Congratulations. You are
the one-millionth person to ask if I’d like to
illustrate your children’s
book.
Not that I’d mind illustrating a children’s
book, but every single one of these one million children’s
book writing individuals seems to think their idea is so
spectacular, so magnificently unique, that I’d just
jump at the chance to illustrate the whole thing absolutely
free. Whazzup with that?
As a writer myself, I’m sure I could bust out a
decent children’s book in about a day. Illustrating
it, on the other hand? Well that’s another matter.
First I‘d
have to set aside all my paying gigs, all my own personal
projects,
my paintings (hey, I did teach myself how to draw ‘cuz
I had a few ideas of my own) just so I’d have some
time to dive into this whole children’s book thing.
So what’s up with these 20 or so individuals a month
that want me to illustrate their children’s book
on spec? Yeah, spec. Like I draw a bunch of stuff and they
go, “No, I was thinking Jimmy could be a little more
docile.” Trust me. If they are brazen enough to ask
me to illustrate their entire children’s book for
free, they are brazen enough to put their foot down on
creative control. I mean this is their baby, right? I’m
just the free hired help.
Don’t any of these people realize what sells children’s
books, a book that predominately consists of illustration,
is, like, the pictures. I seem to remember falling in love
with a gang of these children’s books in my kid days.
Maybe it’s just me, but I could probably draw every
one of those characters from memory. The stories on the
other hand…maybe something about wild
things? Sneaking
out? Um, I just can’t remember.
Back when the deluge of children’s book wielding
suitors began I used to try and let these people down easy.
I mean hey, I am a nice guy. But now that the onslaught
has reached
biblical proportions I figured it was time to try and organize
a preemptive strike.
Basically what I’m trying to say is, if you're
looking for someone to illustrate your entire children’s
book for little or no money, then you have come to the
wrong place. If you are looking for someone to illustrate
your
fantastic, “almost” published, science fiction
book jacket for little to no money, go fish.
It’s not that you don’t have a wonderful idea,
or that fame and fortune couldn't shine on your project
at some later date, but I’m the guy they bring in
when that later date arrives. Let's talk when there’s
money on the table, a deal’s in writing, and there’s
a deadline for print.
~ Adam Strange
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