As an illustrator it’s not uncommon to get requests from writers wanting me to illustrate their book. So I thought I’d post an FAQ that addresses these questions.

DO I NEED ILLUSTRATIONS TO SUBMIT MY MANUSCRIPT TO A PUBLISHER?
Luckily, no! Just send in your manuscript typed according to industry standards. Once your manuscript is acquired, the publisher will match the professional children’s illustrator they feel will be the best match for the story.

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY MANUSCRIPT?
Submit your work to well-known and respected publishers. Do your homework by researching the publishing houses and their previous publications.

Submit only to the houses that will make a good fit.  It will save you time in the long run and you will learn about the houses in the process. Also, be prepared for rejections, it’s part of the submission process.

Some resources to use when researching submission standards:

*Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators at http://www.scbwi.org.

*Harold Underdown’s website on Children’s Publishing-The Purple Crayon http://www.underdown.org

*Latest “Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market”-An annual listing of the markets in children’s publishing

(Note: If you hear back from a publisher with the great news that they love your story, congratulations! However, if this publisher asks for a fee to publish your manuscript, it’s not a respectable publisher. You should be paid for your manuscript acquisition, not the other way around.)

IS THERE ANOTHER WAY FOR ME TO PUBLISH MY STORY?
You can always self-publish your story although I would not recommend it. Self-publishing a book is expensive; you can expect to spend at least twenty thousand dollars. You will be the writer, editor, art director, distributor, marketer and the investor. It can be a very challenging and difficult road to travel.

If you decide to self-publish and insist on contacting a professional illustrator, be sure to provide the following information so they may give you a correct quote for the job:

• Type of project – e.g. – 32 page picture book
• Subject matter – e.g. – fairy tale, animal story, contemporary kids
• Target age range
• Color or Black and White
• Dimensions for the book
• Number and size of the illustrations
• Style – realistic or cartoon
• Book design and layout needed – yes/no
• Prepress needed – yes/no
• Deadline
• Name of Printer

Also remember that illustrators are working artists. We have bills to pay and mouths (even if they’re only our own) to feed. Offering royalties as compensation when there is no guarantee of royalties is unacceptable; the same with offering exposure for the illustrator’s portfolio. My response to this frequently heard offer is, “People die from exposure.” Respect the illustrator with whom you are hiring and offer monetary compensation for the artwork you’d like them to do or do not bother wasting their time.

AND FINALLY:
This is a very hard market to break into. It takes a lot of time, energy and work to break into publishing and more to stay and become a success. Do your best by your stories and educate yourself as much as possible about the field you are trying to enter. Good Luck!