How Long Does It Take To Publish a Children’s Book? A Step-by-Step Breakdown
You’ve completed your manuscript—congratulations! That’s a huge milestone worth celebrating. But, after your well-deserved happy dance, you might find yourself wondering: how long will it take before I can actually hold my book in my hands?
The timeline for publishing a children’s book can look a little different for everyone. From editing and illustration to formatting, printing, and distribution, each stage takes time—and knowing what to expect can help make the process from PDF to paperback seamless.
Truthfully, publishing a book is not a quick task—it usually takes close to a year once the manuscript is completed. But, by setting goals, leaving room for delays, and having open communication with your team, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth (and fun!) publishing journey.
Let’s walk through a realistic 12-month publishing timeline, breaking the process into manageable, step-by-step milestones.
Editing: Months 1-3
Every great book begins with a strong story. Before the artwork, the layout, or the cover, it’s your words that set the tone and capture a child’s imagination. Starting with editing ensures your story is the very best version of itself—a polished foundation that will carry your book with confidence into every stage of the publishing journey.
An editor is an invaluable partner in refining your message, tightening pacing, and making sure the story flows nicely for young readers. Their goal is never to change your voice, but to elevate it.
One of the best ways to maximize your time with an editor is to polish your manuscript as much as you can beforehand, looking specifically at:
Tension
Character growth
Logical sequencing
Grammatical editing
If you’ve revised multiple times and feel proud of how far it’s come—while still being open to feedback—that’s a wonderful place to be. It means you’re serious about your craft and ready to take the exciting step of partnering with an editor to bring your story to its fullest potential.
Illustration: Months 3-7
Illustrations are what truly bring your words to life, especially in the eyes of a child. Even more, these visuals help them relate to the story and understand the world around them. With power and beauty this great, it’s no surprise that this is (typically) the lengthiest part of the publishing process.
Besides creating illustrations for each book page, an illustrator is responsible for providing a storyboard, illustrating the front and back covers, transferring art to the book designer, and balancing their creativity with your artistic vision.
For a standard 32-page book, an illustrator may need anywhere from three to six months to complete the project. Timelines vary based on their schedule and style, so connecting with your illustrator early is best. This way, you can build a smooth, collaborative process and give your story the time and care it deserves.
Book Design: Months 7-9
Once your text and illustrations are ready, it’s time to see your book truly take shape through formatting and designing. A book designer arranges everything they’ve received from the illustrator in a visually appealing way, making decisions on fonts, page numbers, bleeds and margins, and printer specifications.
Your designer is another important piece of the publishing journey that should be found early. Building a strong, collaborative relationship allows you to share your vision, ask questions, and feel confident as your book transforms from files into a polished masterpiece.
Print & Publishing: Months 10-12
The final stage of the publishing process is where everything comes together—printing and publishing your book! This is the thrilling moment when your story is no longer just words and images on a screen, but a tangible book for readers to hold in their hands.
Several important decisions need to be made during this stage, each one offering an opportunity to shape how your story enters the world. Some key choices to consider:
Do you want a hardcover, softcover, or e-book?
Should you go with a printing company or print-on-demand?
Would you feel more comfortable self-publishing, trying to make a traditional publishing deal, or finding a hybrid publisher?
There’s no single “right” answer—it’s all about choosing each step in the publishing journey that aligns best with your goals, your budget, and the vision you have for your story. No matter what route you take, this is the stage where your dream officially becomes reality.
Embrace the Journey
Publishing a children’s book is a marathon, not a sprint—but each step brings you closer to the moment you’ve been waiting for. By having an understanding of this process prior to diving into it, you can set realistic expectations, avoid last-minute stress, and focus on what matters most: inspiring and empowering young readers.
Ready to Publish?
I hope this blog gives you clarity on what the publishing timeline really looks like and how to get started. Every stage—editing, illustration, design, and printing—plays an important role in shaping your book into something children will love.
It’s not usually a quick process, but it is a rewarding one. Each step brings you closer to holding your book in your hands and sharing your message with young readers everywhere.
The best is yet to come!
I’m here to navigate this journey with you. If you want a detailed roadmap of the publishing process—plus the tools, training, and support to make it happen—I invite you to join my Children’s Book Masterclass. In this course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to bring your story to life and publish with confidence through self-paced videos, our 10-module system, and detailed instructions.
Your story has the power to inspire the next generation—and the publishing process is how you bring that dream to life. Let’s make it happen together. Visit miriamlaundry.com/cbm today to get started!
FAQs
Can I go through the publishing process faster than 12 months?
Yes, you can! However, it is important to set realistic expectations. Typically, publishing takes 9-12 months. Allow yourself ample time for each step, leaving wiggle room for small delays.
What is the biggest reason publishing a children’s book takes so long?
Because so much heart and detail go into illustrating, this phase is usually the longest. Taking anywhere from 3-6 months for a 32-page book, the illustrator carefully moves through multiple rounds of concept sketches, revisions, final artwork, and design preparations. For this reason, it’s best to connect with your illustrator early to guarantee your story receives the artistry it deserves.