I LOVE to hear that you’re writing!
That makes me happy happy.
Send me all the writing questions you want.
Today’s Writing Question is:
Hi Angela, this is a question about writing. I know publishers have their artists for illustrations but I would prefer to work with someone. I just finished the rough draft of my children’s book and am ready to start looking for an artist….maybe a local collage? Thanks for all you do for us, you are such an inspiration.
BONUS QUESTION:
What authors/books do you like to read, either for pleasure or for insight into healing?
Finding An Artist for Your Book
Yippeee! I LOVE that you’re asking this! Congrats on the first draft! That is a huge feat and you should really pat yourself on the back. Big YAY for you! (and thank you for your kind words.)
First of all to answer your question about finding an artist, look at other books you love to find artists you like. There you will find the styles you love that could very well lead you to an artist you love.
I also recommend 99 Designs. I’ve found a few artists there that are fantastic and that I’ve hired again later. The rates are also very reasonable.
For a much cheaper option you can try Fiverr.com - for literally five bucks. That is also a very inexpensive way to try out an idea you have to give you more ideas.
Colleges are a good idea too.
Artists and Publishers
Like many people warn these days – finding a publisher can be very difficult.
When you have one, they usually set you up with an artist. The ones I’ve worked with have shown me various artists and allowed me to be a part of the decision. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes it doesn’t.
If you have an artist you are working with on the book, especially if that artist is the writer or co-author of the book, it’s more likely a publisher will honor the fact that they are a part of the end product.
Here is a longer post on How To Find an Illustrator.
Check out others posts on writing tips here.
Keep writing! Writing is re-writing so now that you’ve finished the first draft, let it sit for a minute. Don’t touch it or read it for a bit. Then go back and start your second draft.
When you’re ready for other eyeballs on it is when you start sharing it with people you trust for feedback and then of course, your editor.
What Books Do You Read?
To answer the second question about books, for healing inspired ones I’ve compiled a pretty long list on the Survivor Manual Bookstore.
My biggest recommendation is:
That book really gave me a big sock in the stomach and a slap across the face. Ignore the title. That’s one that you should cover in a paper bag if reading on the subway. It was a huge pleasure in my life to become friends with Charlotte Kasl. She is one spectacular woman.
For fun my favorite author is Tom Robbins!
Still Life with Woodpecker and Another Roadside Attraction are my favs.
I get giddy thinking of Tom Robbins, his brain and writing style. Makes me happy happy.
I also enjoy the Percy Jackson series.
During and after writing the Tilda Pinkerton series, I was introduced to many other book on the same reading level and have been quite entertained.
What are you reading? AND What are you writing?!
should be required reading in all high schools and colleges. It should be required reading for all social workers and law enforcement officers. I am so very proud of Angela Shelton and to share in the healing she brings to us all.
