Bring your picture book to life!
Hi I’m Emma, a children’s illustrator specialising in picture books & self publishing.
Let’s turn your story into a finished book
Hand drawn illustrations
Patterned end papers
Engaging cover design
Suitable for KDP / Ingram Sparks
Picture Book Process
Stage 1 - Introductions & Planning
Finding out all about your story! Reading the manuscript, discussing themes & messages in the book, target audience etc. Deciding on book size and format, ie paperback, hardback, ebook.
Stage 2 - Character Design
The main character(s) drawn from different angles & with different expressions and body language.
Your main character could be an animal, human, mythological creature etc
Stage 3 - Thumbnails
Mapping out the whole book. I will send you a PDF dummy of the book with rough sketches and text placed on the page. These will be simple black and white sketches; so we can make changes if need be.
Stage 4 - Full colour illustrations.
I’ll provide regular updates to share how the final illustrations are going.
I draw everything by hand on my iPad using digital brushes. Everything is drawn by me a real human, no AI. (I like my robots in Sci-Fi only)
I love to add lots of texture and hidden details to my illustrations. I want to create books that both children and adults will want to read again and again, finding something new every time.
Stage 5 - Endpapers
Decorative or patterned endpapers which go at the beginning and end of your book and add a fun touch!
Stage 6 - Book cover
Creating an eye catching book cover. One of the most important parts!
Stage 7 - Final Files
I’ll transfer the final digital files for you to upload to KDP and or Ingram Sparks, or to give to your printing company. I’m also available if you have any issues with the uploading process.
This is the most exciting part, as it won’t be long before your book is in your hands, and out in the world!
Stage 8 - Book Launch & Marketing
I will create a book promotion post sharing the front cover and release date. I’ll also share illustrations from the book on Instagram.
If you would like additional marketing posts created I can add that as an extra service.
Turn your dream of becoming a children’s author into a reality. Do you have an idea or manuscript written for a story but don’t know how to turn it into a picture book? Looking for an artist who can also do book design and will create your files ready to self publish?
I love working on picture books about
Animals
Magic
Friendship & kindness
Something that makes me laugh!
Testimonials
Katie Ford - Author
Puffy Puffs Up!
The Puffy Activity Book
The Gnome with No Name
Emma has made my experience of self-publishing picture books so positive and uplifting from start to finish. She has been patient and generous with her knowledge as I’ve navigated these new waters, giving me clear and helpful guidance along the way. I have really benefited from her experience and expertise. Emma pours care and detail into each character and scene. She is able to capture complex emotions with amazing sensitivity, communicated through the positioning, body language and facial expressions of characters, regardless of whether they are human beings, animals or a garden gnome! It has all completely surpassed any expectations I had when I first decided to move forward with turning my stories into real books. I have loved working collaboratively with Emma to bring our picture books to life and I can’t wait for the next one!
Ashley K Thompson
Author of Positive Pea
I had the most amazing illustration experience with Emma. She truly bought a character that I created in my mind (10 years ago) to life. Emma's ability to translate an author's voice and personality into her illustrations is incredible. The book illustrations Emma created for me truly expressed all the comfort, cuteness, and charm I wanted in my book, Positive Pea. I can't wait to work with her again in the future!
Book Reviews
Click on the book covers to buy the book.
The Gnome with No Name
Written by Katie Ford
R. Bow
A beautifully illustrated, very traditional picture book with a heartfelt story. Full of warmth and a lovely sentiment, it’s a quiet, meaningful read that reminds us life is about having fun and making the most of it.
Catherine Warrell
I enjoyed The Gnome With No Name because I loved the illustrations, especially the cats and I liked the message.
Puffy Puffs Up!
Written by Katie Ford
Helena Ballard
Such an appealing book! For children and their adults it will give great pleasure as well as really helpful ideas. The illustrations are perfect and the way the book is set out and written with such sweet rhyming schemes is beautiful. A topic of sensitivity in children and over reaction is explored with great delicacy through Puffy's fishy world. There is a lot of information in there too with all sorts of beautifully illustrated fish along with their names
Marya Lord Lancaster
Beautiful illustrations and such a unique story. My daughter really enjoyed it - she said it was like nothing she had ever read before. It was so inclusive and really helpful as well as being a brilliant story. Would definitely recommend!
Positive Pea
Written by Ashley K Thompson
Daisy
We loved the illustrations of all the peas. Our son & daughter really enjoyed spotting all the different characters. Their favourite bit was the dancing peas at the end.
Rakeya
This is a sweet book with a positive message for young and old alike!
Mother Seagull & The Ocean King
Written by John Shepheard
LMBS
Bought the book on the strength of the illustrations and wasn't disappointed. Lots of colour, style and imagination went into the drawings here and they really bring the story to life. Hope to see more illustrations from Emma in the future!
Heather
My 3 year old has been choosing this book for bedtime every night since he received it for his birthday. It's not too long and the story is easy for him to understand so we have enjoyed talking about the pictures (especially matching up the water from the sea shapes with the water from the beach). Very sweet book.
Can Babies Eat Sushi?
Written by Danielle Colding
Dea Howald
This book is so precious! I loved reading it with my 19 month old & watching him light up at the pictures of the food illustrations! Talk about perfect timing as he became a big brother last week. Highly recommend to add to your library collection!
Hunter
The cutest book, easy to read with beautiful illustrations. My daughter loves it! So perfect to read to older siblings if you are expecting a baby too!