Asking someone to illustrate a non-fiction book

janie · Mar 14, 2007

I want to get someone to create some black and white, cartoon-like line-drawings for the non-fiction book I am writing. I am thinking of using some high school art students...and if that doesn't work, a particular adult with excellent cartoon-like abilities.

Or...is this something that an agent/publisher helps me get?

What I still don't understand is how to use them without having them sue for some of the royalties of my book. I did discuss release forms, but is that enough? Does paying an illustrator release me in some way? Is there a standard amount to pay??

aka eraser · Mar 14, 2007

Most fair-sized publishing houses have their own art department and smaller ones will contract out with people they know. The publisher will foot the bill.

If the drawings are essential to the ms you could do your own and the pub's people could work from your originals. If you'd rather submit completed artwork you could hire someone and draw up a contract indicating your terms.

My book required illustrations and I am, hands down, the world's worst artist. But I did them myself and the art department rendered them recognizable (and in most instances, pretty spiffy).

janie · Mar 14, 2007

aka eraser said:
My book required illustrations and I am, hands down, the world's worst artist. But I did them myself and the art department rendered them recognizable (and in most instances, pretty spiffy).

Now THIS is good news. I am not the world's worst artist, but not good enough to do it. So perhaps I can sketch what I want, and see if they can accommodate. Thank you!

K1P1 · Mar 14, 2007

My book required hundreds of illustrations. I supplied pictures of what I wanted from other sources and (really bad) photos, and the publisher contracted with a commercial artist to do the drawing.

Lauri B · Mar 15, 2007

Don't waste your own money on professional drawings. Everyone above is right on--the publisher will take whatever diagrams or sketches you have that are essential to the text and render them professionally.

Asking someone to illustrate a non-fiction book

janie

aka eraser

Fish Whisperer

janie

K1P1

Procrastination is its own reward

Lauri B

I Heart Mac