🗂️ VI. Production Timeline + Budget Plan (Realistic)
This is how real children’s book series are produced.
Phase 1 — Pre‑Production (2–3 months)#
- finalize scripts
- character sheets
- illustrator selection
- color scripts
- pacing maps
Budget: $5k–$15k
Phase 2 — Illustration (4–6 months)#
- 20 spreads × 5 books = 100 spreads
- 1–2 days per spread
- revisions included
Budget: $25k–$60k depending on illustrator
Phase 3 — Layout + Typography (1–2 months)#
- InDesign or Affinity Publisher
- final text placement
- cover design
Budget: $3k–$8k
Phase 4 — Printing (1–2 months)#
- hardcover or softcover
- 500–2000 units initial run
Budget: $4k–$12k
Phase 5 — Marketing + Distribution (ongoing)#
- posters
- plushies
- social media
- website
- book trailers
Budget: scalable
🌟 Where we go next#
We can now expand into:
- full storyboards for all 20 spreads per book
- complete manuscripts
- character bible (expressions, poses, props)
- animation pitch deck
- film adaptation outline
- toy line design
Just tell me which direction you want to explore.