book covers & illustration?

Entirely unsure if this belongs in this forum, so sorry in advance. Just all threads addressing book covers seem to be here.

I want to be a writer, and I'm working on that. In fact, there is tons of information about how to achieve such a goal. (Thank you AW! You answer all my questions before I can ask them!)

So this is a question a little detached from being a writer, and I apologise for that, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

I also want to pursue illustration. (Yes, I know I have much practise and refinement ahead of me before I get there!). Mainly cover illustration, perhaps book illustration too. I've asked in art forums, but was unable to get a sure answer from the 'publishing side of things'.

Is there someone who knows how the publishing side of illustration works and who can enlighten me? Perhaps someone who has worked in a publishing house? How do you bring your art to the attention of publishers?

Also, amongst self-publishing authors ... how would you go about getting your name out?

If no one has any answers, then, uh, don't mind me. Just go back to what you were doing. *hums*

C:

veinglory said:

If you haven't already, I would suggest joining Epilogue.net and ConceptArt to learn from professional illustrators.

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I joined CA a couple of years ago, but I haven't tried Epilogue. Thanks for the heads up C:

suki said:

Many professional illustrators also have agents, to represent their work. But others get their work to editors through art shows, conference pitches/portfolio critiques, and even some through sending inquiries to publishers - usually in the form of postcard images with contact info and online portfolios of their work (you can usually find submission guidelines, similar to those for writers, on publishers sites).

But these are professional illustrators - so, you can start reading up on the business end of making contacts while you spend the time (sometimes years) perfecting your craft, trying different mediums, etc.

~suki

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That was incredibly helpful. Thank you! I'm intending to study illustration when my current degree is finished, but I wanted to get an idea of what I'm looking at. And the years perfecting the craft ... well, that's the fun bit ;D

Bookmark said:

You have to start making contacts in the industry … which is the hard part. Pick-up the phone and start calling small/medium publishers and printers and talk to the person that’s in charge of out-sourcing and follow-up with an email

My tip is to concentrate on book printers … they get asked all the time if they know any illustrators/designers. Start with your local printers, if there is any, and set-up a meeting to talk with one of the mangers in person, if possible … bring them out for coffee/lunch if they’re willing. I know of a couple designers that get tons of referral work from printers, simply because they took the time to make contact with those in charge.

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Thank you incredibly. Especially for the advice about book printers! C: