Choosing the right trim size for your children's book

When creating a children’s book, trim size is one of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll make. Whether you're working with a traditional printer or using a print-on-demand (POD) service like IngramSpark or Amazon KDP, understanding your options upfront can save you time, money, and formatting headaches.

📚 Why Trim Size Matters

Trim size affects everything from how your illustrations are laid out to how your book fits on shelves. It also determines your print compatibility across distribution channels—especially when using POD services.

If you’re printing your book through IngramSpark or Amazon KDP, keep in mind that your trim size options are limited to those supported by each platform.

✅ Recommended Trim Sizes for POD

For children’s picture books, two trim sizes are the most common—and most reliable—across both platforms:

• 8.5 x 8.5 inches (Square)

• 8 x 10 inches (Portrait)

These are considered industry-standard sizes. They ensure:

• Consistent formatting

• Broad print compatibility

• Fewer surprises during production

While other sizes technically exist, these two are the only ones we strongly recommend for POD publishing.

🖨️ Going the Traditional Printing Route?

If you’re planning to use offset printing instead of POD, you have much more flexibility—you can choose any trim size you’d like. However, if you’re still working with an illustrator or formatter, we highly recommend designing your book for one of the two standard POD sizes listed above. This allows you to shift to POD later without needing to redo the entire layout.

📏 Trim Sizes by Platform

IngramSpark

• ✅ 8.5 x 8.5”

• ✅ 8 x 10”

• 7 x 10”

• 6 x 9”

• 5.5 x 8.5”

• 8.5 x 11”

• 11 x 8.5” (Landscape) – Only supported by IngramSpark

Amazon KDP

• ✅ 8.5 x 8.5”

• ✅ 8 x 10”

• 7 x 10”

• 6 x 9”

• 5.25 x 8”

• 5.5 x 8.5”

• 8.5 x 11”❌ KDP does not support landscape trim sizes like 11 x 8.5”

✅ Best Trim Sizes for Maximum Flexibility

If you're planning to publish your book across both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, stick with one of these:

• 8.5 x 8.5” (Square)

• 8 x 10” (Portrait)

These sizes are supported across both platforms and are the safest choice for ease of formatting, printing, and distribution.

💡 Want to Offer Two Trim Sizes?

Thinking about offering two different versions of your book (for example, one square and one portrait)? That’s totally doable! Just keep in mind:

• You’ll need two separate layout files

• Additional formatting fees may apply

Still, offering multiple trim sizes can give you greater flexibility across sales platforms and audiences—especially if you're selling both online and in-person.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're ready to be a published author, start your journey today by submitting your manuscript to Mission Point Press.