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Is there a special type of software? I'm not much of a artist so what is the best way to get the pictures for the book?

2007-02-21 14:26:59 · 4 answers · asked by Ms Tracey Lyn 2 in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

4 answers

Write the books, don't worry about the illustrations. Publishing houses have their own stable of children's book illustrators who they select according to the style they feel will best fit each book. Do not waste your time trying to collaborate or find an illustrator.

Focus on the writing.

Children's picture books are 32 pages long, including title pages. You need to write approximately 28 pages of text (keeping in mind text for a children's picture book could be as simple as one word or it could be much longer.)

Join The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (link below.) Any publisher who sees you are a member of that organization will know you are serious. Plus the SCBWI will provide you with a wealth of information. Good luck.

2007-02-24 16:47:23 · answer #1 · answered by §Sally§ 5 · 0 0

Find an artist that is willing to collaborate with you. However make sure it is someone willing to both take the risk with you and that you can trust. Write up a contract explaining who is responsible for what, and who gets paid what should you aquire a book deal.

I have had very good luck in the past recruiting illustrators at deviantart.com. They have a load of very talented folks there. The good news is, unless you plan on self-publishing, you don't need any special software. You would write your document in WORD or whatever word processor you use, and the artist would create his/her files in png or tiff formats. The publisher would them layout and design the book.

And since your next question is probably how to get it published...

Traditional route, large publishing house: You will need an agent. An agent is someone who knows how to work with the big publishers. An agent will read your manuscript and suggest changes to increase it's chances of publication. Most large publishers will only accepted agented submissions.

An agent can even start representing you before your book is finished. A good agent can get you a deal before the book is complete. So you don't even need a final manuscript to work this way.

An agent is paid on commission, and is only paid if they place your book. Generally they will get a 10-20% cut of the royalties. An agent that asks for money up front, or tries to sell add-on services, is a scam.

And contrary to popular myth, it is NOT impossible to get an agent. Agents are always hungry for new talent. Remember the mantra "Every published writer was once an unpublished writer."

Traditional publishing, small press: Most small press publishers will review non-agented submissions. However, you must query first. If they are interested, they will ask to see the completed manuscript.

In either traditional route, it will not cost you one dime. The publisher will use it's own editors, proofreaders, book designers, and salespeople to design and market your book. They will take your document and the illustrator's art and design everything.

Non-traditional publishing, Subsidy: Subsidy publishing in any form is a scam. In these scenarios, the alleged publisher asks the writer to "invest" in the project. They may ask you to pay for special services. Or nickel and dime you by charging you for proofreading, editing, etc. This is not how a traditional publisher works. Subsidy publishing should be avoided.

Self-Publishing: With self-publishing, you act as your own publisher. This is a good option if:

1. You have a "niche" book that would only be of interest to a small market (i.e. A book on the history of your hometown, a book on shovel collecting, etc)
2. You have a strong understanding of how to market. You will need to write your own ad copy, press releases, etc. If you don't know how to market, you won't sell books.
3. Have a strong understanding of the process. Publishing involves more than typing up the story. There is proofreading, editing, book layout, cover art, even silly things like font choices, blurbs, etc. If you don't know how to do something, you will have to pay a professional to do it for you. Which brings me to...
4. Have a budget. Self-publishing costs money. Even if you use Lulu, which has no upfront costs, you will still have to spend money. You will have to buy copies of the book to send to reviewers. You will need to send comp copies to bookstores to encourage them to stock the book. You will have to buy advertising. If you need professionals, you will have to pay for them.

If you go this route, you would probably want to locate an illustrator with some book design experience. The illustrator would probably already have software to do this, and an illustrator would have a better eye for layout.

You may want to contact my friend Maggie at Athse Publishing. She has a lot of experience with children's books, and may be able to recommend some ideas.

2007-02-22 03:05:23 · answer #2 · answered by bardsandsages 4 · 0 1

for pictures find an artist and software it doesn't matter. if you want to get fancy with it probably do it with mac programs.

2007-02-21 14:34:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

A pen and some paper. I heard an author once say, "If the desire to write is not accompanied by actual writing, then the desire is not to write"

2007-02-21 16:09:43 · answer #4 · answered by thecoochieman 4 · 0 1

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