Picture Books 101 (Part 5): Why picture book authors DON'T need to find an illustrator before they submit their manuscript.

Clearing up a frequent misconception.

Sep 10, 2023

Hi, I’m Debbie Ridpath Ohi! Welcome to Part 5 of my Picture Books 101 post series, which aims to explain why picture book writers don’t need to find an illustrator before approaching a legacy/corporate publishing house. (EDIT: I am going to be replacing the term “traditional publishing” once I figure out the right term.)

In case you missed it:
Part 1 (for writers & illustrators): Intro, seven top tips for getting started.
Part 2 (for illustrators): Developing an illustration style and gaining confidence as an artist.
Part 3 (for writers & illustrators): Understanding picture book format and construction.
Part 4 (for writers): To rhyme or not to rhyme?

One of the most common misconceptions I’ve seen come up with new picture book writers is that they need to find an illustrator before sending their stories to an agent or publisher.

Please note: this post is geared toward those who want to work with a traditional publishing house. I lack the experience to advise those who wish to self-publish or use a hybrid publisher.

Do I need to find an illustrator before approaching an editor at a traditional publishing house?

No.

But a picture book has PICTURES!

Yes, that’s true. But in most cases, a picture book editor will prefer finding an illustrator separately. Sometimes, they’ll work with an art director to find the right illustrator for a picture book manuscript they’ve acquired.

Here are just some of the reasons:

If you are a new or unknown picture book author, they may pair you with a more experienced illustrator who already has a track record. The latter’s name and reputation will likely get the book more attention, making it easier to help promote. For a similar reason, an unknown illustrator is often paired with a known author — that’s what happened in my case with my first picture book project.

An art director and editor likely have far more experience than you will decide what illustration style would best suit your story.

What if I already have a working relationship with an illustrator?

There are always exceptions, of course. For example, a mother and daughter who collaborate on a picture book about a mother-daughter story may understandably NOT want to work with anyone else. Or you and a good kidlit friend might have a good reason for wanting to work together.

Be aware, however, that if an editor really likes your story but doesn’t like the art so much, they may reject your book. It depends on the editor. If they LOVE your story, they may take the time to contact you, explain the situation, ask if you’d be willing to work with another illustrator, etc. However, they may give your book a pass, especially if they’re short on time or have other good projects that would be less hassle. Or they may love the art but not your story.

If you DO strongly feel you want to submit the text and art as a team, you should each think hard about what you want to do if the editor wants to work with one of you but not the other.

What are some other reasons NOT to submit illustrations with my children’s story?

Another reason you should think twice before submitting your picture book manuscript with art by someone else, especially if the illustrator is someone without experience in the book industry, is that some editors consider this a sign of a newbie and possibly a red flag (especially if the art isn’t that great or not appropriate for picture books).

Submitting someone else’s art with your story may result in the editor assuming that you already have a set-in-stone vision and will be unwilling to change or edit the story.

As an author, do I have any say in the choice of illustrator?

It depends.

An experienced author with a good track record will likely have far more say in choosing the illustrator than someone new. When Simon & Schuster was looking for an illustrator for their revamped editions of Judy Blume’s books, Judy had the final say. I had to audition first, spending many hours working on and revising samples. I was also not the first illustrator who auditioned.

For Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure, Linda Sue Park wrote the mss for me to illustrate, after she was inspired by my broken crayon art. I pitched this book to my editor at Simon & Schuster after talking with Linda Sue and our agent (we both have the same agent).

If you’re experienced and have a good relationship with your editor, then feel free to make suggestions.

Depending on the publisher and editor, you may be asked for suggestions even if you are a new author.

If I don’t include art with my picture book manuscript, how will the editor be able to “see” what’s going on?

Children’s book editors are experienced at reading a picture book mss and thinking visually. I’ve heard at least one editor say that she finds it insulting when an author has included many unnecessary art directions, because the author is assuming the editor lacks the imagination necessary to visualize what’s happening.

However, there ARE times when some art notes are helpful or necessary. I’ll be talking more about art notes in a future Picture Books 101 installment. The decision about whether or not to include art notes can also be a challenge sometimes because different editors have different preferences.

Questions? Comments? Do you have any suggestions for future newsletter topics? Feel free to let me know!

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