Creative Services
Full-Service Illustration, Design & Self-Publishing Support
for Children’s Book Authors
From your words to a printed book in your hands:
Many children’s books begin as ideas with purpose — stories that want to live in the world, not just in your head. You’ve written a children’s book; now you need someone who can help you finish it the right way.
I work with self-publishing authors to transform manuscripts into beautifully illustrated, professionally designed children’s books, while guiding you through the publishing process step by step.
Complete children’s book packages, including:
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Custom interior illustrations
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Cover design & title treatment
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Interior layout & typography
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ISBN setup & metadata
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Ebook formatting (Kindle & digital)
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Print-ready files for your chosen printer
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and more (please see my free checklist below)
You don’t need to be a publishing expert —
I bring years of experience, guiding authors through every step.
What Clients Are Saying
“April was the missing puzzle piece that brought our story to life.”
When we had a vague idea of what we wanted, she took those ideas and gave us several art styles to choose from. Her beautiful art, professional, and timeliness; brought our story to life before our son got here so we could share this story with him, and hopefully countless others, who have a story similar to ours.
- Omar Lockerbie, Co-author of "Bee-coming a Family"
“Her illustrations are nothing short of magical.”
Vibrant, expressive, and filled with the kind of warmth and detail that instantly draw readers in. She brought my characters to life in ways that exceeded anything I could have imagined. If you’re looking for an illustrator who combines exceptional skill with an equally exceptional work ethic and spirit, April is the one.
- Makenzie Waters, Author of "Mismatched"
"April always goes above and beyond"
April was such a pleasure to work with. Her style is so unique and warm. The "Emotions Book for Toddlers" that she illustrated under my Art Direction has sold exceedingly well, and her work was a driving force behind those sales.
- Lisa Forde, Creative Leader and Art Director "My First Book of Emotions for Toddlers"
“Illustrations that made my story come to life.”
I worked really hard on crafting my words to create an impactful story that I would be proud to share with my daughter. However, to make the story engaging for children, I wanted illustrations that were not only beautiful but also very tasteful. That's what April did. She is absolutely amazing at what she does and was a pleasure to work with.
- Chase Bowers, Author of "Addie and the Magic Jar"
Is this the right fit?
This service is ideal if:
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You plan to self-publish
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You want one experienced guide,
not a dozen departments or bots
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You value clear communication
and a smooth process
Publishing Options
If you are pursuing traditional publishing, you do not need to hire an illustrator — the publisher handles that. To learn more about this path, you could check out SCBWI.org - a widely used industry resource.
If you are self-publishing, I can support you at every stage, including selecting a reputable printer for your book.
Please note that some companies labeled as “publishers” operate as vanity presses. Signs to be aware of include higher royalty splits, limited opportunities to revise artwork, bundled service or marketing packages with unclear value, and outsourced illustration workflows where authors have little direct contact with the artist.
I’m always happy to explain the differences so you can make informed decisions and choose the path that best supports your goals.
How My Process Works
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Free call or video chat — we talk story, goals, and timeline
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Custom quote — based on length & illustration needs
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Collaborative creation — layout → sketches → color art
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Final delivery — print + ebook files ready to publish
Pricing & Availability
Project pricing is provided after reviewing the manuscript.
Please inquire for details.
Free Resource
"A Practical Checklist for Illustrating & Designing a Children’s Book"
A concise checklist to help you ask the right questions
and make informed decisions before you begin.
Questions?
If you’re unsure about what comes next — or want a thoughtful second opinion — feel free to reach out. Many authors are capturing a moment in time — a snapshot of who they are as a parent or grandparent — and creating a story they feel called to share, one that may resonate with and inspire others. I’m happy to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
