---
title: How to create your book on Onceling
description: Step-by-step facts about picking a story template, adding photos and details, generating a free preview, and unlocking the digital or printed book.
locale: en
canonical: https://www.onceling.com/guide/create-a-book
---

# How to create your book on Onceling

To create a book on Onceling, pick a story template, add photos and personal details, generate a free preview, then unlock the digital or printed edition — or send it as a gift.

## How do I pick a story template?

Browse the gallery at /books and filter by age range and cast size. Each template page shows the story's tone, length, and starting price before you begin.

## What photos should I upload?

Upload the photo angles the template asks for — usually one clear face photo per person who appears in the book. Photos are used only to keep that person's likeness consistent across the illustrations.

## What details do I add?

You enter the hero's name, age, and a few interests or facts the story can use, plus names for any other cast members the template needs.

## What happens during generation?

Onceling writes the personalized story and illustrates every page from your photos and details. You can watch progress on the project page and get an email when it's ready.

## Is the preview really free?

Yes. Every project generates a free preview first — cover, a few sample pages, and the back cover — so you can see the story and art before paying anything.

## How do I unlock the full book?

From the project page, choose a digital PDF or a printed hardcover; see the pricing page for current rates. If you already own the digital edition, its price is credited toward a hardcover.

## Can I give the finished book as a gift?

Yes. After purchase you can share a gift link so the recipient can read the digital book, or have the printed hardcover shipped straight to them.