To Draw or Not To Draw?

If you’re like many people you’ll wonder where you’re going to get that illustrator for your book. STOP RIGHT THERE. Unless you are a professional illustrator, do not try this at home, folks! This is the great thing about a writing career. You don’t have to know how to draw! So remember: writers write. Illustrators illustrate. For once something makes sense. Whooopee! I bet I know what your next question might be…

“Well, how will the publisher know what I want them to draw?” STOP RIGHT THERE. What did I just say? Your job is to write. If you know what you’re doing as an author, the illustrator will have plenty to work with. Why? Here’s the thinking on this: a picture book text is only half of the story. An editor will find the illustrator who will take your words and make the whole thing come alive visually. Now, who would be better at this? You or Mr. Rhode Island School of Design graduate?

The same holds true for easy readers, chapter books, and so on. You write. Let the experts handle the rest.

But if you’re an author and a professional illustrator, then whoopee! Best of both worlds. Hoorah. This is very hot these days.

If you’re taking the crash course, return to Step Three – Write.

Order WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE