When I my my first book how will I get it in to the stores and do i need an agent

Let’s talk about one of the biggest mistakes new children’s book authors make: 3️⃣ Choosing the Wrong Illustrator A children’s book lives or dies by its art. The story and the illustrations must work together — and if the art doesn’t match the tone, age range, or message… the book falls flat. Here’s where most beginners go wrong: ❌ They hire based on price, not style Cheaper is almost never better. You want the right style, not the cheapest. ❌ They choose someone who doesn’t specialize in children’s books Children’s book illustration is a specialized skill — not every artist can do it. ❌ They don’t look for storytelling in the art Great illustrators don’t “draw pictures”… They tell the story visually. ❌ They don’t think about consistency Every character must stay visually consistent across the entire book. ⭐ How to choose the RIGHT illustrator: ✔️ Match the art style to your book’s emotional tone Is your book cute? funny? inspirational? adventurous? ✔️ Look for artists who already illustrate children’s books Their portfolio should show: – character consistency – strong composition – emotion – storytelling ✔️ Hire based on fit, not price The art is half the book. Invest where it matters. ✔️ Ask yourself: “Does this art make me FEEL something?” If the answer is yes, you’re close. YOUR TURN: If you’ve seen an illustrator style you love (or one you’re unsure about), post it below. I’ll give honest feedback on whether it fits your book.

I was wondering how many pages do a book need to be