Illustrations in MG manuscript?

abctriplets · Jan 21, 2009

Ok, so I'm working on formatting my MG manuscript. I have a bunch of illustrations that I did for the book in my spare time (when I didn't have the energy to write, I drew). I included them in the copies I printed out for friends/family to read/edit, but I wondering if I should just cut them out all together for my final manuscript.

For example, I have some chapter heading illustrations:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff237/binarysunrise/sketch1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff237/binarysunrise/sketch2.jpg

And I have a bunch of drawings illustrating scenes from the story. Originally I had these interspersed throughout the chapter, but then moved them all to the end of the manuscript as a sketchbook of one of my characters. I think I realized that they distracted from the story, and made it seem less professional:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff237/binarysunrise/sketch3.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff237/binarysunrise/sketch4.jpg

So what's the verdict - cut them all and submit a standard, plain manuscript? I also think if they wanted illustrations, wouldn't they hire a real artist? If it makes a difference, the manuscript is 30,000 words. Oh, and I'll be twisting arms for a beta-reader before I send it off

Danthia · Jan 21, 2009

Cut them when you submit, because they don't say anything about your book or your writing skill. They'll also make your file size larger and likely annoy agents by clogging up their inboxes. But if you sell the book, then tell the editor you have these and see if they'd like to use them. They might like them, and the worst they can do is say no.

myscribe · Jan 21, 2009

Generally, editors want to hire the illustrator that they feel fits the book - unless you are a professional artist and have credentials. I'd submit standard manuscript format without the illustrations. You want your writing to stand out and nothing to distract from it.

You can ask after it's accepted, but be prepared for them to say no or to not like your illustrations.

TnTexas · Jan 21, 2009

Most middle-grade (MG) manuscripts don't have illustrations; do they?

Toothpaste · Jan 21, 2009

Cut them. Most MG's don't have illustrations anyway, and like you said, if they really wanted to illustrate them they'd hire their own artist. Plus submitting art with your writing smacks of amateurism. If you don't need them, leave them out.

abctriplets · Jan 21, 2009

Toothpaste said:
Cut them. Most MG's don't have illustrations anyway, and like you said, if they really wanted to illustrate them they'd hire their own artist. Plus submitting art with your writing smacks of amateurism. If you don't need them, leave them out.

Thanks for all the advice. To the cutting room floor they go.

Illustrations in MG manuscript?

abctriplets

Danthia

myscribe

Who's the ninja now?!?

TnTexas

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

abctriplets