Anyone writing/have written a children’s book?

[Biscusting]

Just that really, i’m an illustrator and would love the chance to illustrate a children’s book. Have you used an illustrator? How did you find them? how did you collaborate?

Bumping this for you OP. Interesting question!

Thanks @HebeMumsnet

I wanted to see a range of illustrations to see their visual style to judge whether it would suit the tone and material. I wanted an indication about timing and costs though realised things can change and life can get in the way.

I gave them the text and discussed my first thoughts about what which scenes in the story would be best to illustrate then listened to their thoughts.

I was frustrated as the illustrator I really wanted (who was a friend) was nervous (probably because of the friendship) so I wasted a lot of time before finding someone else.

It was easier if the illustrator has a website with a range of their illustrations.

The illustrator would need to be willing to assign the appropriate rights to enable publication if the proposal is successful.

Good luck.

You need a copy of the artists and writers yearbook 2019 op. It offers lots of advice and useful contacts.

Things may have changed but in my day, publishers were the ones who put writers and illustrators together. In fact, it was often seen a barrier to getting a book accepted for publication if the writer had already teamed up with an illustrator , or had illustrated the book themselves (unless they were Quentin Blake or equiv. of course)!

The marketing of your work should have been covered in your illustrator's course. Good luck with it all op !

Thanks @zilla1 and @Shadycorner for your great replies.

That’s interesting that you say it can be a barrier to getting published to source your own illustrator. I hadn’t realised that could be an issue.

I haven’t a lot of experience in marketing, certainly as a freelance illustrator, i’ve taken an indirect route into my career, so I’m always looking to fill in the gaps.

In addition to shady's advice, there is a dedicated writer's yearbook for children's writers -
www.writersandartists.co.uk/store/9781472947611/children-s-writers-artists-yearbook-2019

Books purchased! Thanks again

Good luck with it Biscusting!

Hi Biscusting, this is a timely topic for me. I’m currently research illustrators who may be suitable for the short rhyming children’s book I’ve written. If a writer goes down traditional publishing methods then the publishing house chooses the illustrator, however for those looking to self- publish like I am, it’s a case of finding someone who I believe shares my passion for what I’ve written and can create a storyboard along with beautiful artwork that works for my audience