How to Make a Coloring Book: A Beginner’s Guide – Assembling the Manuscript (Part 2)

August 21, 2024

Hello, everyone! I’m Theresa, also known by my pen name, Amber Moon. Welcome to the second post in our series on creating coloring books. If you’re just joining us, I recommend checking out the first post: “How to Make a Coloring Book: A Beginner’s Guide (Part 1).” Let’s continue our colorful journey! 🎨✨

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Before moving on to book assembly, I’d like to note that I use Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon’s platform for self-publishing. Here’s why:

  1. Free and Accessible: Creating a KDP account is free, and they provide a wealth of resources to guide you through the process. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a newbie like me, KDP offers valuable information and tools.
  2. Design Specifications: KDP sets forth specific requirements for your book’s design. These include details like page dimensions, margins, and image resolution. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines—they’ll ensure your coloring book looks professional.

Assembling Your Book

Once you have all your AI-generated images, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. I’ve experimented with both Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher, and here’s my take:

  1. Microsoft Word: Great for Text-Heavy Books
    • If your coloring book includes substantial text—perhaps you’re adding coloring tips, inspirational quotes, or short stories—Microsoft Word is a solid choice. Its formatting features allow you to create a harmonious blend of text and images.
  2. Microsoft Publisher: Ideal for Picture-Based Books
    • For books where images take center stage (like coloring books), I find Microsoft Publisher more intuitive. It’s designed for layout and graphic-heavy projects. You can easily arrange your images, add captions, and create a visually pleasing flow.

Crafting Your Book’s Structure

KDP provides clear guidelines on what to include in your coloring book:

  1. Title Page: Start with an eye-catching title page. Include the book’s title, your pen name (or real name), and any other relevant information.
  2. Copyright Page: Don’t forget the copyright page! Mention your copyright notice, ISBN (if applicable), and any disclaimers.
  3. Blank Pages: Consider adding blank pages for coloring enthusiasts who want to test their colors before diving into the illustrations.
  4. Margins and Bleed: Pay attention to margin sizes. KDP specifies these to ensure your book prints correctly. Additionally, consider bleed (extra space around the edges) to prevent cropping during printing.

Fine-Tuning with Publisher

I use Microsoft Publisher’s tools to ensure each image is sized correctly and positioned just right on the pages. Remember, consistency matters—maintain a uniform look throughout your book.

Exporting Your Manuscript

Once your coloring book is ready, export it as a PDF. KDP accepts PDF files, and this format ensures your book retains its layout, fonts, and image quality.

Stay tuned for the next part of this blog post, where I’ll delve into cover creation and publishing your coloring book. Happy creating, fellow authors! 🎨📚

Note: Amber Moon is a pen name, and my real name is Theresa. You can find my coloring books at AmberMoonBooks.com.