Becomig A Book Author: doing illistrations?

Question

i am thinking of writing a novel, but i also want to do the illisrations. like the cover of the book; how to do it? what kind of paper do i use to paint the pic on the cover and what kind of paint and paint brush to use? when the painting is done, do i send it along with my writing to the publishers????
also, in some novels they have a picture drawing in it, no color, just a drawing on every other page here and there. how do i do this?? what kind of paper do i use to draw it on and what kind of pen thing to draw it with??? also, do i put the pics by a certain page that has whats going on in the pic? or what?? what do i do??

Answer 1

Hi Cinnamon,

If you are a professional-grade illustrator, there is a possibility for you to illustrate your own books. There have been authors who have done this (check out "Dinotopia" - he actually began as an artist, and wrote the book to carry the plot of his paintings).

However - and read this very carefully - do NOT send your illustrations to a potential agent or publisher before they have agreed to publish you. You might mention (briefly!) in your query letter that you have artwork that they may like to consider, but don't send them anything.

When you submit your query to an agent or publisher, you must follow their specifications VERY carefully. You must send NO MORE and NO LESS than precisely what they ask for. It is tempting to send additional notes, additional chapters, your illustrations... you want them to see it... it's your baby... right? Don't do it.

This over enthusiasm and inability to follow their guidelines will land your proposal straight in the reject pile before they've looked at it.

Instead, send them exactly what they ask for, and then when you get that joyous letter in return - "yes, we like your story, we'd like to publish you" - then everything else is up for discussion. Then you can show them your ideas for the illustrations and cover art. Then they will be happy to take a look at it.

Keep in mind, however, that the final decision is the publisher's. Even if you are a marvelous artist, they can still overrule you and it's their prerogative. They usually select a professional, experienced illustrator. But don't take it personally - they know what sells in different markets, and their choice may have nothing to do with your talent as an artist.

That being said, there is no harm in sharing your work with them after you have a publishing deal, and asking them to consider you. There may even be a financial incentive not to hire a separate illustrator, which may work to your advantage.

By the way, did you know that JK Rowling is quite a talented artist? I saw an interview where she showed some of her sketches of Harry and other characters, and I was amazed at how good she was; better, in my opinion, than some of Mary Grandpre's art (who is the illustrator for the Harry Potter series). And yet, JK Rowling did not do the illustrations - either because she didn't want to, or because the publishers chose to go with a professional; I don't know which.

I'm also an artist and have thought about doing my own illustrations, but honestly I'm not sure that I'm good enough. Or rather, my art doesn't lend itself as well to illustrations as much as it does to landscapes. Who knows - maybe someday - but I'm not planning to mention it in my first discussions with a publisher.

Anyway - I say, go for it! Prepare some sketches that you can share with the publisher when the time is right. I only stress again to follow their guidelines when you first submit the manuscript. That is just general advice for every new author - more manuscripts land on the rejection pile because (1) they didn't follow guidelines or (2) poor grammar and spelling on the first page. So don't do either!

Good luck - I hope to see your book with your own illustrations hit the shelves soon!
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Answer 2

Usually you don't exactly have that option. The editor selects the cover art as well as the illustrator for any work inside. You can suggest your own cover art, but it is not your final decision. Have you tried asking someone in the art section? I have spoken to some book illustrators there. They may be able to tell you how it is done. I am only familiar with the way a children's book illustrator works. I get thumbnails and then I have the option of discussing poses, details etc. But the final decision is the publisher's anyway. Pax - C

Answer 3

maximum e book publishers will hire their own artists for example a e book. The exceptions may be for toddler's books, yet even those are extra frequently illustrated by using experts. in case you nonetheless intend for example your guy or woman e book, then, you, via fact the artist makes use of the medium of your decision. you do no longer produce the e book as you might even see it sure and on a shelf. The textual content is usuall despatched as a digital textual content document which includes in Microsoft be conscious. The illustrations despatched separately, the two digitally scanned, or despatched complicated replica by using way of mail or different delivery decision. you will have not got any thought what length web site, font or format the writer will use. you will have not got any thought precisely the place the representation would be place. returned, the exception would be for infants'e literature. so a techniques as the type you submit the artwork, you are able to write diverse publishers, inquiring for his or her submission regulations, or, I advise you detect a replica of the e book, "Artist and Writers industry." those might have the names and addresses of publishers and agencies ordinary to artwork with freelancers, as properly as guidlines of what type of artwork then want or might decide to make certain.