Home About Portfolio Services
Book Publishing Custom Illustrations Editing Ghostwriting Proofreading Book Formatting Book Cover Design Book Promotion Fiction Ghostwriting Children's Book Printing Author Websites Audiobooks Children's Book Trailers Distribution
Pricing Submissions Blog Contact Start Publishing
Home / Locations / Sydney / Book Publishing

Become a Published Children's Author, Start to Finish, Sydney Children's Book Publishing Service

Every great children’s book starts with an idea, but turning that idea into a finished book can feel overwhelming. Maybe your manuscript has been waiting in a drawer, or perhaps you have already shared it with publishers and never received the response you hoped for. That journey is common for many children’s authors, and it does not mean your story is not worth sharing.

At Purple Giraffe Press, we believe good stories deserve a clearer path to publication. We were created to help Sydney authors bring their children’s books to life through thoughtful publishing support, honest guidance and a process that keeps authors involved at every stage. From picture books and early readers to junior fiction, we help transform ideas into books families can enjoy.

Publish Your Book Get a Free Estimate

Send us a message

We usually reply within one business day.

Your details stay private, no spam, ever.

brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo
brand logo

- what it is

Unlike traditional publishing routes that can involve long waiting periods and limited communication, we focus on building genuine relationships with the authors we work with. We take the time to understand your story, provide meaningful feedback and connect you with the right editing, illustration, design and publishing support needed to create a high-quality children’s book.

Based in Sydney, we understand the local publishing landscape and the needs of Australian authors, schools and families. Whether you are a first-time writer or an experienced storyteller, our team works closely with you to create a book that reflects your vision and connects with young readers.

We intentionally publish a focused selection of children’s books so every project receives the attention it deserves. When you work with Purple Giraffe Press, your story is not just another manuscript in a queue. It becomes a project we carefully develop, refine, and prepare for the readers it was written for.

Publish Your Book →
Children's book publishing services in Sydney at Purple Giraffe Press

- what we offer

How We Help Sydney Authors Publish Children’s Books

We publish children’s books from the first idea through to the finished product. Our team supports every stage, including editing, illustration, design, printing, and distribution. Whether you are creating your first book or building a collection, we help turn your story into a professionally published title.

What Makes a Children’s Picture Book Ready for Publishing

Picture books are one of our key areas of publishing. We look for stories with a clear idea, strong read-aloud potential, and themes that connect with young children. A great picture book leaves space for illustrations to add another layer to the storytelling.

We do not require a fully illustrated manuscript before you submit. A strong written story is enough to begin the conversation. If accepted, we can connect you with an illustrator from our trusted network or work alongside an illustrator you have already chosen.

A Flexible Publishing Path for Children’s Book Authors

Our hybrid publishing model gives authors more control while still providing professional publishing support. You contribute towards production costs while keeping greater ownership and a larger share of your book’s earnings. We manage editing, design, printing, and distribution as part of the process.

This approach works well for authors who already have an audience or want to publish sooner than traditional routes allow. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or storyteller with a community behind your idea, hybrid publishing can help bring your book into the hands of readers.

Junior Fiction and Middle Grade Books

We also publish longer stories for readers aged eight to twelve. These books need stronger structure, engaging characters, and careful pacing to keep young readers interested. Our team focuses on developmental editing, helping improve the plot, character journeys, and overall flow before the final manuscript is prepared.

Illustration and Design Support

Many authors come to us with a strong story but need help creating the visual side of their book. We work with experienced illustrators who understand children’s publishing and match artwork to the tone of your story. From character development to final page design, we help create a complete and polished children’s book.

- every age group

Children’s Book Publishing Built Around Every Reading Stage

Every children’s book audience is different, and the publishing process needs to reflect that. A toddler’s picture book requires a different approach from a middle-grade adventure or junior fiction title. We consider the reader’s age, reading ability and expectations when developing each book, from editing and illustration through to design and final production.

Ages 0–3: Publishing Gentle Stories for Early Learners

Books for babies and toddlers rely on simple language, strong visuals, and durable formats. We help create books that are easy for parents to read aloud and enjoyable for young children to explore. From board book considerations to illustration style, every detail is planned around early learning and first reading experiences.

Ages 3–5: Bringing Picture Books to Life for Young Children

Picture books need a careful balance between storytelling, artwork, and page design. We focus on creating engaging layouts, expressive illustrations and stories that hold a child’s attention. Whether it is a bedtime story, educational book, or imaginative adventure, we help shape books families want to read again and again.

Ages 6–8: Creating Books for Growing Independent Readers

Early readers are beginning to explore stories more independently, so structure and readability become important. We support authors with clear storytelling, age-appropriate language, and engaging illustrations. Our publishing process helps create books that encourage confidence while keeping young readers interested from the first page to the last.

Ages 8–12: Publishing Bigger Stories for Middle-Grade Readers

Middle-grade books require stronger characters, deeper plots, and more developed storytelling. We work on structure, pacing, editing, and design to ensure the final book feels polished and engaging. Whether it is fantasy, adventure, humour, or a school-based story, we help prepare books that connect with older children.

Ages 13–17: Developing Young Adult Books With Greater Depth

Young adult readers expect stories with emotional depth, relatable characters, and more complex themes. We help authors refine their manuscripts while maintaining their unique voice and vision. From editing and design to final publication, we create books that feel authentic and appealing to teenage audiences.

Multi-Age Children’s Books: Reaching Families and Wider Audiences

Some stories are written to be enjoyed by multiple generations, from children reading independently to families sharing the experience together. We help position these books with the right balance of storytelling, illustration, and presentation. The goal is to create a book that connects with readers beyond one specific age group.

Sydney authors and creators we publish children's books for

- who we help

Authors and Creators We Help Bring Stories Forward

  • First-time authors who have never published before
  • Teachers, parents, and grandparents with a story they've been telling for years
  • Illustrators looking for a publisher to pair with their artwork
  • Authors who've been rejected elsewhere and want honest feedback, not silence
  • Schools and community groups wanting to publish a collaborative book
  • Authors with a finished manuscript who just don't know what to do next

Most of the people who come to us aren't professional writers. They're a nurse who wrote a story to help her own kids through a hard time, a grandad who's been telling the same tale at bedtime for a decade, or a teacher who noticed her class needed a book that didn't exist yet. You don't need a writing degree or an agent to work with us. You need a story worth telling and the patience to work through a proper editing process.

- what to look for

How to Choose a Children's Publisher in Sydney

There are more than a few children's book publishers in Sydney, and they don't all work the same way. Before you sign anything, ask any publisher these questions:

  • Who owns the rights to the book once it's published, and for how long?
  • What exactly will I pay for, and what happens if the book doesn't sell?
  • Will I see the illustrations before they're finalised?
  • How many books actually get printed, and where will they be sold?
  • Can I talk to another author you've published before?
  • Is there a written contract, and can I take it away to read properly first?

Any publisher who gets awkward about these questions is telling you something. A publisher confident in what they offer will answer all of them plainly.

What to look for in a children's book publisher in Sydney

- why it matters

Why Choosing the Right Publisher Shapes Your Book’s Future

Plenty of book publishing companies in Sydney focus mainly on adult fiction, memoirs, or business titles, and treat children's books as an afterthought. Not all publishing companies for children's books in Sydney put the same level of care into a young reader's title as they would into a novel aimed at adults, and that gap shows in the final product. Children's books need their own kind of care, from the way the text sits on the page to how the book survives being handled by small hands.

  • The words and pictures have to work together. A children's book editor needs to think about pacing across a page turn, not just grammar.
  • Printing quality matters more than people expect. Board books, glossy pages, and binding all affect whether a book survives being read two hundred times by a toddler.
  • Distribution to schools and libraries is different from getting a novel onto a bookshop shelf. It needs its own contacts and process.
  • Illustration style shapes how a child remembers the story, sometimes more than the words do.

Get any of this wrong and a lovely story ends up as a forgettable book. Get it right, and it becomes something a family reads for years.

- how it works

From Manuscript Submission to Published Children’s Book

1

Step 1: You Send Us Your Manuscript

Send your manuscript through our submissions form, along with a short note about your story and who it's for. We read every submission ourselves.

2

Step 2: We Give You Real Feedback

If your story has potential but isn't quite there, we'll tell you honestly, and we'll usually point to what needs work. If it's not right for us, we'll say that too, quickly, so you're not left waiting for months.

3

Step 3: We Talk Through Your Options

If we want to publish your book, we'll sit down with you (in person or over a call) and walk through the publishing model that suits your book, timeline, and budget.

4

Step 4: Editing and Illustration

Your manuscript goes through structural and line editing. If it needs illustration, we brief an illustrator and keep you involved at each stage, from rough sketches to final art.

5

Step 5: Design, Print, and Proofing

We design the layout, choose paper and binding, and send you a proof copy before anything goes to full print. Nothing gets printed in bulk until you've approved it.

6

Step 6: Launch and Distribution

We get your book into the hands of bookshops, schools, and libraries, and help you plan a launch if you'd like one. We also give you guidance on events, school visits, and local media.

- our catalog

Stories we have brought to life

Tilly's Rainbow Adventure by Jessica Schoettle Children Book

Tilly's Rainbow Adventure

by Jessica Schoettle

Whatever You Do, Don't Fall Asleep! by Ashlee Ridlon Children Book

Whatever You Do, Don't Fall Asleep!

by Ashlee Ridlon

100,000 Whys - The Big Journey for Curious Kids by Rayan Yale Children Book

100,000 Whys - The Big Journey for Curious Kids

by Rayan Yale

Sticks and Stones May Break My... by V Moua Children Book

Sticks and Stones May Break My...

by V Moua

I Am Not a Dinosaur! by V Moua Children Book

I Am Not a Dinosaur!

by V Moua

Don't Worry, Cookie. We'll Save You! by V Moua Children Book

Don't Worry, Cookie. We'll Save You!

by V Moua

The Ultimate Road Trip Activity Book For Kids 8-12 by Sophie Harbor Children Book

The Ultimate Road Trip Activity Book For Kids 8-12

by Sophie Harbor

The Ultimate Campfire Book for Kids by Bobby B. Loo Children Book

The Ultimate Campfire Book for Kids

by Bobby B. Loo

The Epic Science Challenge For Super Smart Kids by Charlie Maple Children Book

The Epic Science Challenge For Super Smart Kids

by Charlie Maple

The Mehrabian Rule for Kids by Jeffrey Kyle Children Book

The Mehrabian Rule for Kids

by Jeffrey Kyle

The Great Neurotrainer Workbook for Smart Kids by Gabriel Nedelcu Children Book

The Great Neurotrainer Workbook for Smart Kids

by Gabriel Nedelcu

The Worst Vacation Book in the Whole Entire World by Joey Acker Children Book

The Worst Vacation Book in the Whole Entire World

by Joey Acker

- why choose us

Why Sydney Authors Trust Our Children’s Publishing Process

We're one of a small number of publishing companies children's books in Sydney, authors describe as easy to actually talk to. That's not an accident. It's how we built the business.

Small Purple Giraffe Press mascot The Purple Giraffe Press TeamAustralian Children’s Publisher
Get a Free Estimate →
✓

We actually read your manuscript.

No submission disappears into an inbox with no reply.

✓

We're local.

As a publisher of children's books in Sydney, authors can visit in person; we're not a call centre in another country.

✓

We're honest about cost.

You'll know exactly what you're paying for before you commit to anything.

✓

We keep you involved.

You see illustrations, layouts, and proofs before anything is final, not after.

✓

We know the local market.

We understand which Sydney schools, bookshops, and festivals are worth targeting for a children's book.

- author love

Authors who said yes, and never looked back

★★★★★
“Writing the book wasn't the difficult part. The real frustration came afterward, when I tried formatting it myself. Every adjustment seemed to create another problem somewhere else in the document. After reaching a breaking point I contacted Purple Giraffe Press for their book writing and formatting service. The finished manuscript looked clean and consistent from beginning to end, with page layout, chapter headings, and spacing all feeling professional.”
Jamie Brook
★★★★☆
“The day my book was released, I expected at least a few weeks of excitement and visibility. Instead, after friends and family purchased copies, things became surprisingly quiet. I quickly realized that publishing a book and getting people to notice it were two completely different challenges.”
M Baint
★★★★☆
“I had tried promoting my book on my own with very little success. Purple Giraffe Press stepped in with a clear plan and helped improve my online visibility. I appreciated their practical advice and consistent communication throughout the campaign.”
Porter Zoe
★★★★★
“Great so far!”
Lisa
★★★★★
“I'm extremely sensitive to audio quality, so I noticed every little issue in the sample recording. A few sections needed adjustments, but the production team handled the revisions without any pushback. The final version sounded clean and professional!”
Tracy
★★★★★
“Purple Giraffe Press is amazing. Their attention to detail and dedication to bringing my story to life was outstanding. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Special thanks to Julia K for her invaluable help, and Mirsa for the breathtaking illustrations.”
Daniel Lunceford
See our reviews onTrustpilot
A clear, written quote for publishing a children's book in Sydney

- pricing

What Shapes the Cost of Publishing a Children’s Book

Every book is different, so we don't quote a flat price on this page. A simple picture book with one illustrator costs less than a longer junior fiction title with a full design overhaul. Once we've read your manuscript, we'll give you a clear, written quote that breaks down editing, illustration, design, and print costs, so there are no surprises later.

Get a Free Estimate →

- explore more

More Services for Sydney Children’s Book Authors

We built our service list around the real gaps that stop authors from finishing and launching their books. Here is what falls under our roof.

- get in touch

Tell us about your book.

Share your idea or manuscript and we will come back within one business day with a friendly, no-pressure plan and a free estimate.

Send us a message

We usually reply within one business day.

Your details stay private, no spam, ever.

- ready when you are

Ready to Bring Your Children’s Story Into Print?

If you've got a children's story sitting in a drawer, or half finished on your laptop, send it through. There's no charge to submit, and you'll hear back from a real person, not an automated rejection. Get in touch with Purple Giraffe Press today, and let's see where your story can go.

Get a Free Estimate →
Purple Giraffe Press mascot ready to publish your children's book in Sydney

- good to know

Frequently asked questions.

Honest answers to the questions Sydney authors ask us most. If yours is not here, a quick consultation will cover it.

Book a Free Consultation →
01 Do you only publish authors who live in Sydney?

No. Most of our authors are based in and around Sydney, but we've worked with writers from other parts of Australia too. Being local just makes meetings and events easier to arrange.

02 How long does it take to hear back after I submit my manuscript?

We aim to reply within six to eight weeks. Popular submission periods can take a little longer, but we won't leave you waiting indefinitely without an update.

03 Is Purple Giraffe Press a good fit if I've been rejected by other publishers before?

Often, yes. Rejection from one publisher doesn't mean your story isn't right for another. We judge each submission on its own, not on where else it's been sent.

04 Do I need an illustrator before I submit my picture book?

No. Many authors submit a text-only manuscript. If we take it on, we'll help match you with an illustrator from our network.

05 What areas of Sydney do you meet authors in?

We're happy to meet in the CBD, the inner west, or the northern suburbs, whatever suits you best. We also do calls for anyone further out.

06 Are you one of the children's book publishers in Sydney that does hybrid deals?

Yes. Alongside traditional publishing, we offer a hybrid model where you contribute to production costs and keep more control and a larger share of earnings.

07 What happens if my book doesn't sell well?

We'll talk this through honestly before you sign anything, including print run size and realistic expectations, so you're never caught off guard by how the book performs.

Chat with us