The second week I talked about layout of your book...or creating your 'road map.' This is one of the most important parts of putting your book togther. At this point you are determining:
1) Size
2) The number of pages, which has to be multiples of four(4)
3) Paper stock (80# - !00# white enamel) This holds up to children handling.
4) Placement of all of your text. Here you will determine how your text will be divided up to the end of the book.
5) Your roadmap will let you know where you will be able to place illustrations. The content of your text will determine the content of your illustations. When you go through the enitre book, or get to the end of your roadmap, you will be able to tell your illustrator how many illustrations you will like and get prices on each one. Be sure that you explain and communicate the content of your illustration with your illustrator. It could get very costly, if it has to be redrawn.
6) Also, check out various style of illustrators. There are hundreds of styles. Check out kidsshelf books POSTs on the Facebook page. We have taken the time to post various illustrators we think have great style...many of whom are AWARD WINNING. Please go the path of quality. Poor illustrations can ruin your book. Children are visual and you want to motivate them viusally. "Garbage in— Garbage out:What's the point in having a great story and ruining it with poor illustrations.
Another outlet is to go to the children's section of a book store. Books that stand out are usually ones that are well done. If you need additional assistance, email me and I'll send you a few names of illustrators. Keep in mind there are many artist that can imitate any style you like.
Take the text and the space you have on a page or SPREAD, and let your illustrator (of choice), try one illustration. It doesn't have to be totally finished, just roughs. You will know right away if they are going to give you what you need. Some will indicate in pencils, and that is all you really need, if they are good.
Suggestion: Try and stay away from people who are cartoonists unless you are producing a comic book. If you want cartoons, then that is your choice. I would take the path of artistry, one with good use of color, layout technique and texture.
7) Try and save your COVER until the end. WHY? Because after all of the illustrations are completed, you may have your cover illustration amongst them. With slight modifications and leaving room for a heading, that might be one less illustration you will need.
Next week: Arriving at your book cover... The IMAGE your book will be judged by!
Next week I’ll follow through to the next steps of preparing your INDIE book and counting your illustrations.
If you find yourself with questions, feel free to email me at kidsshelfbooks@gmail.com
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For the next edition — Click here for BLOG ONE | BLOG TWO | BLOG THREE | BLOG 4 | BLOG 5 | BLOG 6