I have written a childrens book aimed at pre school children aged 1-4. Do I find an illustartor myself. I think I have a friend who could do it or do I submit it as just text. If I submit as just text how do I best present it.
I have written a childrens book aimed at pre school children aged 1-4. Do I find an illustartor myself. I think I have a friend who could do it or do I submit it as just text. If I submit as just text how do I best present it.
Hi Joy. I am an independent publisher and could work with you to get the illustrations sorted (styles etc) and progress further if you wish to sell commercially. Not sure how we get in touch with one another if you are interested - let me know!
Hi, Joy!
My research - when I was trying to get my own book accepted by agents - indicated that you do need to have the illustrations already. A book for 1-4-year-olds isn't going to have a very complicated text, is it? So it would have to have a KNOCK-OUT, totally unique approach for it to "sell" an agent on looking for an illustrator for you... or passing it on to a publisher.
Others have commented that many publishers have their own in-house illustrators. But - once again - why should they pay you good money for an idea that isn't absolutely outstanding? Books for that age range are sold on their illustrations. (Most publishers for that age would do it the other way around: accept great illustrations, then commision some hack to regurgitate some blah text to go with them.) Most potential buyers (and I'm an exception here) aren't going to stand around in a bookstore and read the whole text of a book for the very young. They'll buy the book because the cover - and maybe ONE illustration inside - convince(s) them.
So... now comes the question: Is this friend of yours the very best that you can find? Because (s)he needs to be. It's her/his work that's going to sell your story... or not.
Now that I'm a publisher (see the Q a few slots down from this one: the one about the champagne), I'd consider a text WITHOUT illustrations... because I know some EXCELLENT artists. (The trouble is that many of them have children in that age range that we're talking about - or day jobs - and finding the time for illustrating isn't easy.)
And it has to be a KNOCK-OUT, totally unique text. (In the last week, 3 writers from this web-site have convinced me with their work. I'm (underlined, boldfaced) chasing 2 of THEM, the other seems to be already on board.)
I wish you all the best... you're going to need it!
Jimmy
Agents seem to specify whether they want you to include illustrations. Some have their own 'house' illustrators. Best to check directly with those to whom you are submitting.