Design Three Hardcover Bedtime Storybooks

Children's Storybook Designer – 3 Books, Illustrations, Layout, Design & Hardcover Formatting

Initial Budget: $30–$40 USD for all three books

Project Overview

I am looking for a creative and detail-oriented freelancer to help turn three existing children's bedtime storybooks into professionally designed books suitable for hardcover printing.

The project includes three books for different age groups:

- Book 1: Ages 4+
- Book 2: Ages 5–6
- Book 3: Ages 7–8

Each book contains 6 short bedtime stories, with each story approximately 300–400 words long. The manuscripts are already written, so writing from scratch is not required.

I need someone who can help with the overall presentation of the books, including illustrations, interior layout, cover design and preparation of print-ready files.

Illustration examples and visual references will be provided to help communicate the desired style and direction.

Scope of Work

1. Illustrations

- Create or source suitable illustrations that complement the stories and appeal to young children.
- Position illustrations appropriately throughout the books.
- Maintain a consistent visual style, particularly for recurring characters and settings.
- Use the provided illustration examples as visual references.

2. Interior Layout and Design

- Arrange text and illustrations into attractive, well-balanced pages.
- Choose appropriate fonts, spacing, headings, margins and page numbering.
- Create a visually appealing and age-appropriate reading experience.
- Maintain a consistent design style throughout each book.

3. Cover Design

- Design an attractive front cover and back cover for each book.
- Ensure the covers reflect the bedtime-story theme and intended age group.
- Prepare the complete hardcover cover layout, including the spine and wraparound areas, according to the printer's specifications.

4. Print-Ready Files

- Prepare all three books for hardcover printing.
- Follow the printer's specifications for trim size, bleed, margins, colour settings and cover dimensions.
- Provide print-ready PDFs and, preferably, editable source files.

Freelancer Requirements

- Experience in children's book design, illustration or book formatting.
- Good visual storytelling skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain consistent illustration styles and character appearances.
- Understanding of age-appropriate typography and page design.
- Willingness to make reasonable revisions based on feedback.

Sample Page / Trial

Before proceeding with the complete project, I would like to review a sample page or double-page spread using a short excerpt from one of the stories and a suitable illustration.

The sample should demonstrate your illustration style, typography, text placement and overall layout approach.

The manuscripts and illustration examples will be provided to the selected freelancer. Final page counts, trim sizes and printing specifications will be confirmed during the project.

I am looking for someone who can transform the existing manuscripts into attractive, cohesive and professionally presented children's bedtime storybooks, ready for hardcover printing.