes to print.
- We edit and proofread the text, and lay out the words and pictures together.
- We register your ISBN and print your copies.
Already have your illustrations, or an artist of your own? That’s no problem: we’ll lay out your work so the images and words work together.
A typical picture book
- 24 to 28 pages
- 220 mm square
- Full colour throughout
- Paperback
Your choice of artist
We’ll show you a range of artists, so the pictures suit your story.
You see every picture
Nothing goes to print until you’re happy with the artwork.
A publisher’s team
The same team works on our award-winning imprint, Candy Jar Books.
For a full breakdown of what’s included, and what it costs if you supply your own illustrations, see our costs page.
Jelly Bean are very organised. They listen to an author’s wishes and do everything very economically and efficiently.
Molly Arbuthnott, Oscar the Ferry Cat
Questions about children’s books
How much does it cost to self-publish a children’s book?
Most of the picture books we publish come to about £1,350, including illustration, editing, layout, an ISBN and 150 printed copies. See the full breakdown.
How much does an illustrator cost?
Illustration is included in the £1,350 that most of our picture books come to. It costs more for books with more pictures, or more detailed ones. See what illustration costs on its own.
Can I use my own illustrations?
Yes. Send us your artwork, or put us in touch with your artist, and we’ll lay out the pages so the pictures and words work together.
How much can I earn from a children’s book?
Each copy you sell yourself earns you the cover price minus what it cost to print. A picture book printed at £3 and sold at £7.99 earns you about £5 a copy. We take no share of your sales or royalties.
Can I sell my book in shops?
Yes. Through our distributors we can make your book available to retailers nationwide, and we’ll feature it on our own website.
Ready to make your picture book?
Send us your story and we’ll come back with a real figure, free and with no obligation.
Or read more about illustration and editing.
