KKBC, Kindle Kids’ Book Creator.
Well, that’s my opinion anyway.
Okay, I’ve told y’all many times how hard-headed I can be. So this post will come as no surprise, that even after reading the pros and cons of the new Kindle Kids’ Book Creator software, I still decided to give it a try. God I’m nuts!
To the readers which received an advance ecopy to review, I humbly apologize if you were unable to open the .mobi document.
I should have saved myself the trouble. Other than it being another software to use, trust me, it’s not worth the hassle.
It’s a lot of hard work for little return. Kind of like eating crawdads. After dinner, you wonder why you didn’t just go ahead and order a damn lobster.
Okay, enough bellyaching. Here is why after the hard work, cussing, and crying I ended up with a product that is very limited.
- I will have to publish another Kindle version through CreateSpace.
Why? Because Kindle Kids’ Book Creator files are huge and this limits the price you can charge for an ebook. Another thing it only allows certain devices to download the book. Yep, you heard right. Not all Kindle devices will be able to buy the book. That is why I will release another one through Createspace.
- It took me 10 tries to get this small picture book to look right. Sigh. Can anyone say crawdads?
I could’ve published a couple of ebooks in the time I wasted playing with this program.
Although I had queried, searched and read everything I could get my hands on about this program, still I went forward.
Never again. For the future, I will use PagePlus to design the book, produce it in a PDF with Nitro10, and load it straight to IngramSpark and Createspace.
Bottom line, this is a no go for me. I won’t be using KKBC again.
Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.
Go to the bottom of this post and see what other writers had to say about KKBC.
You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.
Jean's Writing 
Reblogged this on Michaelphelps1's Blog and commented:
THANKS FOR THE WARNING.
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Michael, it’s very frustrating. The product is beautiful but is also limiting. I haven’t found a program that will produce a fixed picture book as lovely as KKBC but like I said the downloads are limited to the latest Amazon devices. 😦
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It’s nice to have a kindle for kids
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Yes, but this book program only works on the newer Kindles, Ipads and computers. However, I’ve yet to find a better program even with all it’s faults. 😦
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Good info, Sis. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
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Great info. I have no plans at this point to publish a children’s story, but perhaps someday. I’m saving this for later. Nothing is more frustrating than technology when it isn’t intuitive and doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do!
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Ain’t that the truth!
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Hi Jean,
I feel your pain. I have some limited experience so please take my advice with a grain of salt.
Any file you use with pictures will have at least a 25MB size and because of that your delivery fee means you wouldn’t make any money. The option here would be to select the 35% royalty on Amazon and then you don’t pay the delivery fee.
For Kindle Kids Creator, did you upload a PDF file? If not, that’s the best way to add your picture book to KKC. That way if you have any changes you can make them in your original file. I use Microsoft Publisher to create picture books and my upcoming coloring book and then I save as a PDF.
The other problem with KKC is that you cannot add hyperlinks to your book unless you know how to use HTML and/or hire someone to do it for you.
Have you tried Kindle Textbook Creator? I will be using this for my coloring book due to the images. The drawback here is that you cannot have a two-page view. But the file size is smaller and this program accepts PDF’s beautifully. You can also add hyperlinks.
I hope this helps in some small way, Jean.
I found your post via Mr. Ape, The Story Reading Ape with Heart. 🙂
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Yes, I did upload with PDF, that wasn’t the biggest issue. The biggest issue is the limited platforms available for download through KKBC. You might want to check into that issue regarding KTC. I’ve never tried MS Publisher, I’ll give it a whirl. I used Serif Pageplus is a great publishing program. Thanks so much for all the info. I’m really glad you found me and hope you’ll stop by often. The lights always on. LOL
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PS, let me know how the KTC works out for you.
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Maybe I should scrap the EBook and just do paperback?! Yikes
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Anyone else had problems with KKBC?
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Good to know! I’m still looking for a format to use for a children’s book that’s bigger than 8.5 x 11. My illustrator needs a wider format. If you know of one, please share! Create Space seems to just offer ones that aren’t wide.
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I would start with IngramSpark, although their website only lists up to 8.5 x 11, they are the go to for bookstores and libraries. Their customer service peeps are so helpful, I’d give them a call. Also, you might call Bowker for info. Give the size a lot of thought. Once the illustrator has finished, you should be able to manipulate the artwork to fit the size of your book. I decided on a square 8.5 x 8.5 after going to the bookstore and looking at other similar books. Do let me know what you find out. Good luck!
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Thanks for the great ideas. Yes, my friend who has her own publishing company has checked in with Lightning Source (ie,Ingram Spark?) and they say they will soon offer the larger templates. Thanks for this advice – very helpful!
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That’s good to know. Good luck and do share when you get the book finished. I’d love to see it.
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Thanks for the insight. Hope things work out for you with your tried and reliable methods. Take care Cally.
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Thanks Cally. Seems that I am a learn as you go kind of person. 🙂
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