Episode 7: 10 Reasons I Won't Illustrate Your Children’s Book
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@smceccarelli very valid points raised which would make for some great discussion points for future episodes (e.g. projects such as apps and interactive storytelling etc, new ways that illustration is being commissioned).
However I do think this episode was supposed to be hyper-focused on the topic of being approached by an INDIVIDUAL (not a publisher or company) in the context of the traditionally published childrens book route, and isn't meant to discourage from other kinds of offers that may come to the table.
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@smceccarelli I totally agree! But since we only have around an hour of time, we have to focus on one particular thing at a time. If we got into every way an illustrator gets approached we would be talking for days! haha!
We will address those other areas in future podcasts for sure!
Thanks everyone for listening! : )
Cheers,
Lee -
I listened to this podcast and will just say I'm really glad I didn't take that illustration job for a friend of a relative a couple of years ago. I was glad then too, but now I know why.
But for now, just wanted to add that I particularly appreciated the use of "losing your artistic license." Good quip--Jake, I think it was?
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Such a great episode, fellas. And fantastic new podcast. Really enjoying as I work. I can't count how many times I've been asked to illustrate someone's story and just how hard and time consuming it can be to explain to each person the reasons why I can not take on the project. One measure I've taken over the past year to curb this, is that I now explain that all inquiries will go directly to my agent. Since making that notice on my website, I've gotten much fewer email requests. I'm still fielding these requests in person, and typically direct them to the SCBWI as well as always asking if they intend to self-publish or query editors. If they say they would like to be traditionally published, I always advise them to never spend a penny on art and to only send the completed text to editors. New authors do not realize that it is nearly the kiss of death when they send their ms with art attached. Thank you guys for the great podcast. Looking forward to more great episodes.
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Listened to this yesterday. And I’m currently involved in a project with a friend.
but, we have no intention of making anything big out of it. It’s just a story he tell his girls and we thought it would be fun make a board book just for family and friends, people at church... So, I feel like that’s not quite the same. I love what Lee said about the Neil Gaiman principal. Gonna have to watch that speech. And I think I’ll feel more confident about saying no from here on out. It is remarkable how many people who ask what Im doing with my art just happen to have a children’s book they’re writing... -
Great episode, the three perspectives were really interesting too. I once got an inquiry about illustrating a poem someone wrote. I had recently listened to Will video about self-published authors. When the client mentioned the main character was based on her daughter, I imagined troubles in the future of not getting her character exactly right and said no thanks.
Best advice from Will & friends is to talk money early. That tends to weed out quite a few requests and save you time. I got a commission request last week for a "quick sketch" and when I sent over my pricing info there were no further replies.
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Thanks for another great podcast with such great advice about this very relevant issue.
There's definitely a few times where I wish I could go back in time and say 'no' where I've said 'yes'. The struggle is real. -
Hey Three Amigos,
@Jake-Parker @Will-Terry @Lee-WhiteI had a couple quick questions for you or anyone who has worked with a publisher. How does an illustrator submit there artwork to a publisher (or however that works) so that publisher can partner them up with author?
I’m currently working on a children’s book for a family friend, but would like to see if I have what it takes to work with at least a minor publisher.
That leads to my next question, how do I find medium to small publishers to partner with?
Thank you guys for all you do!
Best
C. Alan Green -
Thanks for another great podcast. I am really enjoying these. I was recently approached by a self publisher with really great intentions and at first it seemed like a great opportunity. In the end I turned it down due to some good advice I received here (thank you!!). If I had taken that job, I would have been doing an illustration every week for a year without pay. I'm sure I would have cut my arms off by now just to avoid finishing.
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After listening to this I feel that SVs should find someone to give a proper talk on self publishing. I just finished reading a book about the subject geared towards Canadians. My reason for reading the book was that if my current project doesn't get published through traditional means then I will push to get it done myself. I don't think there is anything wrong with using your abilities to fully develop a project. I however prefer to do my own art work, but have plans to work with an editor. I also found it amazing how many famous books in all genres have been self published way before it was even a thing people talked about regularly. I think it should also be mentioned that print on demand services like Amazon are now becoming much more profitable for authors
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Just thought of another question. When submitting work to a publisher, do you submit a “finished not perfect” piece or only your best work?
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I've just got to chip in and say I'm really enjoying the podcast! Thanks for putting the time in to do this.
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This was a fascinating listen. The one thing that really got my ears buzzing was @Lee-White 's idea of a contract for critique groups (listen at 33.50 in the podcast). At first, I was really appalled by the idea. I've always envisioned these groups as inherently safe places to share one's work; where there's an unspoken code of trust and ethics. The idea of proposing to my fellow members to sign a contract goes against that idealized vision. But as I thought about it more, and heard @Lee-White say that his bad experience occurred with someone he knew very well, I'm starting to get convinced of the value of such a contract. A quick Google search has not turned up anything, though. Does anyone know if such a contract already exists? If not, I'm tempted to try drafting something for my critique groups to consider.
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Awesome! Really true persepective on things!
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I've listened to this episode about three or four times already. Great podcast guys!
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Thank you so much for this episode. I had an email today which is the typical seen your work on Instagram thing, but this one has about 3 red flags (at least).
It goes:*I’ve been admiring your work on your Instagram page for a while, specifically your squirrel images! I’m at 3rd draft stage of a children’s book and am deciding whether to go traditional route of seeking an agent or to self-publish.
I just wanted to forearm myself with some information from you. If I went down the self-publishing route I would need to find myself a wonderful illustrator, such as yourself, and I’d like to know the process from your end and what you would charge. The book is a chapter book for 5-8 year olds so would definitely have a book cover illustration and then perhaps some other illustrations within.
Please fire any questions you have at me!*
Should I bother replying to her saying why I won't accept or just ignore it?
What would you do? -
I JUST found this podcast... derp. I lost my login for the forum even though I have been a long time supporter of SVSlearn - so I didn't see the podcast. NICE guys! This was my first episode and I see, in the content, the folly of many of my contracts. The pitfalls are real. I wish I would've listened to this years ago to save the heartache!
That being said, the worst day as an illustrator is still better than the best day digging a ditch.
Time to marathon some podcasts!
