If you're querying an easy reader book with illustrations (since most of them have a few simple illustrations) should you include a mention of the illustrations in the query?
Question about easy reader query
- Thread starter Cyia
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Usually the publisher has a stable of illustrators they'll use for the graphics. Are you asking if you should indicate what you think the ill. should be to accompany your text, or if you should tell them you will do the illustrations?
If it's the former, you can always make suggestions, but they'll probably have their own ideas for it. Most easy readers have a formulaic art program. If it's the latter, you can always mention it, but unless you're a professional illustrator it's a hard sell.
If it's the former, you can always make suggestions, but they'll probably have their own ideas for it. Most easy readers have a formulaic art program. If it's the latter, you can always mention it, but unless you're a professional illustrator it's a hard sell.
Are you a professional illustrator? Or did you partner with someone else? Or buy them from someone?
I drew them myself.
It wouldn't be the end of the world if they wanted another illustrator they were familiar with, but I'd like them to at least consider the ones I have.
It wouldn't be the end of the world if they wanted another illustrator they were familiar with, but I'd like them to at least consider the ones I have.
In general, publishers prefer to use professional illustrators whose portfolios they've already seen, so I would query just the manuscript. Then if they express interest, you can offer to show them the artwork and let them decide.
On the other hand, if you're really good as an artist, you might want to explore sending out artwork samples--I know a lot of people send postcards--and see if you get any nibbles as an artist. That can get you a foot in the door in a different way, and then you can mention that you also have MS available.
SCBWI is the best source for information about getting started as an illustrator.
On the other hand, if you're really good as an artist, you might want to explore sending out artwork samples--I know a lot of people send postcards--and see if you get any nibbles as an artist. That can get you a foot in the door in a different way, and then you can mention that you also have MS available.
SCBWI is the best source for information about getting started as an illustrator.