Self-publishing gives an author more control over a children’s book, but it also means taking responsibility for decisions that a traditional publisher would normally coordinate. Illustration is one of the biggest parts of that process.
Stabilise the manuscript first
Major text changes can affect every page. Before commissioning a full set of illustrations, try to reach a stable manuscript and have it edited appropriately for your audience.
This does not mean the page plan can never change. It means the illustrator should not be solving a moving target while also designing the visual narrative.
Know your intended book format
Print-on-demand platforms and offset printers have different specifications. Decide the approximate trim size, orientation and page count before final artwork begins.
Authors publishing through platforms used in the US or UK should check the current technical templates supplied by their chosen printer or distributor. Do not rely on an old template from a different book size.
Define the illustration scope
“Illustrate my book” can mean very different amounts of work. A project may require a cover only, a set of spot illustrations, half-page scenes, full-page art or complete double-page spreads.
Make a list of the expected images and identify whether the cover is included. If the illustrator will also provide character sheets, promotional artwork or layout support, list those separately.
Plan for text and design
Picture-book illustrations need to work with typography. If you are handling the layout yourself, make sure you understand safe areas, bleed and how text will sit against the artwork.
If a separate book designer will assemble the final files, introduce the production requirements early so the illustrator can deliver compatible artwork.
Discuss rights in writing
The agreement should explain how you can use the illustrations and what rights remain with the illustrator. Book publication, advertising, websites, social posts, translations, merchandise and later editions may be treated differently depending on the contract.
Copyright rules and publishing contracts can vary by jurisdiction. For legal advice about rights in the US, UK or elsewhere, consult an appropriate professional.
Build a realistic schedule
Independent authors sometimes set a launch date before speaking to the people who must produce the book. Work backwards from printing and proofing, then leave enough time for sketches, feedback, revisions and final art.
A schedule should also include your own response time. If the illustrator sends sketches for approval and feedback takes two weeks, that affects the production calendar.
Keep feedback organised
Collect comments into one clear message per revision round whenever possible. If several people are reviewing the project, decide who gives the final direction.
Conflicting feedback is one of the easiest ways for a project to lose time.
Think of illustration as part of the book’s identity
The cover may be the first thing a reader or buyer sees, but consistency across the interior is what makes the book feel complete. Character design, palette, typography and page rhythm all contribute to the same identity.
For self-publishing authors, a professional illustration process can also make later marketing easier because the project already has a coherent visual language to draw from.
Starting a project
When you contact an illustrator, send the manuscript or a clear summary, target age, expected format, illustration scope and ideal publication date. That is usually enough information to begin a useful conversation about the next steps.