FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.
I've written a picturebook.
Would you illustrate it?
A.
I'm sorry, I only
work with publishers. It's not necessary for you to find an illustrator
before submitting your manuscript to publishers. They prefer
to do that for you once they purchase the manuscript. A good
organization to join to learn more about the process is SCBWI
(Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). They have
a site at http://www.scbwi.org.
Q.
What do you feel is the most effective way for a new illustrator to promote himself/herself?
A.
Do market research to determine which publishers are suitable for your work, then mail a few color copies or printed samples of your very best illustrations of kids and animals to those publishers.
You can also:
- Attend SCBWI conferences and participate in portfolio reviews.
- Create your own website.
- Buy a sourcebook ad and mail the tearsheets that you get as part of the deal. Picturebook http://www.picture-book.com targets the children's illustration market.
- Advertise at http://www.childrensillustrators.com.
Q.
What’s the best way to do market research?
A.
Almost all publishers have a web site where you can see what they publish:
Children's Publishers and Booksellers on the Net http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/publish.html
Children's Publisher Guidelines http://www.signaleader.com/childrens-writers
You can also look through books at the library or bookstore and take notes on which publishers seem appropriate for your work.
Your local library should also have some sample magazines, or you can request sample magazines directly from the publishers. Be sure to enclose an SASE with appropriate postage and payment for the cost of the magazines.
Q. Do I need an agent?
A. An agent isn’t required. Publishers commonly work directly with illustrators. An agent can be a convenience and an advantage. The typical agent’s commission is 25%. You’re more likely to interest an agent after you have some publishing credits and experience.
Q. What form should samples take?
A. Color photocopies or color printouts from a high-quality color printer are fine. Label every sample with your name, address, phone number and email address. Slides are frowned upon. Some publishers also accept email submissions, but ask before sending. If this is welcome, keep your file sizes small and send jpegs or a PDF.
Q.
Is there an appropriate
number of samples to send at a time?
A.
For an initial mailing, try 5 samples. It’s good to show consistency of character and how you tell a story in pictures. Subsequent mailings could just be one piece, such as a postcard. If you send an entire portfolio don't send more than 12 pieces and NEVER EVER send original art.
Q.
What do you recommend
for a first time mailing?
A.
Some good color reproductions of kids and animals in action and showing emotion. Adults, objects, architecture, landscape are other good things to include, but kids should be first and foremost. You can send B&W work too.
Don't send anything you wouldn't want to do. If you hate drawing bicycles, don't send a sample of one.
You can also enclose a brief cover letter, response card and SASE so you can get your samples back and maybe even feedback.
Q.
How should I select publishers?
A.
Choose those whose work you admire and who use work similar to yours in subjects that interest you.
Q.
Where do you get their
names, addresses and contact names?
A. - The SCBWI market reports and bulletins.
- Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market book (CWIM) http://cwim.com
- Literary Market Place (LMP) in the library reference section or you can buy an online subscription at www.literarymarketplace.com
- Children's Book Insider newsletter http://cbiclubhouse.com
Q.
Do you include your
resume?
A.
Yes, with a list
of published work, but I doubt many publishers look at it. I
believe it's the work they're interested in.
Q.
Do you send off the
entire package unsolicited and hope for the best?
A.
Yes. Some publishers respond in the first week, others take 3-4 months, a few up to a year or more. Some never respond.
You can include a response card and an SASE to hopefully learn whether they like your work or not.
Here’s an example of a response card:
I like your illustration samples. I'll keep them on file.
Please send me a full portfolio
Please send me new samples periodically
Your samples aren’t appropriate for our current needs
Comments_____________________________________________
You can also ask them to update their address on the address label you’ve attached to the response card.
Q.
How do you submit
picturebook manuscript/illustration packages?
A.
Send the manuscript typed to conform with manuscript standards. Also send a dummy with text in place and rough sketches on the pages with at least one page done as final art. Enclose an SASE.
There are many great books about how to get started in the children's market. Join SCBWI and go to the conferences. SCBWI is a wonderful organization.
Q.
What is there to illustrate besides picture books?
A.
There are many illustrations purchased for book covers and interior illustrations for early readers, workbooks and chapter books. There are also magazines and Sunday school papers, which are great ways to get started.
Q.
I have recently been
contacted about illustrating a children's book for royalties
only. Should I do it?
A.
It’s a personal decision, but working on speculation is risky. The book may go out of print before you collect enough royalties to compensate you for your time. You have to wonder why the publisher isn’t willing to pay an advance.
Q.
Should I take my portfolio
to NYC to show to publishers?
A.
Many illustrators
have had great success doing this and it is a great idea to make
personal contact with art directors and editors. Click here to read an article I wrote in 1998 about my experience.
Q. Should I self-publish my book?
A. Self-publishing can be difficult and expensive. Self-published books may not get reviewed. It can be difficult to get your self-published book into bookstores. Oftentimes self-publishers run out of steam and end up with boxes of expensive books collecting dust. You have to be very motivated, have the financial resources to create a quality book and be willing to market your book for the long haul.
