Children’s picture book Layouts, formatting, typesetting

I have everything a story needs—manuscript, 15 finished illustrations (300 DPI), front cover, and the key phrases for a powerful, conflict-driven blurb. Now I need a skilled book designer to pull it all together into a polished, print-ready children’s picture book.

Project details
• Format a 28-page interior for ages 3-7 in 8.5 x 11 trim, with full bleed and safe margins so no text or art hugs the edges.
• Place text below each illustration; use a simple, clean, large-point font that early readers can follow with ease.
• Ensure consistent styling—identical text blocks, matching margins, and a unified look on every spread, cover to back.
• Supply final files (PDF/X-1a for print + review PDF) ready for KDP or IngramSpark, including separate cover, spine, and barcode area.
• Integrate my short blurb, sharpening it with strong emotional language that highlights the central conflict and its resolution without adding length.

Acceptance criteria
1. All pages align to the 8.5 x 11 trim with 0.125" bleed and clear safe zones.
2. Text placement, font size, and leading meet standard readability guidelines for picture books.
3. Images retain full 300 DPI resolution post-layout.
4. Print-ready files pass both KDP and Ingram pre-flight checks on first upload.

If you have a keen eye for children’s book aesthetics and a solid grasp of print specifications, I’d love your help turning these assets into a book kids will reach for again and again.