Front cover

SarahMauchline · Mar 19, 2010

Hey all,
I was wondering if you could assist me with a query. I have just completed the writing and illustrating for my children's book. It has been edited and I am just about to play around with the overall layout of the book.

I haven't yet designed a front cover for it - so my question is do you design a fresh illustration or use one of the illustrations already within the book?

Thank you for taking the time to read my thread and look forward to hearing from you.

Sarah

NewKidOldKid · Mar 19, 2010

You're self-publishing, right? In that case, you can do whatever you want.

SarahMauchline · Mar 19, 2010

I wasn't going to go down the self publishing route, not just yet any way. I wanted to see if any publishers would be interested in my work first.

Therefore, should I create a fresh illustration for the front cover?

Torgo · Mar 19, 2010

Don't bother - they probably won't use it.

SarahMauchline · Mar 19, 2010

Really? So what happens with that? Would they state what they would like me to illustrate for the front cover as obviously it's the most important illustration for the book?

Amarie · Mar 19, 2010

In most cases a publisher selects an illustrator for a picture book. Check on the link below. Besides that page, the whole site is very informative.
Harold Underdown is a very well-repected children's book editor.http://www.underdown.org/picture-books-illustrations.htm

stormie · Mar 19, 2010

Most publishers match up an illustrator with the writer in PBs. They don't want to see both. Also, even with the illustrator, the publisher decides about the cover and gives input on what they want to see on the cover. (My friend has been illustrating for children's book publishers for years.)

There are some smaller publishing houses who might take a writer who does her own illustrations but that's rare.

Either you're a children's book writer or an illustrator.

SarahMauchline · Mar 19, 2010

I do see and appreciate your point Stormie, I was quite nervous presenting my work to an editor as I am definitely an illustrator who also enjoys writing and was concerned my writing wasn't what it should be however, I was pleasently suprised - yes, a few changes needed to be made but nothing too drastic.

Thank you for your feedback everyone

stormie · Mar 19, 2010

Sarah--if you are more the illustrator, there are a few things you can do to get your foot in the door. Send samples to magazines and children's catalogues, like Ladybug, Babybug, or Hearthsongs (if they're still around). Go to their websites and look up their illustrator's guidelines. Get your artwork "out there." Find an agent who reps children's book illustrators. One is Ronnie Herrman in NYC. She places her clients with publishers who need illustrators for PBs.

SarahMauchline · Mar 19, 2010

Thank you Stormie I will do that. I am passionate about having this book(which I intend on being a series) published but I would love to illustrate for writers also, that would be amazing!!

shaldna · Mar 19, 2010

SarahMauchline said:
I wasn't going to go down the self publishing route, not just yet any way. I wanted to see if any publishers would be interested in my work first.

Therefore, should I create a fresh illustration for the front cover?

No. They will probably hire in house or, if you have illustrated the whole book yourself and you will be the one doing the cover, then they will talk it over with you at that stage.

scope · Mar 19, 2010

Although the majority of publishers choose the illustrator, some lean towards authors who can do their own illustrating. You'll see which ones when you do your research and read the guidelines for each.

Although I'm definitely not an illustrator I think I would send (where applicable) sample illustrations for specific pages. I wouldn't get involved with the cover at this point. If a publisher wants both your manuscript and wants you to do the illustration you'll have ample opportunity to take on the cover.

MsJudy · Mar 19, 2010

You should also join SCBWI. My local region has conferences where illustrators can present their portfolios, and editors and agents give critiques.

There's a whole lot to learn about becoming an illustrator. In general, it's a very different process than becoming a writer. Some people do succeed as author/illustrators, but you really, really, really need to do your research and learn how the field works. Because if you come across as unprofessional/naive about the system, you can hurt your chances of being accepted.

Front cover

SarahMauchline

NewKidOldKid

diplomat

SarahMauchline

Torgo

Formerly Phantom of Krankor.

SarahMauchline

Amarie

carpe libri

stormie

storm central

SarahMauchline

stormie

storm central

SarahMauchline

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

MsJudy