When I decided to create my first bilingual picture book, I knew self-publishing was the most affordable route. Traditional publishing was expensive, and as a first-time author and illustrator, I wanted full control over the creative process. What I didn’t realize was just how much I’d learn along the way! From experimenting with different platforms to perfecting the format for a bilingual audience, here’s how I navigated the world of self-publishing.
Lulu Publishing: A Great Start, But a Few Setbacks
My journey began with Lulu Publishing, a popular platform for self-publishers. They offered an easy-to-use template, and I quickly designed my book with it. I was excited when my first copy arrived—it looked fantastic, and I was proud of what I had created. Lulu was affordable, which made it even more appealing.
However, I soon discovered a downside: the pages frequently fell out. Despite being pleased with the overall look, the quality of the binding didn’t meet my standards. While Lulu was great for affordability and ease of use, I realized I needed to find a more durable solution.
Amazon Kindle: A Step Up, But Limited Options
After my experience with Lulu, I decided to try Amazon Kindle next. The Kindle option allowed me to offer both a physical 6×9 portrait book and a digital version for readers who use the Kindle app. The quality was impressive, and my family ordered several copies. However, the submission process was confusing, and the platform didn’t offer much flexibility in terms of customization. I was stuck with the 6×9 portrait format and couldn’t explore different sizes or paper types.
IngramSpark: Customization and Durability
My final stop was IngramSpark, and although it was more challenging to use, it quickly became my favorite platform. The interface required more time to understand, but the benefits were well worth the effort. IngramSpark offered detailed previews before purchasing or distributing the book, and it allowed for full customization of page quality, color, and size.
The biggest win? Sturdy pages that didn’t fall out! IngramSpark gave me the professional quality I was seeking and provided me with the confidence that my book would hold up over time.
Key Lessons for Bilingual Picture Books
Creating a bilingual picture book presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to formatting. Throughout my journey, I learned a few key tips:
- A typical picture book is around 500 words and spans 32 pages, including end pages, inner cover pages, and dedication pages. So, the actual story itself fits within 24 pages.
- In bilingual books, the standard format is to place the English text on top, followed by a symbol to separate the Spanish text, which goes underneath. Both texts should be in the same font size for clarity.
- When crafting the title, it’s essential to include an equals sign (=) between the English and Spanish versions. This helps readers understand that both titles are equally important.
The Importance of Feedback
One of the most rewarding parts of this process was sharing my book with others. I showed it to everyone I knew, seeking feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and overall presentation. This feedback helped me improve the book and ensured that both languages were properly represented.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m proud of how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve come since my first attempt with Lulu Publishing. While each platform had its strengths and weaknesses, IngramSpark ultimately provided the quality and customization I needed for my bilingual picture book. For anyone looking to self-publish, especially a bilingual work, my advice is to take the time to experiment with different platforms, seek feedback, and pay attention to the details—because they truly make all the difference.