• Send your PDF. We'll handle everything
• Stapled booklets in 3 days
• Perfect-bound books in 5 days
• Instant pricing for up to 20 copies
• Storage, fulfilment, and delivery
• Real human support
• FREE file check
• FREE Paper Samples
Ex Why Zed works with aspiring and experienced authors who want expert support without navigating the publishing world alone. Whether you're just starting or ready to move forward, we make the journey smoother and more achievable.
Our support is ideal for:
Whether you’re at the idea stage or ready to publish, we help you turn your story into a children’s book you’ll be proud to share.
Publishing a children’s book can feel overwhelming. From refining your manuscript to understanding the publishing landscape, it’s easy to get stuck or lose momentum. Many authors struggle with unclear processes, inconsistent quality, or simply not knowing who to trust with their story.
Ex Why Zed makes the journey straightforward. We support you behind the scenes, helping you move from idea to a professionally finished children’s book without the stress.
Here’s what makes working with us different:
With Ex Why Zed, you’re not figuring things out alone. You get the clarity, support, and expertise needed to turn your idea into a children’s book you can proudly share.
Publishing your children’s book doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. We simplify every step and handle the technical side, so you can focus on your story.
1. Share Your Idea or Files: Send your manuscript, illustrations, or draft. We review everything and guide you on what’s needed next.
2. Choose the Right Book Setup: Pick your size, format, paper, and finish with clear, expert guidance to match your vision.
3. We Prepare Everything for Print: Your files are checked, refined, and made print-ready to avoid mistakes or delays.
4. Print and Delivery Handled: Your books are professionally printed, packed, and delivered, ready to share or sell.
5. Reprint or Scale Anytime: Order more copies, store stock, or fulfill orders as your book grows.
Your children’s book should look as good as the story inside. We make it simple to choose the right print setup, so your final book feels professional, polished, and ready to share.
The right binding isn’t just about looks. It depends on your page count, budget, and how you want your book to feel in hand.
Pages are folded and stapled along the spine to create a lightweight booklet.
Best for short books, activity books, and early drafts
Pages are glued into a wraparound cover with a clean, square spine.
Best for storybooks, illustrated books, and larger projects
A durable hard cover built around your pages for a premium finish.
Best for keepsake books, gifts, and premium editions
Once your book is ready, it is delivered quickly and without hassle.
You get free UK delivery with trusted couriers. Orders are shipped fast, so your books can arrive within days. You are given clear timelines, so you always know when to expect delivery. Every order is sent with secure tracked shipping, giving you full peace of mind.
Every children’s book is different. Some are educational, some are emotional, and others are built to entertain or inspire. What they all have in common is the need for the right format, design, and print quality to bring the story to life.
Here are a few examples of books we’ve helped create:
1. Where Are You Going Today? – Children’s Book Series
2. Hurricane Brain – Illustrated Mental Health Book
3. Educational Reading Book Project
4. Kittiwake Kingdoms – Self-Published Journey
Explore real children’s books we’ve printed and bound for authors across Manchester.
“Fast efficient turn-around, and great communication on details. I was having difficulty finding a printer able to produce a map-style folded conference programme. Mike and the team came to the rescue, they fully understood my requirements and were able to provide me with previous work as samples which was very reassuring. My customer was delighted with the final printed product which was delivered on time.
Very happy with the order. Highly recommend.”
“I felt like I really had my hand held with Ex Why Zed. As it was my first book I was worried that I would have missed something and the print run would have given me a few glaring mistakes but I need not have worried. I was advised all the way and it really feels like a personal service.”
Got a final question before publishing your children’s book? Find clear answers to guide you through the last steps, from setup to delivery.
Start by refining your entire manuscript and researching the publishing industry. Submit to a literary agent or directly to a publishing house via unsolicited submissions. Include a strong cover letter, follow guidelines, and send in PDF format.
Top publishers include imprints under Random House and other major publishing companies focused on early years, picture book submissions, and chapter books. Research each publishing house, its illustrators, and submission preferences before sending your manuscript.
You can find reviews on platforms like Reedsy directories, author blogs, and writing communities. These sources compare publishing companies, imprints, and experiences within the publishing industry, helping authors evaluate publishers before submitting manuscripts.
Most publishers require a complete manuscript, cover letter, and sometimes sample illustrations. Submissions are often sent via email or online forms in PDF format. Always follow each publishing house’s guidelines carefully to avoid rejection.
Top names include Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, and HarperCollins imprints. Smaller publishers like Flying Eye Books also accept new authors. Many publishing companies specialise in picture books, middle-grade, and early years content.
Include your entire manuscript, a strong cover letter, and illustrator samples if relevant. Some publishers also request a synopsis or proposal. Ensure everything is formatted professionally to stand out in the competitive publishing process.
Yes, many independent publishers accept unagented submissions. Examples include smaller presses and niche imprints focusing on picture books, nonfiction, or educational content. These are often more open to new authors than large publishing houses.
Major publishers like Penguin usually require a literary agent and rarely accept unsolicited submissions. Some imprints open occasionally. Ex Why Zed can help advise on preparing your manuscript, design, and files before submitting to publishers.
We haven't got an in-house designer at the moment, but do take a look at these pages for ideas on designers to approach.
https://exwhyzed.com/finding-a-book-designer-on-fiverr/
https://exwhyzed.com/finding-a-book-designer-on-peopleperhour/
Of if you would prefer to work with an agency for a more tailored approach then these articles will help:
https://exwhyzed.com/best-book-design-solutions-2023-expert-designers-awaits/
https://exwhyzed.com/10-agencies-to-design-your-book-for-print/
Large publishers usually don’t accept unsolicited submissions and prefer agented work. However, many smaller publishing companies and independent imprints do accept unagented submissions, making them a practical route for new authors.
Yes, you can self-publish a children’s book in the UK. Create your manuscript and illustrations, format your book, choose printing options, then print and distribute independently or through online platforms, keeping full control.
