There are so many different book sizes out there that it can be confusing when trying to pick the right size for your book.

Not all book sizes are made for children’s books so it’s important that you choose the right one I you want happy readers. For instance, workbooks and coloring books are generally 8.5 x 11” and that is NOT a good size for a children’s book.

We need to keep 3 things in mind when choosing our book size.

1. What is the industry standard?
2. Who’s reading the book?
3. Is it educational or is it for fun?

1. What is the industry standard?

     Just because we’re self-publishing doesn’t mean that we should just do whatever we feel like doing. We want to make a quality book for our readers so when choosing our book size, the first thing we want to do is look at what the industry standard is.

For children’s picture books they are generally:

       8.5 x 8.5”

       6 X 9”

       Or 11 X 8.5”

We should always start with industry standard because they’ve been doing this for a long time and know what parents like.

Why try to reinvent the wheel when the wheel works pretty well the way it is? Lol🤣

2. Who’s reading the book?

     If the parent is reading the book to a young child, they can handle a bigger size so 11 x 8.5 would be totally fine (usually this size is found in hardback books (link to blog).

     If you’re creating a book, such as an easy reader, a 6 x 9 would be perfect. It is easy to hold and very portable. They can literally take it anywhere (great for screen-free entertainment on long car rides).

      Most picture books are 8.5 x 8.5” which is a standard square and is generally great for picture books. If you want to be like Goldilocks, then you can’t go wrong with this size for your book because it’s easy to hold for both parents and children alike.

3. Is it educational or is it fun?

    If your children’s book is generally for entertainment purposes then either the 8.5 x 8.5” or the 11 x 8.5” would be totally fine. Even if your story has a moral or meaning to it…still totally fine.

     Now, if the goal of the book is to help the child learn to read, then the 6 x 9” would be right where it’s at. Easy readers need to be easy to hold for little hands. It just makes sense since they will be the ones who are doing most of the reading.

Which is Best?

        All things considered however, you don’t have to go with what the industry does…you could always go against the grain. lol

      Joking aside, you should choose what is going to be best for your book and best for your reader. Often times the inside of the book determines the size of your book, specifically your font, which I talk more about here.

     Choosing a book size can be nerve wracking since there are so many options, but if you keep these 3 things in mind you’ll be fine.

     If you’re ready to take the next step and go from writer to author then👉 this should be helpful for you.

Until Next time, Keep Scribbling!

~Dawn Bowers~