Asking for a friend:
How can I add them into my book?
Illustrations
For my fellow authors who are struggling with this.
I got you~
This will be a short and sweet blog. I’ve been in your metaphorical shoes.
Use your Time Wisely
Fellow Authors, you have spend hours writing. Hours, sketching, or hiring an artist to bring the book illustrations of your dreams to life. Maybe, both.
The “do it yourself” way did not work for me. Despite that, I am more than happy with the results. Using outsourcing led me to get the best bang for my buck in the end. It all worked out for the best.
Outsourcing when possible
Authors, listen, you do not need to do it all by yourself to save money.
Money is a tool, use it to make your life better.
This is how I decide to hire or do it myself.
I answer these questions YES or No.
- Can I do this myself?
- Can I do the best job on this project?
- If I do it, will it be done on time?
- Can I afford to spend money on outsourcing this project?
- Can I hire someone to do this job faster, and better within my budget?
Understandably based on the answers, that is how I decide to outsource or not.
Create a reasonable budget
Hire a pro!
Look, I love saving a dollar or 20 when possible.
However, sometimes you have to look long-term.
In order for a great book to capture audiences, you might need to hire someone who has the experience needed to make that happen.
It’s not free, or usually cheap either. It’s a hard fact.
Thank goodness you can always ask about setting up a payment plan to help break it up to work with a tight budget.
PS. Plan ahead. If you need the book done in a year. You can hire a pro and set up monthly payments for 4 to 6 months to pay it off asap. Then you will receive your illustrations before the book is released. Thus it all works out.
Real talk:
💸I’ve spent over a grand on my book illustrations.💸
💸I’ve spent over a grand on book formatting as well.💸
All to bring my books to life while working with a tight budget and timeline.
It was a great decision for me. Chose your battles and know your limits.
Where to find a Professional?
Before I share my secrets I need you all to swear, by the fudge box brownies I love, that you will use this information wisely and always pay your bills.
My go to websites for professionals are:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
All three of these apps have worked for me. As you can see with my two books, the Professionals did an amazing job.
Here’s what I would suggest you look up:
Key phrases like:
Book formatter                  YA book formatter
Children’s book illustrator        YA illustrator
Once you find a few you like, reach out and get to know them.
PS. Do not share too many illustrations with them unless you hired them. I usually share one or two of my sketches if I am asking them to show me their skills.
Sometimes illustrators can give you a sample of their work using one of your sketches. Get nosy and ask specific questions.
Especially read the reviews of the professional before you hire them. Sometimes this is a huge time saver.
I found a book formatter!
Once you find your pro, take time to ask about the budget and payment plan BEFORE you hire them!
Sometimes, artists need payment upfront. Others can do monthly payments. It all depends. In other words do not hire them until you’ve asked about this.
Once you’ve discussed the illustration needs for your book, a payment plan and time line. If you are happy with it. Hire them!
Refocus on your writing and sketching. Leave the formatting and techy stuff to your professional.
I am a self published Author of two books looking for people to share her stories with. Check out my books on amazon or on my blogs.
2 books down, cookies made, and who knows how many more to come.
Thank you for reading until the end. As a self published Author/blogger any and all support is appreciated!
Have a comment or thought to share? Type away in the comments. 🙂
Write on~
Cecilia
