Do You Need to Find an Illustrator Before Querying an Agent?
Q. Good morning! I have written a small collection of short stories designed to read to young children and I have questions about illustrations. I am wondering what the advantages…
Q. Good morning! I have written a small collection of short stories designed to read to young children and I have questions about illustrations. I am wondering what the advantages are in finding your own illustrator for your work vs. letting a publisher find one for you? Do publishers often find illustrators for you? What is the common practice for beginning writers?
- Kristin
A. You do not want to find your own illustrator. Publishers and agents will do that for you. Suggesting a potential illustrator is a big no-no. Simply send in the collection query an agent (or editor) about the collection like normal.
It's actually easier than most people think. The downside to working with an illustrator is that you split the advance/royalties with them 50/50 most of the time.
Chuck Sambuchino is a former editor with the Writer's Digest writing community and author of several books, including How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack and Create Your Writer Platform.
