Illustrations in Novels?

WorldPlanter · Jul 16, 2007

I'm in the process of writing a YA sci-fi book and for some time I've been considering using illustrations in the finished product as a visual transitional element between each chapter. I'm an artist by trade so it seemed a natural use of my talent to supplement my written work with my visual work.

Here's my concern however:

I have the impression that illustrations in novels are often viewed as a crutch to help support an author's writing. I'm confident that my writing can stand alone, but simply thought that a visual element would add some more punch to the novel and bring some of the story's more interesting concepts to life in visual form.

So, do books with illustrations turn you off as a reader? Do they make you question the author's writing or storytelling abilities at all, or are they simply an entertaining but unnecessary bonus?

Even though I'm heavily inclined to include illustrations in the novel in some form I'd still like to get some opinions on the matter.

IrishScribbler · Jul 16, 2007

I think it depends on how it's done. I've read classic novels that include illustrations here and there. Contemporary authors do this, too. (I know I use him a lot, but it works...) Jasper Fforde uses the occasional illustration, which I think help brings his world to life. But neither do the illustrations turn the novel into a picture book.

I guess I see illustrations in novels as bonus material. The story would survive without them, but they're entertaining and interesting if included. (As long as they aren't depended upon to further the story.)

Zoombie · Jul 16, 2007

Ever read "Dragonworld?"

I got it because it had three authors and I wanted to see if how the hell that could happen. Then I found out that the third author was an illustrationist. I read that book 3 times: Once for the story, once for the illustrations and once for both.

It was awesome all three. So, no, illustrations aren't crutches. They're bonus features!

WorldPlanter · Jul 16, 2007

IrishScribbler said:
I think it depends on how it's done. I've read classic novels that include illustrations here and there. Contemporary authors do this, too. (I know I use him a lot, but it works...) Jasper Fforde uses the occasional illustration, which I think help brings his world to life. But neither do the illustrations turn the novel into a picture book.

I guess I see illustrations in novels as bonus material. The story would survive without them, but they're entertaining and interesting if included. (As long as they aren't depended upon to further the story.)

Thanks for the quick response. I hold a similar view toward illustrations, but it's nice to have someone else say it though. I definitely don't want the novel to come across as a picture book by any means. It's my intention that any illustrations will serve as iconic imagery used to enhance the overall experience as opposed to a storytelling tool.

Varthikes · Jul 16, 2007

Zoombie said:
Ever read "Dragonworld?"

I got it because it had three authors and I wanted to see if how the hell that could happen. Then I found out that the third author was an illustrationist. I read that book 3 times: Once for the story, once for the illustrations and once for both.

It was awesome all three. So, no, illustrations aren't crutches. They're bonus features!

I read that! One of my favorite books!

IrishElim · Jul 16, 2007

Hm, I've never found illustrations helpful, or felt that they added to the story in anyway. I have come across books with some illustrations that stood out on their own.

I have an anniversary copy of "Lord Of The Flies" with some beautiful ink sketches between chapters, which I thought were really cool. Again though they don't really add much to the story, it's just nice to have them along side it.

On the flip side BAD illustrations can really detract from a story. I read a copy of "The Alchemist" with some digusting paintings and I found myself having to cover them up with something while I was reading just so I could enjoy the book.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 16, 2007

Illustrations

I don't believe illustrations are viewed as a crutch. They are, however, viewed as expensive. The main reason you see so few illustrated novels these days is because publishers don't want to foot the bill.

JoNightshade · Jul 16, 2007

I second the thought on bad illustrations. They can add a little bit to a story... but boy can they take away from it if not done right! This applies to cover art as well. I read a book recently where the cover art was so bad and so unrepresentative of the novel that I seriously couldn't look at it while I was reading. It had a horrible picture of the main character... ugh! Not at all what I imagined. I have my own copy now (because I liked the book so much), but honestly I think I'm going to cover it with paper.

WorldPlanter · Jul 16, 2007

JoNightshade said:
I second the thought on bad illustrations. They can add a little bit to a story... but boy can they take away from it if not done right! This applies to cover art as well. I read a book recently where the cover art was so bad and so unrepresentative of the novel that I seriously couldn't look at it while I was reading. It had a horrible picture of the main character... ugh! Not at all what I imagined. I have my own copy now (because I liked the book so much), but honestly I think I'm going to cover it with paper.

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't consider including any illustration if it wasn't of the highest quality. Although I'm a 3d digital artist (currently working on Halo 3) I intend to do the illustrations in 2d to achieve a more classical and timeless feel.

I opted not to strive for photo-realism, which I could probably accomplish with a good deal of work because I want to leave some of the world’s details to the imagination of the reader. This is not because I don’t have a firm grasp on how I envision my creation, but simply because I prefer that the reader retain some of their own creative input.

JoNightshade · Jul 16, 2007

WorldPlanter said:
Yeah, I definitely wouldn't consider including any illustration if it wasn't of the highest quality. Although I'm a 3d digital artist (currently working on Halo 3) I intend to do the illustrations in 2d to achieve a more classical and timeless feel.

Oh, sweet! My husband is a programmer - he works for Take 2 on the MLB title.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 16, 2007

Illustration

Illustrations are darned expensive, and the better they are, the more they usually cost. This is why line drawings are so common as illustrations.

Not to mention all the extra paper they use.

Mr. Fix · Jul 16, 2007

Billing your podiatrist?

Jamesaritchie said:
I don't believe illustrations are viewed as a crutch. They are, however, viewed as expensive. The main reason you see so few illustrated novels these days is because publishers don't want to foot the bill.

That answers so much for me. I see it as quite obvious now.

I simply love to see illustrations in a book. Maps of where we are, images of creatures unknown, buildings and landscapes potraited for our pleasure. Although I can generally see the point of writing the description as being just as good, if done by a good author, but its like the cherry on top. Not needed, but it does make me happy.

SilverVistani · Jul 16, 2007

IrishScribbler said:
I guess I see illustrations in novels as bonus material. The story would survive without them, but they're entertaining and interesting if included. (As long as they aren't depended upon to further the story.)

I think that about sums it up for me as well... For one thing, I grew up reading some of a batch of "Illustrated Classics for Young Readers." So, first of all, we're talking -classics- here. Obviously these can stand on their own. Now, granted, these 'young reader' editions were cut and edited to be better understood by a younger audience, but the story and all was still there and it was still the author's writing. The illustrations just made it even more fun is all.

I also think back to the Oz books. (For those of you who didn't realize this, there are, in fact, several books that take place in and around the world of 'Oz'. In fact, eventually they loose the farm and Dorothy saves them all by working things out so that they all go to live in Oz together... very cool. But now, back to the point at hand

The books were wonderful. My mother used to read them to me, a couple chapters a night while I snuggled up with her in her queen sized bed under a soft comforter. The characters and the stories were beautiful in their own esteem, but every so often there would be a simple black and white illustration of something happening. They were so fun to look at, but were most definitely not -needed- for the story at all.

So, as Irish Scribbler said... Bonus material. Just make sure that you're certain your writing is standing on it's own. Don't put unmentioned details in the illustrations. ^_^ I think it'll be fine.

Zoombie · Jul 16, 2007

JoNightshade said:
I second the thought on bad illustrations. They can add a little bit to a story... but boy can they take away from it if not done right! This applies to cover art as well. I read a book recently where the cover art was so bad and so unrepresentative of the novel that I seriously couldn't look at it while I was reading. It had a horrible picture of the main character... ugh! Not at all what I imagined. I have my own copy now (because I liked the book so much), but honestly I think I'm going to cover it with paper.

I know that for sooth. One of my favorite books ever, Tinker, has a weird floaty fish dirigible as it's cover. It's in the book, yes, but it's not what I'd have put on the cover.

Whilst the Japanese cover is way more like how the book is, with hover cycles and elves and so on.

I've also seen some really great cover illustrations. I just hope, when I get published, I get a good illustration.

Who chooses the cover art, anyway?

PS: I also read the illustrated classics...well...one of them: WAR OF THE WORLDS!

It explains a portion of my mind to you, now don't it?

WorldPlanter · Jul 16, 2007

Jamesaritchie said:
Illustrations are darned expensive, and the better they are, the more they usually cost. This is why line drawings are so common as illustrations.

Not to mention all the extra paper they use.

Well, printing expenses are certainly a concern as I'm not sure how willing a publisher will be to allocate resources toward illustrations for a first-time author.

However, as I would be producing the illustrations myself (no talent costs) it seems that the publisher would be interested in including at least a limited sampling of the best illustrations, as the only additional cost they would incur is printing. Eve if only a few were used, they would serve as a beneficial marketing ploy for the book from the publisher's perspective.

Am I wrong?

Does anyone have any information regarding this issue?

javili · Jul 16, 2007

Black and white illustrations do not cost extra to print.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 17, 2007

javili said:
Black and white illustrations do not cost extra to print.

Anything that uses an extra sheet of paper costs more to print. Even if it's only one page in a novel, a 5,000 print run means 5,000 extra pages. A 20,000 print run means 20,000 extra pages. Each of the pages costs money the publisher wouldn't have to spend if there were no illustrations.

If you have ten illustrations, a 20,000 print run means 200,000 extra pages. Paper is expensive, and anything that uses paper costs a lot of money.

WorldPlanter · Jul 17, 2007

Jamesaritchie said:
Anything that uses an extra sheet of paper costs more to print. Even if it's only one page in a novel, a 5,000 print run means 5,000 extra pages. A 20,000 print run means 20,000 extra pages. Each of the pages costs money the publisher wouldn't have to spend if there were no illustrations.

If you have ten illustrations, a 20,000 print run means 200,000 extra pages. Paper is expensive, and anything that uses paper costs a lot of money.

If a picture is worth a thousand words doesn't that actually save the publisher enormous printing costs then?

dolores haze · Jul 17, 2007

Well it's going to be up to the publisher, of course. I love beautiful books, and illustrations can definately add to the story. I've got an enviable collection of Alasdair Gray, and often take his books down to look at the illustrations. I could never afford to buy his actual artwork (which I love), so it's a huge bonus for me. I wouldn't mind paying extra for a beautifully illustrated book, but it's got to be a damn good read. I just looked up the price for backlist Alasdair Gray first editions. Wonder if the price is so high because the books are, in themselves, things of beauty. Good luck!

Jamesaritchie · Jul 17, 2007

Picture

WorldPlanter said:
If a picture is worth a thousand words doesn't that actually save the publisher enormous printing costs then?

I suspect that quote comes from a photographer, not a writer.

WorldPlanter · Jul 17, 2007

Jamesaritchie said:
I suspect that quote comes from a photographer, not a writer.

I was simply trying to add a little humor to the discussion.

As with anything, it depends on the situation and subject matter. A picture would almost always be preferable for conveying the details of a complex environment or landscape, whereas written explanation is more appropriately suited for describing the inner world of a character.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 17, 2007

WorldPlanter said:
I was simply trying to add a little humor to the discussion.

As with anything, it depends on the situation and subject matter. A picture would almost always be preferable for conveying the details of a complex environment or landscape, whereas written explanation is more appropriately suited for describing the inner world of a character.

One thing I learned a long time ago is that most pictures are useless without captions.

I think each has its place, but I prefer my descriptions to be words. This way, my imagination supplies the picture, and it's likely to be a very different picture than one an artist would supply.

But don't get me wrong. I love illustrated novels, and short stories. I have a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories that has all the original illustrations, and they're wonderful.

Illustrations are, however, expensive, and usually appear only in special editions of high-priced books intended for collectors.

I do wish illustrations would make a comeback, but with publishing being so expensive today, I don't think we'll see it happen with adult novels.

Danger Jane · Jul 17, 2007

Clive Barker's Abarat books have tons of illustrations. I bet they weren't cheap, even though he did them himself.

But he was a well-established author when he wrote Abarat.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 17, 2007

Danger Jane said:
Clive Barker's Abarat books have tons of illustrations. I bet they weren't cheap, even though he did them himself.

But he was a well-established author when he wrote Abarat.

No, but Clive Barker falls under the "When you're famous enough, you can do anything" rule. It's the same rule that keeps song lyrics out of first novels, but that packs them in a Stephen King novel.

Berry · Jul 17, 2007

Jamesaritchie said:
Anything that uses an extra sheet of paper costs more to print. Even if it's only one page in a novel, a 5,000 print run means 5,000 extra pages.

It's not really that simple. I picked up a trade paperback I happen to have lying here and examined the spine. I count 16 signatures. The printer used by this book prints multiple pages on large sheets of paper, and then folds them up into pages, glues a set together and trims off the outer fold. It's common for each signature to be 32 pages, so this printer's books will all have page counts that are multiples of 32. (again, it's not quite that simple, but I skip over some details that don't matter to this argument.)

The book designer arranges for the book to take up an optimum number of pages. Say it takes 65 pages; that's three signatures. By tightening the leading, reducing the margins, or perhaps starting a chapter 1/4 of the way down the page instead of 1/2, the designer might be able to drop a single page and reduce the signature count from 3 to 2 -- the book is now 1/3 cheaper to print! More profit per copy! The price can be less, so more people will buy it, so more profit! Etc. (this is also why sometimes you're asked to cut some wordage from the book)

Sometimes, the designer still winds up with a few blank pages. Then, they may put something on them, like: notes about the authors other books. Ads for the publisher's other books. And looking at this one I picked up there's STILL an entirely blank page between "THE END" and "Other books by...".

So, in THIS case, two full pages of illustrations could be inserted for not one penny more in printing costs.

Illustrations in Novels?

WorldPlanter

IrishScribbler

Zoombie

Dragon of the Multiverse

WorldPlanter

Varthikes

Dragon Writer

IrishElim

Jamesaritchie

JoNightshade

has finally arrived

WorldPlanter

JoNightshade

has finally arrived

Jamesaritchie

Mr. Fix

Fixed on the future...

SilverVistani

Zoombie

Dragon of the Multiverse

WorldPlanter

javili

Jamesaritchie

WorldPlanter

dolores haze

international guttersnipe

Jamesaritchie

WorldPlanter

Jamesaritchie

Danger Jane

Jamesaritchie

Berry