What is the biggest mistake made when submitting a picture book to a publisher?
You do NOT need to find an illustrator
The question most often asked is this: “How do I find an illustrator for my book?”
You don’t. The publisher chooses the illustrator.
In fact, you cut your chances of selling in half, if you try to team up with an illustrator and submit a package. The editor may love the text, but not the art; or, love the art, but not the text. Either way, you get a no.
Reputable trade publishers do not want you to find an illustrator, or pay for an illustrator, or do anything more than provide illustration possibilities in your text.
After an editor decides to publish your picture book, they decide on likely illustrators by looking at factors like these:
- Style. What sort of style seems best for this story? watercolor v. pastels? Modern v. traditional? Perhaps, collage?
- . . .
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- 110 pages packed with information.
- Everything in one, easy-to-read format.
- Instant access!
Like You, the Publisher Wants to Sell Books
Always, the publisher is looking for ways to improve sales of your book by matching it with the best illustrator.
How to Write a Children’s Picture BookA Fiction Notes Ebook
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Hi Darcy,
I had the pleasure of attending the seminar you held at Hot Springs Village this year. I learned a lot but, I’m so new to the writing field, I still have some questions. I don’t have money for an editor and am thinking about self-publishing. They normally don’t offer illustrations with the smaller packages, so I was thinking of trying to find an illustrator for my children’s book. Do you think it’s a good idea to self-publish? I’m just having a hard time, because I’m not sure how to go about anything. I’ve always liked to write, but I mostly fiddled around with poetry. I got this idea for this book and wrote it. Now I don’t know what to do with it! Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Linda Black
Hi Darcy,
I have written a children’s picture book. Originally, I was thinking of self-publishing, and so hired a Chinese illustrator to do the pictures. (I am temporarily living in China where my husband is employed at an international school). The pictures have turned out to be superb – spectacular, in fact. Now I am considering sending my manuscript and pictures to some traditional publishers. However, would there be a chance that a picture book manuscript with pictures (great ones) that have been done by a professional illustrator other than the author be considered?
You might get it considered. But in this case, the publisher would need to LOVE both the text and art. What if they only like the art? Or just the text? Essentially, you cut your chances of acceptance in half by doing this. And if a friend did your artwork, you have the potential of making your friend mad. But if you understand the risks, you could try it a couple places and see what happens.
Otherwise, you’ll want to look at self-publishing options.
Darcy
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