How to get your art to a publisher – Tessa Strickland, Barefoot Books
Posted on June 5, 2017First to speak was Tessa Strickland, one of the founders of Barefoot Books and a writer of children’s books. Speaking from both sides of the picture book industry, she gave us some insights into how to get your illustrations in front of a publisher.
#pichooksconf @Tessa_at_home @picturehooks pic.twitter.com/2PgYYlXmIM
— Rachel Suzanne ✏️ (@RSillustrations) May 20, 2017
Having a great time at #pichooksconf in Manchester – Here’s a sneaky look at my notes from the first 2 sessions. 🙂 #fb pic.twitter.com/VdhM2V4bRg
— Maxine Soylent Green (@Emanix) May 20, 2017
This is where publishers are looking for illustrators…
Posting manuscripts is expensive, so get your work to publishers via https://t.co/75oCqfvlg9 and agents – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
Get your work noticed at https://t.co/75oCqfvlg9 – that is where @Tessa_at_home looks for illustrators #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
Get your picture books out there on the crowdfunding publisher @unbounders – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
.@Tessa_at_home highly recommends @BolognaBookFair for would-be illustrators #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
… but be careful not to be overzealous when approaching them.
Do not hassle publishers, let the publishers find you – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
Think about how you are marketing your work to publishers. Develop a style, an identity – good personal branding makes the publisher’s life easier.
What three words describe your place in the #kidlitart market? – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
Described my work as Bold, Textured, and Mid-Century!! #pichooksconf pic.twitter.com/BK7eGfYmzm
— Steph Coathupe 🎨📚 (@StephCoathupe) May 20, 2017
Touching, humorous, painterly. I was too shy! Thanks for squeezing so much valuable advice into just one hour #pichooksconf @PictureHooks
— Alison Brown (@aliscribble) May 20, 2017
Do you have a website? Or send out monthly newsletter? – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
If you are up for going to book festivals & visiting schools, that is hugely helpful to publishers and sales – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
So what exactly are publishers looking for in illustration? Most important are the fundamentals…
“I want to know that you get visual narrative and understand the importance of turning the page” – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
… but there are also trends to tap into right now.
There is a trend for illustrating non-fiction in #kidlitart right now – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
.@Booktrust are actively looking for picture books that represent diversity & deliver emotional intelligence – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
So you’ve finally got that book deal – what next?
If you are approached by a publisher, don’t rush to do the job. Take your time to do it well – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
Add 20% of the time you think a picture book project will take you and make sure you are paid for your time – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
Tessa has a final word of warning for illustrators. Don’t get complacent – keep hustling.
Success does not guarantee success forever – be prepared for feast and famine when working creatively – @Tessa_at_home #pichooksconf
— Picture Hooks (@PictureHooks) May 20, 2017
This is the first part of a series of recaps from Picture Hooks Conference 2017: Inside Publishing. Click here to read more tweets from the day and interviews with the conference speakers.