Your story is done. You are ready for the layout process. It is time to consider any cover art or internal illustrations that will enhance your story.
It doesn’t matter if you have created an adult fiction book, a non-fiction journal or a children’s book, you will require the assistance of someone proficient in art and/or design to complete your book and get it ready for self-publishing.
How does an author find the right book artist? Let’s say you really don’t know where to begin to find an artist to illustrate your book.Whether you will be self-publishing and need to hire an artist directly or a publisher finds one for you, it’s good to have a solid idea of the “feel” you would imagine for your book.
Browse Book Artists
Review book art to get an idea of what you prefer. Visit online book retailers, bookstores or your local library to view sample work from numerous professionals. (At Amazon, browse book covers and book artists in your genre.) View many artists’ illustrations and build a file of what you like. This file will give any book artist a good idea of the style and feel you prefer.
11 Tips to Consider
Here is a list of 11 tips to remember. (Some are a little more for those seeking children’s book illustrators over book cover artists, but they should all make you think!)
- Have a budget idea for your project even while you are asking for illustration rates. One issue some people run into is they hire the illustrator before finding out printing costs. This could be a costly mistake because the illustrator can illustrate images for example 8.5 x 11 and there are less expense printing options for a book 8.5 x 8.5. Make sure you research what the costs will be for printing your book before having the artist create the final images for your book.
- Hire the very best children’s book illustrator you can afford. You will need great artwork to help your book stand out in the marketplace.
- If you are new to book publishing, it’s best to work with a professional—ultimately, it can be less stressful and with the right match, you will find it is worth every penny!
- Contact authors the artist has worked with, read reviews and comments about the artist’s published work if you can—this is a great way to see if it has been a good experience for them and will be for you.
- A contract is important. Always request a contract; it protects and clarifies both the author and artist’s obligations to the project.
- Be flexible and willing to negotiate. Most book artists are fair folks and are willing to work with you if the price is reasonable, if not, there are many other fish in the sea!
![]()
- Ask if the artist would be willing to sketch a main character. See if they are a match—many artists that are interested in your project will be willing to do this for you—free.
- Keep an open mind regarding “creativity.” The artist needs some “room” to illuminate your words; be patient, wonderful things can happen!
- Share your ideas, but leave room for artistic license. There is a balance between the word and image, and it’s now time to leave your “baby” in the book artist’s capable hands.
- Try to avoid calling the artist “my illustrator.” The book’s completion is a team effort and to make your book the best it can be, there needs to be mutual respect.
- Take your time when searching. Do not let passion and enthusiasm for your book project cause you to make hasty and “costly” decisions.
Here’s your special bonus tip: Enjoy watching it all come to life!
You Are Not Alone
If you are intimidated by the process of researching, negotiating and working with an illustrator, know that you are not alone. Halo Publishing International works with many talented illustrators and our picture book authors can review our portfolios in order to choose the best artist to represent their work.