How to Get a Children's Book Illustrated

Part of the joy of a children's book is the illustrations. Finding the right illustrator is important to the success of any children's book. In most cases, a book publisher will ask to see a manuscript without art because the publisher prefers to choose the illustrator. Some publishers, however, are open to allowing authors to illustrate their own books or to suggest illustrators.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Illustrate your own book if you have the ability to do so. Many children's publishers consider a manuscript from authors who illustrate as well. Check submissions guidelines for specific publishers regarding submitting your own artwork (see Resources).

2. Consult a database of artist portfolios to hire an illustrator for your book (see Resources). Some illustrators will work on a royalty basis while others want to sell the illustrations outright. Choose the illustrator whose terms best fit your needs and budget.

3. Submit your work to publishers who provide illustrators. This method gives you less control over the illustrating process, but it also frees you from financial and other considerations that come with having your children's book professionally illustrated.

Resources

• Children's Book Illustrators
• Illustrating Children's Books
• Directory of Children's Publishers