Plan your first children's book in one sitting
The Picture Book Plan tells you how long your book should be, what goes on each of its 24 pages, and how to build the story in 10 spreads.
Four steps, four pages
Most first books fail on the plan, not on the writing. This guide gives you the plan.
Choose your reader
The age of your reader decides the length and the words. One table tells you where you stand.
Fill 24 pages
A simple map of what goes on every page of a printed picture book.
Build the story
Ten spreads, one line each. When they read well aloud, your book is planned.
Check before you publish
Eight points to tick before your book goes out into the world.
A plan you can fill in tonight
Print the story map, take a pen, and write one line per spread.
The Picture Book Plan
Your story in 10 spreads
Before you publish
The 10 spreads of a story children ask for again
A spread is two facing pages. Here is what happens on each. The guide gives you the space to write yours.
Made for people with a story to tell
Parents and grandparents
You want to make a book for one child you love, with their name in it.
Teachers and carers
You know exactly which story your class needs, and it does not exist yet.
First-time authors
You have carried an idea for years and want to see it printed.
Quick answers
Is the plan really free?
Yes. Enter your email and the PDF is yours to keep. There is nothing to pay.
How do I get it?
Straight away. You are taken to a page with the download button, and a copy is emailed to you as well.
I have never written anything. Is it for me?
Yes. The plan was made for first-time authors: it tells you how long the book should be, what goes on each page and how to build the story.
Do I need any software?
No. A pen and the four pages are enough to plan your book. You can then write and illustrate it with the tool of your choice.
Get the plan and start your book this week
Four pages, one sitting. Enter your email and the PDF is yours.