4 tips to help you find the perfect illustrator...

Lesson #6: DON'T RUSH!

The perfect illustrator for your picture book is out there.  I promise.  All you need to do now is find them.  I know you're keen to get started, I remember how it feels.  You've had set back after set back, as you watched the rejection letters roll in and you REALLY don't want any more delays.

I understand, believe me.  But do yourself a favour and resist the urge to just accept the first illustrator you like that shows an interest in your work.  OK?

So, take a deep breath... 

You're about to make the single most important decision for your picture book, yet.  

No pressure, or anything.

1) Know what you want

You've gone a long way towards this already, if you've followed my advice in How to make the perfect picture book.

If you've decided to lay out your story over the standard 24 pages, then do you want the illustrator to provide:

• 12 double page spreads (where the picture goes across the entirety of both pages)?
• 24 singe page spreads (where each picture fills a single page)?
• 24, or more, spot illustrations (where the picture does not cover the entire page)?
• A combination of double page spreads, single page spreads and spot illustrations?  A good example of this approach is The Gruffalo, which has 2 double page spreads, 3 single page spreads and 26 spot illustrations.

Also, do you want any illustrations produced for the end sheets?  And what about the front and back covers?  I would highly recommend using an illustration from the interior for the front cover, to help keep your costs down.

Do you feel confident about setting the picture book up as an ebook, or typesetting it, so it's ready to print?  If not, would this be something the illustrator might be able to do for you?  It's always worth asking the question...

You don't need to have all these answers set in stone at this stage, but it helps the illustrator to give you a more accurate quote, if you've thought through all these questions.

2) Shop around

I'm not trying to dash your hopes or anything, but it's unlikely you'll be able to get Axel Sheffler to illustrate your picture book.  Sorry.  But that doesn't mean that you won't be able to find an awesomely talented illustrator that's perfect for you and your book.  You just need to go out there and find them.

First, just try to get a feel for what's out there.  Don't just send an e-mail off to the first illustrator that you like.  Take your time.  But do remember to make a note of your favourites AND THEIR WEB ADDRESSES.  It's easy to think you'll remember.  Well, if you're anything like me, it is.  Do you know how many John Balsleys (my fabulous illustrator) there are out there?  I certainly didn't.  I do now!  Fortunately for me, I found him again!

Here are a few different sites to get you started:

• www.childrensillustrators.com
• www.themonkeyfeetillustrationdirectory.com
• www.peopleperhour.com
• www.freelancer.com

You can also check out independent illustrator's pages on Google+, Tumblr or their own website.

3) Send out a handful of queries

So, you've narrowed down the style that you feel best represents your book.  Now you need to get in touch with the illustrator.  No need to write an essay, though, see below for an example.

Example letter for contacting an illustrator

See Vanity Publishing vs Print-on-Demand for an idea of the kind of profit per book that you can expect from a 32 page picture book and, therefore, how much you should be looking at spending on the illustrations.  But , if you want a summary of the information, DO NOT spend thousands of pounds on an illustrator.  Or even a thousand pounds.  Because it's just not likely you'll see a return on your investment.

But don't despair, you can get a decent illustrator on a budget.

4) Ask the short-listed illustrators to sketch your main character(s)

John's initial sketches

When you've got a few quotes to compare, you can ask two or three illustrators to do a sketch of how they envisage your main character(s) would look.

Not to say that this very first picture will necessarily be perfect.  Tweaks can always be made.  After I'd told John I wanted his illustrations, I asked him to do a few more preliminary sketches, so I could see a range of emotions and make sure that Sir Nibbles was going to be just right.  It is a big decision, after all!

When you've done the proper groundwork, you can make your choice with confidence and look forward to the illustrations with eager anticipation!



Have you worked with an illustrator before?  Do you have any advice to help others find the perfect illustrator for their story?