A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SELF PUBLISHING A SPIRITUAL OR INSPIRATIONAL KIDS' BOOK
STEP THREE: TEAM UP WITH AN EXCELLENT ILLUSTRATOR
The reason that most self-published children’s books fail is that they have been illustrated by the author. This is fine if you are an illustrator too, but don’t be tempted into thinking that just because you can draw a nice bunny for your child that this makes you an expert. Being able to draw, or even being an artist, does not necessarily mean that you will be an excellent illustrator.
Illustrators, the ones who succeed, have the ability to not only create artworks, but also understand current trends and marketability. Take a look at children’s books that you have bought purely for the pictures – see who the illustrator is and contact them. If you have the resources, you can hire someone to illustrate for you, but you may be lucky enough to find someone who will work on your book and take a percentage of the profits. I suggest that if you are taking this approach that you first formalize your marketing plan and submit this to the illustrator with your request so that they can see that you are likely to succeed with your story.
Another great way to find an illustrator is to join communities such as the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and make contacts through their meetings and events. In fact, I would suggest joining them anyway, as they are a great resource and source of support for self-published authors of children’s books.
When working with an illustrator, make sure that you set out your deadlines and expectations upfront; be clear on what you expect and when you expect it. Before meeting with your illustrator it is helpful to draw up a brief – an outline of the style, number of illustrations, or any other information that you may have envisaged. Take along examples of children’s books that have a similar style to what you expect, keeping in mind that all illustrators will have their own personal style which should suit the story that you have written.
Don’t be afraid to approach a few different illustrators and ask them to show you their previous work or to do a sample illustration for your book. Most illustrators these days will have an online profile and portfolio.
This, to me, is the most exciting stage, seeing your vision come to life. Enjoy it!
Illustrators, the ones who succeed, have the ability to not only create artworks, but also understand current trends and marketability. Take a look at children’s books that you have bought purely for the pictures – see who the illustrator is and contact them. If you have the resources, you can hire someone to illustrate for you, but you may be lucky enough to find someone who will work on your book and take a percentage of the profits. I suggest that if you are taking this approach that you first formalize your marketing plan and submit this to the illustrator with your request so that they can see that you are likely to succeed with your story.
Another great way to find an illustrator is to join communities such as the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and make contacts through their meetings and events. In fact, I would suggest joining them anyway, as they are a great resource and source of support for self-published authors of children’s books.
When working with an illustrator, make sure that you set out your deadlines and expectations upfront; be clear on what you expect and when you expect it. Before meeting with your illustrator it is helpful to draw up a brief – an outline of the style, number of illustrations, or any other information that you may have envisaged. Take along examples of children’s books that have a similar style to what you expect, keeping in mind that all illustrators will have their own personal style which should suit the story that you have written.
Don’t be afraid to approach a few different illustrators and ask them to show you their previous work or to do a sample illustration for your book. Most illustrators these days will have an online profile and portfolio.
This, to me, is the most exciting stage, seeing your vision come to life. Enjoy it!