From Dream to Doorstep: How We Self-Published Our Children’s Picture Book
Publishing a children’s picture book should feel like magic. But for many creatives in Australia—and globally—the traditional publishing path is anything but enchanting. When author Ali Ammouchi and I set out to bring our story to life, we quickly discovered the gatekeeping, delays, and creative compromises that come with pitching to big publishing houses.
Why We Chose the Self-Publishing Route
After months of submissions, polite rejections, and radio silence from publishers both local and international, we realized something: the story deserved better. We wanted full creative control, faster timelines, and the freedom to build a brand around the book—not just a product on someone else’s shelf.
Self-publishing gave us that power. From character design to layout, from copyright disclaimers to call-to-action blurbs, every detail was crafted with care. Ali’s storytelling and my illustration and branding expertise merged into a vibrant, emotionally resonant book we’re proud to share.
Building Our Own Distribution Platform
Instead of relying on third-party retailers, we launched our own website to distribute the book directly. This means:
Better margins for us as creators
A direct connection with readers and parents
Creative freedom to bundle, promote, and expand the brand
Our site isn’t just a storefront—it’s a hub for future releases, behind-the-scenes content, and playful extras that extend the story beyond the page.
The Challenges We Faced (And Overcame)
Publishing in Australia comes with unique hurdles:
Limited access to affordable print-on-demand services
High shipping costs for international buyers
A small pool of children’s book publishers with long lead times
Globally, the market is saturated and competitive. But by self-publishing, we bypassed the bottlenecks and built something nimble, scalable, and true to our vision.
Why This Matters for Fellow Creatives
If you’re an illustrator, writer, or creative consultant tired of waiting for permission to publish—take the leap. Build your own platform. Own your IP. Tell your story your way.
We did it. You can too.
