While many authors choose to self-publish independently, full-service self-publishing services play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the self-publishing journey.
But what exactly can a niche-specific do-it-all self-publishing service do for you, the children’s author?
HERE ARE 14+ FEATURES YOU SHOULD WANT A SERVICE TO PROVIDE:
1. Professionalism
Your name will be on the book; you should want a quality product, especially if you intend to be more than a one-hit wonder.
If you publish an unprofessional book, you will end up being perceived that way, even if you don’t want to. People don’t want to pay for something that’s not good.
2. Specialization
If you’re a children’s book author, it’s a good idea to use a service that specializes in your genre.
Children’s books, specifically picture books and chapter books, include illustrations and placement. You want to use a service that understands what this entails.
3. Price
Always check pricing. Know what you’ll be paying for. Get a breakdown of each publishing phase.
I recently consulted with a self-publishing author who used someone on Fiverr to create a picture book, from illustrations to a full PDF.
I’m sure this individual or service was extremely reasonable, but the formatting was unprofessional. It would have published unreadable.
Keep in mind that you pay for what you get. There are high-range, mid-range, low-range, and unprofessional services. Research them. Check out the books they’ve published.
You want a service that is within your budget but also professional.
4. Personalization
One of the most essential things you should want is a personalized process. You want to deal directly with the owner. You don’t want a go-between or the risk of a different handler taking over the account or being moved from handler to handler.
When you deal with one person from beginning to end, she will know what’s going on with the project at all times. There will be NO handing off the project to someone else.
You should want a personal touch. You should want some handholding.
5. Communications
Clear and prompt communication is another must. This should start with the agreement. Know what you’re getting into from price to timeline to quality.
Based on my experience and service, I discuss all aspects related to the project with the client. All emails and phone calls go directly to me, as owner. This is part of my personalized service throughout the project.
The person you deal with should know what’s going on with the project at all times. When you deal with one person, there is no go-between. There is no need for the correct extension or name of the representative or salesperson you’re dealing with.
6. Quality Control
A reputable self-publishing service should want to help you produce quality books for two reasons:
A. To satisfy you, the author. B. To build a professional and quality reputation as a self-publishing service.
To ensure a quality reputation, the service should take extra care to ensure everything is done right, from the story to the illustrations to the book’s interior and covers.
You don’t want to work with a service that publishes anything, including easily spotted unprofessional products.
Attention to detail is paramount.
7. Minor Editing
While it’s best to have a professionally edited manuscript before thinking of self-publishing, most self-publishing services offer editing services.
I will make minor edits for manuscripts under 1000 words free of charge for my self-publishing clients.
Having a polished manuscript is a crucial step for maintaining the quality and credibility of the book.
The market is very competitive; you’ll want your book to stand out.
8. Illustrations
A. If you have your own illustrations: The service should review them to make sure they’re ready for the next phase. If any edits are needed, the service should notify you so you can inform the illustrator.
The illustrations need to be checked for consistency, text-to-illustration accuracy, proper spacing for text, proportions, and more.
B. If you need illustrations: Most self-publishing services offer an illustration service or a package that includes illustrations. They’ll discuss the cost of the illustrations and, hopefully, hire the right illustrator for the project.
The service works with the illustrator, or now, some services offer AI-generated images for books.
You should get copies of the illustrations to review and offer input.
Tip: You want to own the illustrations you're paying for. A warning: some services use unprofessional illustrators to keep their overhead costs down.
9. Formatting, Design, Production
Handling the production process is another key responsibility of a full-service self-publishing service, and the service must collaborate with a professional formatter/designer. Ensuring everything goes smoothly takes timely communication with all parties involved in the project.
Book covers, design, and formatting contribute significantly to a book's professional appearance and marketability.
In addition, the formatter ensures that the book’s print and eBook formats are produced with high-quality standards, meeting the technical requirements of different publishing platforms.
10. PDF Review
WOTMSP will review the PDFs the formatter/designer provides, request revisions if needed, and review each revised PDF.
Each PDF is sent to the client for review.
11. Help with Pricing, Returns, Discounts
I would venture to say that all services advise their clients on pricing the book and distribution. And if you're using IngramSpark to publish your book, the service should discuss whether to allow returns, what's involved with allowing returns, and what discount to use for print books.
12. ISBNs
The service you use should advise on how to get ISBNs.
ISBN is an acronym for The International Standard Book Number. It’s a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally.
13. Inputting Metadata in the Distributor’s / Retailer’s Service
This is an essential part of making a book discoverable online.
Optimized metadata, including keywords, categories, and book descriptions, enhances the book's visibility on online platforms, making it easier for potential readers to find.
Here is an example of my chapter book, "Walking Through Walls," that was initially traditionally published, then I got the rights back and self-published:
While the book is ranked 2,312,681 in best sellers, the total number of books for sale through Amazon is tens of millions; some sources have it at 40 million as of September 2025. But notice the category statistic is a rank of #300.
It’s the categories and keywords that potential buyers will search for.
14. Uploading and Final Review
Once the print-ready files are approved, they need to be uploaded to Amazon or IngramSpark. The Review Copy needs to be reviewed before publishing.
Not all services will upload the files to your Amazon or IngramSpark account.
This is a service I provide as part of the project.
And that’s it. Your book will be available for sale with minimal effort on your part.
15. One-Stop-Shopping
If you have the budget, having one service covering everything from handling the illustrations to formatting and design to publishing is a relief for most self-publishing children’s authors.
16. Book Marketing (Bonus Feature)
Now, you’re a published author. But even though your book is available for sale, it won’t sell unless you know how to promote it.
Most self-publishing services offer marketing services. It’s important to understand exactly what you will get for your money. Most services don’t effectively market authors’ books.
I wrote the "DIY Creating an Author Online Platform" ebook. It's a step-by-step guide that I give to my clients to help them navigate the book marketing arena.
I also give a brief book review on Amazon and Goodreads for my clients.
Summing It Up
In the self-publishing world, self-publishing services serve as invaluable partners for authors seeking professional assistance, guidance, and a higher level of polish.
Self-publishing services can empower authors to create quality books and reach a wider audience by offering editing and follow through to distribution.
If you have a picture book or simple chapter book manuscript that you’d like to self-publish but need help, Writers on the Move Self-Publishing Service would love to discuss your project with you.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
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