Self-Publishing Books: Adding Illustrations
By Nate Lindley
"A picture is worth a thousand words." Adding illustrations to your self-published book draws thousands of potential readers, especially if your target audience is younger. While your desire to add illustrations may be high, it is important to understand the challenges you may encounter. As big as the task may be, it can still be done.
First, consider hiring yourself! If you enjoy drawing, why not give it a shot? No one knows your book, characters, worlds, and scenes better than you. Besides, you may surprise yourself and really enjoy what you've created!
I found that creating my art not only saved me money, but it actually kept my creative wheels turning. If I hit a roadblock while writing, I often stepped away and created artwork instead. Also, while illustrating, I actually discovered a storyline flaw. The artwork actually helped edit my writing! That alone made creating my own artwork worth the effort.
If creating your own art is not an option, do not lose hope. As an illustrator, I can offer a few helpful suggestions. Believe me, there are still solutions to get the artwork you want. I strongly recommend searching craigslist for potential artists. It can be a long shot, but you may find the right artist for a substantially good deal. For most self-publishers, money can be tight. A lot of artist, including myself, advertise their services for very affordable fees. Some artists even offer their services in exchange for recognition or barter.
However, before contacting any artists, consider what you want. Be as professional as possible, even if you are dealing with a rookie illustrator. If you approach the offer with professionalism, you will set the scene for what could become a budding professional connection.
Write a detailed description of every artwork you want. Does your character have scars? If so, are they on the left or right of his face? This is a very important step. Details like this will inspire your artist. It will also avoid frustrations. Redoing work that could have been avoided frustrates artists. Illustrating is a lot of work. If you want to receive truly inspired work, then create written descriptions that will inspire and help an artist see what you want.
Narrow down the illustrations for your book. Think about the most effective moments to include art. Ask yourself, would a picture of my character speeding down the highway in his 1965 Shelby Cobra emphasize the plot? Or, would a picture of him crying with his crashed 1965 Shelby Cobra behind him be more significant? This will limit the amount of time an artist spends creating "options." It will also decrease the amount of wasted art.
Also, remember to embrace what your artist creates. After all, if the artist enjoys working with you and feels they had a creative contribution to your work, then they will probably become a spokesperson for your book. This positive experience will equal valuable marketing! When they present their concepts, they will be showing you work they appreciate. So, try appreciating what they created before critiquing little details. Remember, you may be critiquing hours of work.
Once you have your illustrations, place them in the appropriate locations of your book. I used suggestive captions below my illustrations in Myrrom Galaxy, but captions are not necessary. I chose to add them because they quickly introduce my characters and events to the reader.
Illustrations can be a valuable component self-publishing books. Even if you are not an artist, consider adding artwork. Remember, you will have art, a new and talented connection, and access to your artist's connections as well. Everyone will benefit, especially your audience.
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First, consider hiring yourself! If you enjoy drawing, why not give it a shot? No one knows your book, characters, worlds, and scenes better than you. Besides, you may surprise yourself and really enjoy what you've created!
I found that creating my art not only saved me money, but it actually kept my creative wheels turning. If I hit a roadblock while writing, I often stepped away and created artwork instead. Also, while illustrating, I actually discovered a storyline flaw. The artwork actually helped edit my writing! That alone made creating my own artwork worth the effort.
If creating your own art is not an option, do not lose hope. As an illustrator, I can offer a few helpful suggestions. Believe me, there are still solutions to get the artwork you want. I strongly recommend searching craigslist for potential artists. It can be a long shot, but you may find the right artist for a substantially good deal. For most self-publishers, money can be tight. A lot of artist, including myself, advertise their services for very affordable fees. Some artists even offer their services in exchange for recognition or barter.
However, before contacting any artists, consider what you want. Be as professional as possible, even if you are dealing with a rookie illustrator. If you approach the offer with professionalism, you will set the scene for what could become a budding professional connection.
Write a detailed description of every artwork you want. Does your character have scars? If so, are they on the left or right of his face? This is a very important step. Details like this will inspire your artist. It will also avoid frustrations. Redoing work that could have been avoided frustrates artists. Illustrating is a lot of work. If you want to receive truly inspired work, then create written descriptions that will inspire and help an artist see what you want.
Narrow down the illustrations for your book. Think about the most effective moments to include art. Ask yourself, would a picture of my character speeding down the highway in his 1965 Shelby Cobra emphasize the plot? Or, would a picture of him crying with his crashed 1965 Shelby Cobra behind him be more significant? This will limit the amount of time an artist spends creating "options." It will also decrease the amount of wasted art.
Also, remember to embrace what your artist creates. After all, if the artist enjoys working with you and feels they had a creative contribution to your work, then they will probably become a spokesperson for your book. This positive experience will equal valuable marketing! When they present their concepts, they will be showing you work they appreciate. So, try appreciating what they created before critiquing little details. Remember, you may be critiquing hours of work.
Once you have your illustrations, place them in the appropriate locations of your book. I used suggestive captions below my illustrations in Myrrom Galaxy, but captions are not necessary. I chose to add them because they quickly introduce my characters and events to the reader.
Illustrations can be a valuable component self-publishing books. Even if you are not an artist, consider adding artwork. Remember, you will have art, a new and talented connection, and access to your artist's connections as well. Everyone will benefit, especially your audience.
Back to:
Blog