Things You'll Need:
- Photographs
- Scanner
- Computer with wordprocessor
- Internet connection
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Step 1
Develop a story line. The easiest way to do this is to think of something your child has actually done, and write a story about it. One year my children created this imaginative village from 3 x 5 cards, and my mother had saved it in the garage. I was cleaning out the garage, and decided to take pictures of the village, since we no longer had room to store the boxes. Once I took the pictures, a story idea developed in my mind.
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Step 2
Look for other cute photographs. Rummage through your photos, and see what might work in your story. When I decided on my storyline, I knew I wanted to find pictures of my two children together, doing things. I looked specifically for pictures of just the two of them, doing a variety of activities, such as horseback riding or riding a bike.
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Step 3
Convert the photographs to digital format (such as JPEG, with 300 dpi). Use a scanner if you only have prints, to create the digital images, and save them in a file on your computer.
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Step 4
Locate a print on demand website, such as lulu.com, to print your book. Once you choose a printer, decide on a book size, and look for formatting instructions on the printer’s website. You might want to create an 8 ½ x 11” book, or a 7 ½ x 7 ½” book or another size.
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Step 5
Create a document file in a word processor, such as Microsoft Word or Wordperfect. Format the document according to the page size, margin and gutter settings, as indicated on the print on demand website, in accordance with the book size you want.
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Step 6
Write your story, inserting the digital images along the way. Remember to spell check and have someone proof your work.
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Step 7
Add pages, such as the title page, introduction, or dedication. To help you layout the book, look at other children’s books, and replicate what they’ve done (in reference to the layout). Keep in mind that odd numbered pages will fall on the right, and even numbered pages will fall on the left. You will want title pages on the right side, and copyright information on the left side, on the page following the last title page.
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Step 8
Create a cover for your book. This can be done by creating a digital image, and using a program such as Photoshop. If you don’t feel equipped to do this, you can create a cover during the upload process at some of the printing websites, and use their artwork.
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Step 9
Log onto the website you are using to print your book, and begin the publishing process. Here you will upload your document file, and any images for your cover. If you have used unusual fonts, you will need to convert the file to PDF, with embedded fonts, prior to uploading the file.
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Step 10
Order one copy of your book. After you receive the book, proof it again and if does not need any changes, you can order more copies.
Comments
treasuresyw said
on 11/21/2009 This is great. I always have so many ideas in mind, but you came and put fire under me to do this series centered around my kids. Thank you. Peace
flowersinmylife said
on 11/21/2009 What a great idea and your instructions are excellent. I don't know whether I have the ability to do this, but would really like to try.
dbdewer said
on 10/24/2009 Great idea and great pictures.
askapeach said
on 10/22/2009 Very well written article with great direcitions. Your photos add a lot to your instructions. I made a digital photo storybook for my son's 25th birthday and he cherishes it. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
survivoryea said
on 10/21/2009 What a terrific idea - never thought of this! thanks