How does one go about finding an illustrator for a children's book?

One could look in their PM because someone (me) just sent you the name of a fantastic woman illustrator that I trust with my life. She is my cousin too and a wonderful illustrator, has some website you can look at.

Have you written a children's book Dee? I personally don't care for those modern illustrations in children books. And neither did my granddaughter. She would flip through those. But the pictures that were realistic, colourful and even contained some little surprises she would stare and stare forever at.

I would love to illustrate a children's book.
If you want to, you can try me.
If you aren't happy with the results, no hard feelings...and no fee. hee hee hee

You both are very sweet...yes, my son, Ray, seems to think I have a story in me about him when he was little...most recently, he's given me some ideas and encouragement and I'm wondering where to start and how these things get off the ground. Successfully selling a children's book is probably very difficult and low...but, who knows? I need to sit down and start writing...and see where it leads me.

Chatty...Edelweiss...you're the best.

Hugs

Dee, I have a friend who has been writing and submitting children's books for the past year or so. She finally has an agent, but no acceptance yet.

The agent told her not to have illustrations done; that the publisher prefers to use/find their own illustrators. That seemed strange to me, because the illustrations are such a huge part of the story.

When I wrote Rick and June, I went online and found my illustrator. It can be very expensive to hire someone, especially for a children's book that has so many illustrations.

Go to www.guru.com and search for illustrators; there are links to their profiles and their art samples. You probably have an idea in your head of why style you like.

Good luck!!

Dancing Dolphin...thanks so much for that information...I hope your friend has a lot of luck. I understand the chances of truly being published are practically impossible. I'm glad you were successful with Rick and June...

Thanks girlfriend!!!

Hugs

Hi Dee

Another place to check for illustrators is elance.com...they, too, have portfolios you can look through to check style and "feel". I know there have been mixed reviews about using people through this medium...and I'm assuming it depends on choice, expectation, and clarity of communication.

Are you planning to publish the book through a publisher or publish it yourself or, possibly, create an e-book that is downloadable? The answers to those questions also determine who is a great fit for what you have in mind...

If you decide you want to create an e-Book, let me know as I have some experience in creating PDF files (the most common format I know of for a full publication).

I think it is awesome that you're looking into doing this...the world needs your voice!

The world needs your voice! I agree. I've read soem of your entries for contests and Our Voices.

If you're interested, there's a teleseminar listed on the NABBW members only page that shares different publishing options and what to consider when making the decision. I interviewed Sheri' McConnell, Founder of the National Association of Women Writers. She did a great job.

Dee just tell Linda you are a good friend of mine and her prices won't be able to be beat, and her work is exceptional...

I am overwhelmed with the outreach of support...my goodness I am speechless (and Larry will tell you that's darn near impossible...

Mamared...thank you for your offer...you must have joined since I've been away...I don't recognize your name...welcome and I can tell you already fit like a glove. At the moment I'm not sure how I'm going to publish it...I guess in my heart I'd like to be able to publish it and feel it in my hand but then again online books are the way now? I'm so in a place that I know nothing about. You're so sweet to think the world needs my voice...thank you, dear heart.

Dotsie...I'm still not a member yet...we're saving for a college graduation in May for my older son, Ray who lives in Kansas, and that involves plane tickets, etc., and then a wedding in the fall for my son, John, so we're hanging tight to every penny we can...not sure when I'll be able to join NABBW...Does one have to be a member to join in the teleseminar?

Chatty...I have heard from your cousin, Linda, and she sent me a link...however, every time I try to open it my computer freezes up...it's so weird. But, I did hear from her and thank you for that contact.

Also, I'd like to extend Kudo's to Edelweiss...she's reached out to me as well...my heart is over flowing from all the expressions of wanting to help me succeed. I can't say enough in words to express my gratitude to you all.

Just know I'm very appreciative to you all and once things settle down here and I'm able to begin writing maybe I can get this dream on its way. Wow...now that would be something.

Hugs to you all