I have browsed through the topics and wasn't able to find anything pertaining to my question, so thought I'd start a new topic in hopes of someone having advice. Recently, I have completed a childrens picture book, and am still researching the market thoroughly before I submit my work. I have plenty of info on publishers, queries, and the business end of it all. But, my concern is that when I submit a manuscript of just words on a page, for a book that is intended to be half supported with beautiful artwork, how well can it truly be received? I am wondering do publishers automatically look at these books and envision it with an artists work attatched or is it our responsibilty to obtain some idea of the pictures we would like to see in our book? As you can obviously see, I have yet to be published and this is my first attempt at submitting my work. If anyone has any info on this subject please let me know! Thanks! Posted by AndrewR (Member # 1563) on :
I vaguely remember an article I once read that said that the editor of children's books will choose an artist for you, so you don't need to worry about it.
To make sure I was remembering this right, I quickly found Jane Yolen's website and found this:
quote: How do I find an illustrator? Don't. That's the editor's job. Just write the best manuscript you can. Then revise it and make it better. When you send it in (without little side comments to an illustrator, please) the editor will already know dozens of fine artists and will pick out the best.
Jane Yolen has written many, many fine stories, including a absolutely wonderful children’s book, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?, which is required reading for everyone. So although you probably should not trust my memory, you can trust Jane.
Posted by Chelle (Member # 1638) on :
Thankyou very much Andrew! That was quite helpful! Guess I just have to trust that some editor somewhere will see my vision as he/she reads the MS! Michelle
Posted by teddyrux (Member # 1595) on :
I read the same basic thing that Andrew did. I seem to recall reading that an editor doesn't want illustrations, unless you're part of a team.
Posted by cvgurau (Member # 1345) on :
Here's what just may be a stupid question: What if you want to illustrate the book yourself?
Posted by Charlie (Member # 1650) on :
I have a question - what if you don't want to do your own artwork, BUT your character(s) are not something that the artist (or the editor, for that matter) would get without pictures, for example, your main character is a lintball? Now, this lintball may look very nice in your head, but the editor will prolly be like, "What the heck..." if (s)he doesn't see it.
