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What is a fair contract with an illustrator?
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Justin
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Feb 09, 2016 05:33AM
Hi everyone! I am working with an illustrator who is also a lifelong friend on a series of self published MG mystery books - She is doing the cover art (full color) and 5 illustrations per book (b/w) - What is a fair way to structure a contract? Payment up front and tiny royalties? Less money up front and bigger royalties? What is a fair amount for payment for each book in dollars? Please message me if you don't want to respond in public.
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If you decide to continue (and I still do use my illustrator, but not when she's fully employed on other things), then I think that the best way is a lump sum and no royalties. Just pay the friend for the job.
And as she is an illustrator, I'd get her to set the fee. Cover art can range from small to big bucks, with the median on the big side. Check 'Mark's List' on Smashwords.com to see the guide prices from professional illustrators. If you're giving a detailed brief, then the fee could be smaller; if she's illustrating the book that she reads, then you need to pay more.
If it was a picture book the structure would probably be different.
Don't forget to credit her on the 'inside front' page (even of an ebook) where you have your own name and copyright statement.
I agree with Jemima to ask her what she feels is fair. Our illustrator set the fee and we paid him a lump sum upfront. I'm glad we took this route because I don't have to keep track of what percentage we would owe him and we own the copyrights to the artwork.
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http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/201...
PS I'm not recommending the service, I'm just pointing out what they offer for the fee.
