I want to get an illustrated children's book published. What format should the illustrations be?

Answer 1

Best program for creating such pictures is CorelDraw, because it has the ability to take a picture and separate it into the four color components needed for printing. However, you create them anyway that works best for you. If they are good, the publisher will have the equipment to convert them to the format needed, or will tell you that format at submission time.

General guideline, keep the pictures in the "native" format of the program you use, but also make a bmp version to submit. That way the publishers require no special software to open and view the files. Avoid jpeg and other compressed formats as they reduce the quality of the work.

Be sure to check with each publisher for submission guidelines and submit accordingly. Some want hard copy, others electronic, etc.

Good luck...

Answer 2

`There are two options.

1. Self publish (or vanity publish). You pay for the printing and distribution of the book. You'll get it published. But you might never make your money back.

2. Go to the library (you know, the building with all the books).

Ask the librarian where the "Writer's Digest" is (or look it up on their catalog). WD lists almost every publisher in the USA and what they are looking for.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Keep it simplistic, use existing childrens books for inspirations, and keep it clean.

The format should really reflect the age group of the target audience.