Questions, answered plainly
Straight answers to the questions people ask before making a personalised book — cost, safety, timing and printing.
Are my child’s photos used to train AI?
No. Your child’s photos are used only to build that book’s character references and are never used to train AI models. You can delete them at any time.
Can I edit the story, or is it all AI-written?
You’re in control of the story. You can write or adjust the text on every page, reorder pages, and regenerate any illustration — nothing is final until you approve it.
Can I get a printed copy of my book?
Yes. Every book exports as a high-resolution, print-ready PDF, and you can order a professionally printed hardcover that ships worldwide. You can buy digital first and order the print later.
How is this different from a template personalised book?
Template books let you pick a skin tone and type a name onto pre-drawn art. Once Books generates original illustrations from your child’s actual likeness, in any story and art style, with the same character on every page.
How long does it take to make a personalised book?
About six minutes for a 16-page book. Pages are generated in parallel, so you can start reviewing the early ones while the rest finish.
How much does a personalised children’s book cost?
A digital personalised book starts at $9.99, a printed hardcover is $49, and the premium gift edition is $69. You start every book free and preview its opening pages, and only pay to unlock the full book when you decide to keep it.
What age are the books for?
Once Books makes picture books for young children — roughly toddler through early primary. You pick an age band when you create a book, which tunes the reading level and how much text sits on each page.