Book Made Real · Personalized picture book
Someone you love. An adventure all their own.
Commission a custom English-language picture book for a child, family member or loved one. Authorized photos can guide illustrated likenesses, or you can describe imagined characters. Read-aloud rhythm, page turns and art are developed together—not simply a name inserted into an existing template.
Configure & buy from $895Published prices. Defined scope.
| Starting | Typical | Expanded from |
|---|---|---|
| $895 | $1,450 | $1,950+ |
600 / 1,000 / 1,200-word story limits; up to 32 interior pages before page extras. These are our scopes, not market-average price claims.
Base: up to 600 words; 32 interior pages; 14 story illustrations alternating with text; front and back cover art; two principal characters; one revision. Format: one selected standard Amazon.com KDP paperback size, with digital print files. Illustrated: up to 1,000 words, three characters, art and text on 28 story pages plus four front/back-matter pages. Signature: up to 1,200 words, four principal characters, two revisions and a scene-by-scene written storyboard for approval. Both include a character sheet and sample-spread approval. Optional same-trim IngramSpark hardcover files add $199 at 8.5×8.5 or 8.5×11 only; printed copies are not included. Extra pages and likenesses are priced in the calculator. Physical copies, shipping, retailer uploads and ISBN purchases are separate.
Have a longer or unusual project? The optional $149 written brief can identify a workable scope. You do not need it for a standard purchase.
A real studio, with a visible body of work.
Explore the studio’s eight published books, including Zakari and the Great Grocery Adventure, Follow Zion, The Crimson Roar and 5 Minutes from Success. These are studio examples, not invented client testimonials or a promise that the starting package duplicates a much larger book.
Your commissioned book is personally created by Darius F. Sanders. AI tools may be used in the creative process. You keep your author credit and royalties. Rights in human contributions are documented at delivery; AI-only elements are not promised to be exclusive or copyrightable.
To prepare, write a few sentences about the intended reader, purpose and the material you already have. Contact name, cover author name, category, email and a short project idea are required. Long-form orders also collect reader, tone and starting point; the working title and supporting files can follow. Upload manuscripts or authorized images privately after payment.
Already have a manuscript? Buy cover, EPUB or formatting services instead →
Questions before you buy
What does personalized picture book cost?
Starting $895, typical $1,450, and expanded from $1,950. The selected length and optional extras determine one visible purchase total. No mandatory consultation or Blueprint.
What is included?
Base: up to 600 words; 32 interior pages; 14 story illustrations alternating with text; front and back cover art; two principal characters; one revision. Format: one selected standard Amazon.com KDP paperback size, with digital print files. Illustrated: up to 1,000 words, three characters, art and text on 28 story pages plus four front/back-matter pages. Signature: up to 1,200 words, four principal characters, two revisions and a scene-by-scene written storyboard for approval. Both include a character sheet and sample-spread approval. Optional same-trim IngramSpark hardcover files add $199 at 8.5×8.5 or 8.5×11 only; printed copies are not included. Extra pages and likenesses are priced in the calculator. Physical copies, shipping, retailer uploads and ISBN purchases are separate.
Do I need a consultation or the Blueprint first?
No. Choose a category and scope, enter your contact name, cover author name and email, review the total, and pay securely. Book-production orders require a short idea before payment; long-form orders also collect the intended reader, tone and starting point. Picture books require your chosen size. Upload materials privately after payment. Email carries receipts and approvals; optional project texts or a short call can be requested at checkout. The $149 written brief and $499 Blueprint are optional.
What does the $895 picture-book package include?
An English-language story of up to 600 words, up to 32 interior pages in one of seven selected Amazon KDP paperback sizes: 8.5×8.5, 8.5×11, 5.5×8.5, 6×9, 7×10, 8×10 or 8.25×6 landscape. Includes 14 interior illustrations alternating with text pages, front and back cover artwork, two principal characters, one consolidated revision round, a character sheet and sample spread for approval, paperback print files and a reading PDF. Illustrated ($1,450) includes three characters and art with text on each story page. Signature ($1,950) includes four characters, two revision rounds and an approved written storyboard. Optional same-size IngramSpark hardcover files cost $199 for 8.5×8.5 or 8.5×11. Physical copies, retail publishing and shipping are not included.
Can you turn family photos into illustrated characters?
Yes, within the selected character count and with the required photo rights and likeness permissions. An adult must have written parent or guardian permission for each child. Cartoon likeness is an interpretation, not an exact photographic match. Files stay private; no public sample or advertising use without separate permission.
Is the writing and artwork made with AI?
Your commissioned book is personally created by Darius F. Sanders. AI tools may be used in the creative process. AI-generated elements are identified for retailer disclosure and may not be copyrightable, unique or exclusive.
How do cancellations and revisions work?
Book orders are fully refundable before the production-start email is sent. Afterwards, only the last completed milestone is earned: 20% after source review and delivery of the production brief, 80% after the complete first proof, and 100% after final files. The remaining balance is refundable. Studio errors do not consume a revision round. Extra scope requires your written approval.
When will I receive my book?
Targets after complete materials and production confirmation are 3–4 weeks for picture books, 6–10 weeks for other manuscripts, and 8–12 weeks for research-heavy work. Missing material and your review time pause the schedule. These are not guaranteed rush deadlines.